The Duke's Bidding

Chapter 4

John was expecting to find the room covered in dust, but what greeted him was the fresh scent of lemon and beeswax. In the back corner of the room, a cluster of Minerva Press gothic novels were stacked against the wall. A few pillows were strewn on the small rug, a small plate holding the remnants of candle stubs sat next to some sheet music and one of the new metal writing pens that had become all the rage as of late. Someone had been using his room. John picked up one of the sheets of music, a partial composition. Rather creative from what he could tell from the notes.

He heard the ballroom doors open and an echo of footsteps below. Someone started playing the pianoforte, it was the song from the sheets. Curious to find out the identity of his intruder he stepped closer to the opening and looked down. Before he could see the culprit clearly, the doors opened again, and he had to retreat ere he was discovered.

***

"I thought I would find you here. I spoke with Father Langley earlier. He will come to continue your language lessons for the next few weeks, until we return home. Wouldn't that be convenient? We will have to put the rest of your lessons on hold, but you can continue your music lessons in here. Is this the new Broadwood & Son Piano Charlotte was telling you about? It's marvelous don't you agree? Did I tell you, John just arrived? He will likely be at dinner tonight."

Sometimes it was difficult to keep up with Mama's conversations—she kept on talking without waiting for an actual response. It had been especially hard these past few days. Mama had been worried for her friend and so she tried to fill all the voids with random chatter.

Lady Danbury had been extremely difficult to please, almost frantic in her demands, but beneath it all she was holding on with dear life and Elizabeth was proud of her for that. Charlotte and Katherine had become fast friends in their first season in London and had been inseparable ever since. If you hear it from them, they had sent the gentlemen scattering in fear and had the Lady Patronesses of Almack's at a loss for words.

Elizabeth caught herself woolgathering again, and focused back on what her mother was going on about. "You have to continue practicing the piece by Handel. As is, it leaves something to be desired."

"Yes, Mama." Elizabeth said, almost begrudgingly. She hated Handel.

***

Crescendos of notes started reverberating throughout the ballroom, the performer warming up to start the song. John was not familiar with most of Handel's compositions but he could see why the song would not enchant. He leaned over to look below. She was young, and looked slightly familiar. She was slumped in her seat and played the song vaguely off tempo. He was about to point this out, when she stopped playing. She stood up and walked to the window. It took a few minutes before John realized that she was shaking. Was she crying? Who was she? A moment later, she turned and walked back to the piano, put away the sheet music and sat back down. She straightened her back, and started to play. This piece he knew well.

Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata filled the ballroom. It was sad and yet beautiful. The first movement was always his favorite. When he was feeling contemplative, he often played this piece. Today, he quietly sat back and enjoyed its slow cadence. She went straight through the second movement, and started the third and final movement with such ferocity that could only describe the emotions of desperation he felt. When finished, she lowered her head, as if to hold a moment of silence, to allow time to accept the realization of the finality of what was to come.

He was in tears.

It took John some time to gather his own thoughts and go downstairs to his father's study. He had always loved this room, although the Duke would be shocked to find this out. Opening the door he was surprised to find the room shrouded in darkness. The curtains were drawn, and a small fire was glowing in the grate. His father was holding a half-empty snifter and staring off into the embers. The Duke looked forlorn and lost in thought, he had aged years in a matter of days.