Veiled Whispers

Ch. 8 - The Piano Master

Lily

The dread of matrimonial columns had been my sole concern until the grim reaper's cryptic messages cast a shadow over my once carefree existence. Now, the prospect of Saturday's rendezvous with Theo quickened my pulse, a welcome reprieve from the blandness of Mama's tea parties and their idle chatter.
While I contemplated how these mere girls find happiness in these simple walks of life, the other part of me weaved theories and speculations regarding my recent events and discoveries. Although I had no reason to believe that midnight stranger, I was filled with dread when I stumbled across the greenhouse, for I could feel something lurking in the shadows.
My thoughts came to a halt when the lace of my dress, a delicate prison, itched against my skin—a reminder of the impending decision of what to do for tomorrow's encounter. I couldn't care less on how I presented myself, but for once, I had a heightened sense of awareness regarding how I looked. Should I allow Mama to choose my attire? The thought alone was suffocating.
The intention was not to snag myself a husband through provocation, but merely to endorse power, as little as it could be. I liked the uncertainty of meeting someone. The allure of a budding friendship lies in that uncertainty. Even though I find Theo attractive, I do not want to restrict what we could be. For all I know, more than an intimate companion or a good friend, he could prove to be a good accomplice to a gruesome murder. 

As Saturday dawned, I found myself at the fair earlier than intended, accompanied by Sir Lucas, my ever-watchful guardian. The fairground was a tapestry of colors and sounds, a place where I could lose myself easily. I took upon myself to test my skills of archery. But the presence of Theo, astride a majestic black steed, shattered my winning streak. His arrival, a spectacle that drew the adoring gazes of many, left me both enchanted and envious of his magnificent companion.

"The horse isn't alone, my lady," Theo quipped, dismounting with a grace that belied his jest.
"The question of the hour stands, why are you on a horse Sir? Were you unable to fetch a car or you take to the likeliness of the 19th century?" I mused.
He laughed and replied, "A car wouldn't turn heads my lady."
I continued the banter, "You might want to park your beautiful vehicle before you attract more than enough attention to yourself."
With a sly grin tugging his lips, he uttered, "Oh no Callipso is too valuable to be left alone."

Theo's gaze wandered, searching the crowd until it settled on a figure approaching us. "Theo, why did you bring her here? I specifically advised against it," the newcomer chided, his voice carrying the weight of authority.
Clearly as a means to divert his attention, Theo waved his hand between us as he introduced me.
"Matt, This is Lily," "And Lily, meet Matteo Yovanni, a friend whose loyalty runs as deep as the rivers of our homeland." Matteo's handshake was hesitant, his touch as fleeting as a whisper. "A pleasure," I said, though his attention had already drifted elsewhere. Theo's request for Matteo to escort Callipso was met with a frown. "You expect me to parade your horse around while you enjoy the festivities?"
"The horse is a magnet for attention, my friend. She might just lead you to the one your heart seeks," Theo teased, a mischievous glint in his eye. Matteo's protest was cut short by an offer too tempting to refuse. "I'll grant you access to the piano in the Great Hall—the very one gifted by Albert Umberto." The deal was struck with a playful concession from Theo, acknowledging Matteo's superior skill at the piano, while not-so-subtly reminding us of his own mastery of the violin. And indeed, he was a virtuoso, his music as captivating as the tales of old.