Even in some of the bigger houses, it was rare to find a separate music room. This one was very handsome, with a great deal of natural light and elegantly decorated with gold wallpaper and matching drapes. A blue and gold Aubusson carpet covered most of the floor, and a stylish settee and matching armchairs composed an intimate seating arrangement before the large marble fireplace.
“And the piano is excellent,” he added. “I couldn’t ask for better.”
He’d been expecting the usual mediocre instrument, played only when young ladies were encouraged to display their skills to prospective suitors or entertain at parties. The piano, in fact, was a superb and well-tuned Broadwood grand.
She glanced up from her books. “Well, I may have exaggerated a bit for effect. Melissa is certainly competent on the piano. She used to play the harp, too, although she gave that up a few years ago. And I’m also very fond of music.”
Kade gave her an encouraging smile. “I’m not seeing the harp as your instrument, so I assume you play piano.”
Charlie shook her head. “Nothing so grand. I play fiddle.”
Now,thatwas interesting. Young ladies were generally discouraged from the string instruments, but for the harp.
“So you play the violin. Good for you.”
She gave him a sheepish grin. “In my hands, it’s definitely a fiddle. I learned my scales and some of the simpler classics from my teacher, of course. Mostly, though, I play Highland ballads and reels. It’s the music that Papa enjoys, and he asks me to play it all the time.”
“I’ve been playing jigs and reels since I was a child. My family also enjoys them.”
“Hardly your usual concert repertoire, I suspect.”
Kade waggled a hand. “Paying patrons generally expect something more highbrow, even if they would actually prefer country ballads or dances. I’ve spotted more than a few people dozing off in the audience when I play longer or more complicated works.”
“Oh, dear. That must be rather . . .”
“Annoying?”
“I was going to say disconcerting.”
“I do my best to ignore them, although sometimes the sound of snoring coming from the audience can be a trifle distracting.”
She scoffed. “I refuse to believe that anyone would dare fall asleep during one of your concerts. You’re an absolute master.”
Then she blushed as if she’d said something salacious. Kade rather liked it when she blushed.
“May I ask who was your teacher, Miss Stewart?”
Charlie made a visible effort to collect herself. “I learned the basics on the piano from our governess, although I was truly dreadful. Our local vicar taught me the fiddle. He’s quite an expert in Highland music, and was kind enough to say that I possessed natural aptitude. Papa supported me over Mamma’s objections.”
“Good for your father. Girls should be encouraged to play the violin. It’s a splendid instrument.”
Charlie studied him for several moments, as if trying to read him—or make a decision.
“It’s because of you that I wanted to play it,” she said in something of a rush. “I heard you practicing during that visit to Inveraray. I thought you sounded beautiful.” She fluttered a hand. “Your violin playing, I mean. It sounded beautiful. I decided right then that I would learn to play it, too.”
It took him a moment to recover from his surprise. “I am flattered to hear that, Miss Stewart. And honored.”
“You might rethink that if you ever hear me play,” she said with a shy smile. “I’m very much an amateur.”
“Still, I would enjoy hearing you play.”
She regarded him with a degree of skepticism before glancing at the piano. Kade had the distinct impression that she wanted to ask him a question.
“Yes?” he gently prompted.
Charlie crinkled her nose. “I apologize for being so nosy, but you’re working on a new piece of music, aren’t you? Not for the wedding, but for something else.”
“Yes, I’m writing a concerto. Would you like to take a look at it?”
