Song of the Heart - Alexa Aston Page 0,43

his friend was pensive.

Garrett’s mother caught Ashby’s eye. He could see the questions written on Edith’s face. He smiled at her reassuringly. He’d fostered with her and her husband, Ryker, from the time he was eight years of age and he loved her very much. Stanbury had become like his own home since he’d lived here for close to a score. He was closer to Garrett than his own brothers and had tried to be a good friend throughout the years, especially during times of trouble. Luke’s death. Lynnette’s leaving. Each time he’d helped Garrett pick up the pieces.

Now, Edith continued to look puzzled. He smiled again at her and turned to Garrett. He’d do his best to draw his friend from the cocoon that surrounded him.

“Have you seen the faire being created right before our eyes, Garrett?”

Garrett grunted.

“I take that as a yes?” he pressed on.

Garrett’s face cleared and he focused on his friend. “Yes, Ash, I walked about some today. Lyssa was with me.”

“Papa! You’re talking about me.”

A blur dashed by the table and vaulted into Garrett’s lap. He gripped the table to prevent being thrust backward in his chair.

“Careful, my sweet,” he gently chided Lyssa. “We almost went crashing to the floor.”

“Sorry, Papa,” she said softly then perked up. “Would you like to hear my song again?” She wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered in his ear.

Ashby and Edith exchanged astonished looks. The child seemed like a different person. He’d seen Lyssa range from sullen to sweet over the last two years, from silent to barely speaking—but never jubilant, never as a child her age was meant to act. Something significant happened today. A smile tugged at his mouth. He had an idea who might be involved.

Lyssa climbed down from Garrett’s lap. She seemed unsure what to do now with all attention focused upon her. Her hand went to her hair, where she methodically began twisting a strand around her finger.

Ashby spoke up. “You said you had a song, Lyssa? Could we hear it, please?”

Lyssa nodded but remained silent, her finger still twirling in her hair. She looked from Ashby to Edith and back again. He tried to encourage her once more.

“Come, Lyssa, we are the perfect audience to hear your song for the first time. I know you must sing better than your papa, and surely you’ll sound better than I can. The ladies fairly knock themselves down to escape hearing me when I try to serenade them.”

Lyssa giggled. “I sing to my dolls every night. And I sang for Madeleine and Papa today.”

He shot a look at Garrett, whose eyes remained hooded. His elbows were propped upon the table, hands locked under his chin.

“Who’s Madeleine?” asked Edith.

“She’s Papa’s friend, Aga,” said Lyssa impatiently. “Can I sing my song now?”

“Of course,” Edith told her but she kept her eyes upon her son for the moment.

Ashby noticed Garrett ignored all glances that came his way, choosing to concentrate on Lyssa instead.

Lyssa sang with joy. The words she’d made up were simple but the tune was sweet. Her tiny voice soared throughout the great hall. She seemed to grow taller as she sang and never once faltered.

When she finished, thunderous applause echoed in the cavernous room. Everyone present, from her family to the servants, seemed amazed how she’d opened up. She ran to Garrett and hugged him fiercely.

“You did well, Lyssa. It’s time to tuck you into bed.”

Garrett picked his daughter up and they left the great hall. Edith’s gaze followed them.

“He hasn’t put her into bed in such a long time, Ashby. What is going on? Who is this Madeleine?”

He sighed. “I wish I could say more, Edith. I’m afraid you’ll have to ask your son.” He rose and left the room, curiosity urging him on.

He ascended the stairs and went to Lyssa’s chamber. Garrett was inside, kneeling next to his daughter at the foot of her bed.

“And God bless Papa and Aga and Ashby and Annie and Cook and my dolls. And God bless Madeleine. Amen.”

Garrett helped Lyssa into bed, arranging the bedclothes and settling her dolls around her. He leaned over and kissed her goodnight.

Ashby leaned against the wall outside the door. As Garrett exited, he fell into step with him. Casually, he asked, “Madeleine is now your friend—and Lyssa’s?”

Garrett stopped in his tracks and faced him. “All I know is that she worked a miracle today, Ash. She had Lyssa playing and talking. Madeleine showed her where everything will be set up