“It’s wonderful to finally meet you,” Mr. Nicosia praised. “Lady Juliet has spoken so fondly of you.”
“It’s lovely to meet you too, Mr. Nicosia.”
“Have you listened to Her Ladyship’s music? She is by far the most talented student I have ever had the pleasure of teaching. It saddens my heart to know she has no passion for it.”
“I haven’t had the pleasure yet,” Lydia said before turning to Juliet. “You do not enjoy playing?”
Juliet laughed, “Oh good heavens, no. The blisters, sore muscles, and the long hours of practicing… Not my cup of tea. Of course, I do wish to impress the ton and possibly capture the attention of a suitor.”
“If only there is one so worthy,” Mr. Nicosia chimed in. “Not just any man would do for our special lady.”
“Right you are, Mr. Nicosia,” Lady Juliet winked at them.
“Now, come,” Mr. Nicosia clapped his hands together. “For our final class together, we must imbue Her Grace’s ears with a score befitting of your glorious talents—Gioachino Rossini’s La Cenerentola.”
Lydia settled comfortably into the lounge chair at the far end of the conservatory as Lady Juliet readied her hands at the strings.
Lydia paused as she reached for her handbag filled with her knitting. A shadow of a figure lingered outside the conservatory hall. “Husband?” Lydia called out.
“Your Grace,” Mr. Nicosia jumped up and hurried toward the door. “Please, join us.”
“Yes, brother,” Lady Juliet called. “Please do.”
The Duke lingered by the door, looking between Lady Juliet and Lydia with a smile forming on his lips. “I’m quite busy. I just wanted to see how you were doing, is all.”
“You hover too much, brother.”
“I know,” he laughed. “I’m… glad you two are getting along.”
“Why wouldn’t we?” Lady Juliet laughed. “Her Grace is a wonderful companion.”
“Indeed,” the Duke murmured. “Don’t let me keep you.” He backed out of the conservatory, watching them as they settled in to enjoy an hour of music.
Soft, harmonious notes trickled out of the violin as Lady Juliet teased the strings and slowly picked up the tempo.
Mr. Nicosia did not exaggerate Lady Juliet’s prowess. It was the most enjoyable hour Lydia had experienced in a long time, bringing back a deep desire to attend more plays and musicals.
Mr. Nicosia barely spoke a word throughout the lesson. The only time he spoke up was to praise Lady Juliet for her excellent performance.
“That was magnifico,” he applauded at the end of the score.
“It’s a shame,” Lydia remarked. “For this to be your last lesson. You are quite gifted?—”
“Oh, no, no.” Mr. Nicosia shook his head. “You misunderstand, Your Grace. She will not stop playing. But I have nothing more to teacher Lady Juliet.”
“Yes,” Lady Juliet added. “I’ve completed my lessons with the piano and the violin. By far, the violin is my favorite. So, I’ve decided to take up the viola and the cello now. I had acouple lessons with the flute and the piccolo, but woodwind instruments are not pleasant for my ears or lungs. I get breathless quite easily.”
“I’m glad this won’t be the last I hear you play, Lady Juliet.”
“Si, si,” Mr. Nicosia agreed. “Lady Juliet is one of my most talented students.”
Juliet beamed at the praise, and Lydia found herself beaming back. She spent the rest of the afternoon watching as her sister-in-law seemed to grow into herself.
Chapter Fourteen
Your Grace, a matter has arisen that requires your attention. Please get in touch with me at your most convenient opportunity.
Meuric Howell.
