Peter Rakoczy: The Music of My Life

Chapter 6: Lisbeth

After the family attended Mass at a nearby chapel, they returned to the manor for the Christmas festivities .  They gathered around the Christmas tree and exchanged presents, each one exclaiming louder than the next when opening their gifts. Count Rakoczy sat in his armchair happily watching his grandchildren as they compared what they received.  He especially wanted to see Erzy's expression when opening her gift:  a diamond and sapphire brooch that had belonged to her mother, Wilhemina. 

"Papa... it's simply... beautiful!"  Erzy's eyes filled with tears.  She immediately pinned the brooch on her dress.  Since Erzy almost always wore blue, it matched perfectly.

"It suits you well," Count Rakoczy said contently, patting Erzy's hand as she placed a kiss on his forehead.

Soon, the entire parlor was full of opened boxes, discarded wrapping paper in every color imaginable, and silver and gold bows.  The twins decided they would help clean up, even though Judith had called the maid to do it. 

"At home, they always help out," Erzy said proudly.  "I want them to learn how to take care of their own households one day."

Peter felt a bit overwhelmed by all of the activity around him.  He was a loner, and while he enjoyed seeing his family, the noise and bustling could become too intense for him.  He snuck out of the parlor and went to the music room.  He sat down at the piano and started to play his favorite Christmas carols.  Music always soothed his spirit and calmed him.  He played quietly, in order to not attract anyone's attention.

As usual, he lost himself in the music and didn't hear the door softly open and close.  He kept playing until he heard a little cough behind him.  Startled, he suddenly turned around and was faced with Lisbeth.  She stood there all alone, watching him and listening.  When he stopped, she quickly apologized.

"Oh, I'm sorry if I interrupted you," she said timidly.  "That was so beautiful!  Please... keep playing."

Peter was flattered by her words, but felt suddenly shy.  He closed the piano lid and stood up.  As he approached Lisbeth, he noticed her cheeks reddening.  Yet she remained in place, not withdrawing from him.  Peter stopped right in front of her and looked down into her azure eyes.  Neither one of them spoke.  Words weren't necessary.  There was something magical happening between them and they both knew it.  Peter felt his breathing quicken.  He couldn't look away from Lisbeth's beautiful face.  She parted her lips, watching him.  He could feel the heat radiating from her body.  He gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and heard her give a little gasp at the intimate contact. 

Peter started to lean down toward her face, and Lisbeth closed her eyes.  Every fiber of his being urged him to kiss her.  But his strict upbringing prevented him from doing so.  After all, they had just met and didn't know each other.  He stopped inches from her lips and pulled back. 

Lisbeth opened her eyes.  Peter thought he detected a flicker of disappointment in them, but she quickly recovered and smiled.

"How long have you been playing the piano?"  Lisbeth tried to sound casual, but there was a slight tremble in her voice.

Peter cleared his throat.  "Honestly, ever since I can remember," he said softly.

"You have a natural talent.  I could tell right away," Lisbeth complimented him.  "I truly am sorry that you stopped because of me." 

She looked away, but Peter grasped her hand in his.  Lisbeth drew in a sharp breath and lifted her face toward his again.  Peter gently kissed her hand instead and then let it go, to Lisbeth's disappointment.

"Would you like me to play something else for you?"  His voice was gentle, and his green eyes radiated a new emotion that he hadn't felt before.

Lisbeth nodded.  "Yes.  Please.  I'd like that very much," she barely murmured.