visit often enough to provide the encouragement I feel certain Phaedra and Olivia need. And Romy cannot continue to accompany them on the piano; quite frankly, Phaedra has begged me to allow her sister to do something else.”
Margaret looked over to Phaedra and Olivia. The Duchess of Averell’s daughter was waving the violin’s bow about her head as she tried to make a point about something while Olivia nodded. She liked both girls very much.
“And you wish to compose, do you not? Wouldn’t you rather use our piano in the comfort of my conservatory? My cook does make excellent scones,” she added with a nod at the remains on Margaret’s plate.
Margaret’s eyes slid to the gorgeous piano in the corner. The sound had been sheer perfection.
The duchess noted the direction of her gaze. “It is a beautiful piece, is it not? I keep it regularly tuned. The piano was a gift to my stepson. A Broadwood. Wonderfully made. Certainly, the piano doesn’t deserve Romy.”
“Broadwood makes a very fine piano, Your Grace. The sound is like nothing I’ve ever heard. Even the piano I played at home.” Her voice faltered. Her mother had possessed a piano which Margaret had inherited, but it, like everything else, had been sold at auction after her father’s death.
“I have a proposal for you, Miss Lainscott. I would like you to visit twice weekly, more often if you wish. You will accompany Phaedra and Olivia and challenge them in their choice of music. Encourage them. You may also play and compose to your heart’s content on that piano.” The duchess nodded again to the Broadwood standing sentinel in the corner. “I may ask you to continue Romy’s lessons. Infrequently,” she said in a hurried tone. “Oh, I know she’ll never be any good, mind you, music is not her passion. But Romy did promise her father to play a tune for him on his birthday, which is still some months away. She doesn’t wish to disappoint him.” Her eyes took on a faraway look for a moment. “My husband is in poor health, Miss Lainscott, and declines daily. Romy may need to find another way to please her father.” She blinked and bestowed a smile on Margaret. “At any rate, I know I’m asking you for a lot, but I’m hopeful the lure of the Broadwood and the use of my conservatory will be enough to entice you to return?”
It would be no hardship to accompany the girls on the piano, nor to offer encouragement. And showing Romy how to play a simple tune would be her pleasure. The Duchess of Averell’s proposal would benefit Margaret far more than her daughters. She snuck another look at the piano, knowing she would have to decline. It was doubtful Aunt Agnes would permit her to visit so often and for a reason other than being courted.
“I would love to do so, and your offer is incredibly generous, Your Grace. Unfortunately, my aunt —”
“You will leave Lady Dobson to me,” the duchess said firmly. “I know she wishes you to marry; she makes such clear to nearly everyone she meets. I’ve only been back in London for a short time and even I have been apprised of her determination. Never fear, Miss Lainscott, I shall throw my weight around a bit. I am a duchess, after all.” She gave Margaret a saucy wink. “You needn’t worry. I’ll settle everything.”
“My goodness.” The deep, husky baritone echoed from the entrance to the conservatory. “I expected to be greeted at the front door with some modicum of excitement. Instead, I was subjected to cooling my heels downstairs while a new footman who had no idea who I was went in search of Pith.”
Margaret’s eyes closed for a moment, reveling in the absolute beauty of his voice. What in the world was Lord Welles doing here?
The brilliant eyes scanned the room, landing on Margaret with a brief flash of surprise.
“Welles, darling.” The duchess’s face broke into an adoring smile. “I did wonder when you would appear.”
“Tony!” Phaedra flew at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Olivia came forward as well, and Welles wrapped an arm around her. “Did you bring me a present?” Phaedra grabbed at the lapels of his coat.
“Greedy chit. No, I didn’t bring you anything. I am your present.” He turned to the duchess. “What are you teaching these girls, Your Grace?” He kissed Phaedra’s cheek then Olivia’s. He whispered something in Olivia’s ear, and she giggled. Welles sauntered