Roses and Sonatas [Harvest Moon: Tale of Two Towns]

Chapter 37

Looking over my options hanging in my closet, I realized that I had no suitable dress for the party that afternoon. So after breakfast, and armed with a few recommendations from my kindly landlady, I headed into town to see what I could find on short notice. Luck was on my side, and the shop lady in the first boutique I entered was able to make some very good suggestions. I opted for her recommendation of a short dress with three-quarter length sleeves in cornflower blue lace over pale apricot silk, and she found a pretty fascinator of cream chiffon in the shape of a blown rose, nude heels, and a matching clutch to go with it. I had a pair of pearl earrings and a gold bracelet at home, and she agreed they would be the perfect touches. I paid for my purchases and hurried home to get ready.

Just as I came down the stairs, Mikhail opened the front door, his violin case in his hand. Dressed in a morning suit for the occasion, he had on a black cutaway coat, grey striped trousers, a pale grey vest, and a crisp white shirt with a navy tie. He complimented my appearance, looking me over appreciatively, and we left. As we strolled along the boardwalk, he turned and said, with a twinkle in his eyes, "So, I hear that you had a run-in with the charming Mrs. Bennett yesterday."

I looked at him, startled, and said, "Well, yes, I suppose you could say so. But how...?"

"It's a small town—word gets around, you know," he replied with a smile. "Actually, I heard of it from Erik at breakfast. He was surprised that you stood up to her and gave her as good as you got—if not better. He's a little terrified of her, so he was really most impressed."

I blushed a little, replying with a laugh, "Well, as I told the clerk, wealth doesn't impress me. Then I quoted Tennyson at him."

Mikhail shook his head. "Sadly, I'm not as familiar with the poets as I should be. What did you say?"

"'Kind hearts are more than coronets, and simple faith than Norman blood.' From the poem 'Lady Clara Vere de Vere.'"

He smiled and tucked my hand into his arm. "Ah, yes, very fitting, indeed. Well, I ought to warn you, she and her daughter are certain to be at the party this afternoon. She makes a point of attending every possible social function, welcome or not," he said, rather drily.

I just smiled up at him with a grin as I squeezed his arm, saying, "I'm not afraid of her."

"No, I didn't think you would be," he laughed.

We lunched at Étienne's, then strolled through town to the house featured in today's tour. It was located in the "old money" neighborhood just north of town, on a small bluff overlooking a private-access beach. The house itself was a superb Victorian monstrosity, with towers and gables and porches and chimneys, all heavily embellished with architectural gingerbread. It was situated on a very large lot, and the gardens included a formal garden, a croquet lawn, both a cutting garden and a potager, water features, and a folly. The hostess led everyone around, explaining all the different plants and flowers and giving a history of the gardens, which had been designed by a famous landscape artist more than a century before.

The tour lasted about an hour, and then everyone gathered on an expanse of lawn where tables and chairs had been set up. Mikhail led me to a pair of seats near where a music stand had been set up for him. He retrieved his violin, and began to play. He'd chosen a selection of pieces, mainly from Mozart, Vivaldi, Mendelssohn, and Pachelbel, that fit the occasion perfectly.

Afterwards, as he was carefully returning his instrument to its case, Mrs. Bennett came charging up to him, breathing loudly. "Mikhail! Oh, Mikhail!" she brayed breathlessly. "Lizzie and I have saved a seat for you, darling boy. Why don't you join us for tea?"

He glanced up for just a moment, replying as he finished closing and latching the case, "That's very kind of you. However, I already have a companion for the tea. You remember the captivating Miss Tremayne, of course?"