Love me for a reason

Day 5

February 11, 1821

Troy had a day planned for all of them being in the kitchen each team would have to bake something for tonight's talent show. The only person other than her family she knew would be ok in the kitchen was Carl. The rest of them she wasn't so sure about. She was taking a big chance putting the ton in a kitchen and asking then to bake something edible.

Hera was the only one to make a big deal about people of their position doing menial labor. It was her husband Rupert that had to remind her there were no titles or positions this week just fun and new experiences. It took him a half hour to convince her to join in, but only with the threat she could never host another musical recital EVER. She came into the kitchen willingly her musicals were the only thing she was known for.

It wasn't long before everyone was busy making something. Cook had recipes for everyone to choose from if they needed, it. Tory was surprised at how much laughter was filling the kitchen, and how much flour people were wearing. Tory was glad that she had thought of this exercise of working together. It always worked well when she was younger, and her and all her siblings weren't getting along. Their father would have them work together in the kitchen making them work out their problems creating something.

Vincent and Lina were making Butter Walnut Delight Bars Vincent's favorite. Lina made the frosting while the bars were in the oven. Margret and Rupert were having trouble getting anything together, and they were only making cookies. Tory and Jeremy were making a red velvet cake with almond frosting. Carl and Bernadine were on their third dessert while everyone was struggling just complete one. Tory couldn't hope that the pairing of Carl and Bernadine would help Carl change his mind about marrying and producing an heir. He had decided that he never wanted to be married and that since his sister already had a boy he would pass the title on to him. Only once did Carl consider getting married and that was last year after Tory and he had become friends and found they had a lot in common.

Lina started to sing an old folk song, and soon everyone was singing along. "Alas, my love you do me wrong to cast me off discourteously, and I have loved you so long Delighting in your company."

That night after everyone made their dessert they were all laid out on the banquet table in the music room. Tonight, was the talent show, and everyone was going to participate whether they wanted too. Justin would persuade them after all he was the highest-ranking man in the place and the most respected.

Justin stood before the group using his influence to let everyone know they were not going to disappoint Tory or Felicity and they would perform. Justin decided to start off the show with a musical number. He walked over and picked up the flute and began to play. When he was finished, he called Jeremy up to do his juggling act. Justin always loved when Jeremy did his act. He seemed to always have so much fun being a clown. It did Justin's heart good to see his son forgets his duties even if it was for a second.

Jeremy had Tory go next who insisted Victor do a piano duet with her. For the first time in a very long time Victor was glad he had a twin sister who could be insistent he hated to perform, and if he had too he liked to perform with Tory. Next, they picked on Felicity who sang Near to God to thee. She decided to pick on Vaughn who she had not heard play the clarinet since he was a small boy. He played Beethoven's Adagio from Op.31 No.1. He played it so perfectly she knew he must have been practicing when he was alone. It warmed Felicity's heart to hear the sweet sound of his music again.

Vaughn picked on Vincent who his mother always thought he was the most talented cello player, but he really had no talent for it at all. He was convinced she had put her mother's eyes to his playing, and he was perfect. Much to Vaughn's dismay, Vincent showed them a magic trick that he had been doing since they were children, the rat pulled a fast one. When Vincent was finished amazing everyone, he called on the princess. Who stunned everyone with her singing talent?

Una donna a quindici anni was the aria she chose by Mozart. Her tone was, of course, clear and true and when she finished singing there were tears in the eyes of her audience and a standing ovation., She had given everyone a challenge to meet in their talent efforts. When Lina was finished, she went to sit by Vincent which didn't go unnoticed by Felicity. She had to find out what she could about the young woman before Vincent carried this attraction too far. Lina called on Lady K to go next, and to everyone's surprise, she got up and showed everyone a picture she drew of them while sitting watching everyone perform.

To Tory, the evening was a remarkable success, but the best part was when Vincent took Lina for a walk in the garden. She knew that she should learn not to meddle in her brother's affairs, but she just wanted the two of them to be as happy as her and Jeremy were. Vincent deserved that, he had been trying to fill their father's shoes for the last two years he forgot he was still young and could have fun. Lina loved him, and he loved Lina even if he was to pig headed to call it love. Tory knew him well enough to know he wouldn't have gone all the way to Italy if he hadn't loved her. So, Tory didn't feel very bad for meddling in her brother's life.