“Yes.” Gertie nuzzled between Max’s ears. “No reneges.”
“‘No reneges’ was for card games!” Cynthia grasped her cousin’s arms. “You cannot renege, either. There’s no hiding in bed whilst I do this. You have to take part in the planned activities so that Nottingvale has an opportunity to fall in love with you. If you don’t...”
“I know.” The color drained from Gertie’s face and her breath grew uneven. “Father will trade me for a plot of land.”
Chapter 4
The first grand ball to launch Alexander’s annual Christmastide festivities was not off to a roaring start. Or even a lightly melodious start.
He had hired two talented brothers from London to provide musical accompaniment at the pianoforte for the duration of the party, but the gentlemen had been delayed first by snow, and now by a bout of influenza.
The bench at the pianoforte sat empty.
Guests milled about the perimeter of the room, chatting and sipping wine, and casting occasional glances at the freshly buffed and conspicuously unoccupied dance floor.
Alexander turned to ensure the refreshment table was freshly stocked.
Miss Finch stepped into his path with her cousin Lady Gertrude held captive by one arm.
“Is the dancing about to begin?” asked Miss Finch.
“No.” Alexander sighed. “We haven’t a pianist.”
Miss Finch sent a dubious glance about the crowded ballroom. “All of these highly accomplished ladies, and not one of them can play the pianoforte?”
“I’m certain they are all competent musicians,” Alexander said quickly. He had no idea if this was true, butsheseemed certain enough for the both of them. “But they are also guests who came here to dance. I cannot ask them to—”
“I’ll do it.” Lady Gertrude jerked her interlocked arm free from her cousin’s.
Miss Finch looked alarmed. “Gertie,no. You’re to have the first—”
But Lady Gertrude was half sprinting, half sliding across the freshly waxed floor. Her fingers were on the ivory keys even before her derrière touched the wooden bench.
The first notes of a popular country dance burst jauntily from the pianoforte.
In seconds, delighted guests clogged the dance floor, their lively patterns obstructing Lady Gertrude from view altogether.
“Thank you,” Alexander said, and meant it. “You two have saved the party.”
“Nothing so noble.” Miss Finch sent a dark glance across the dance floor. “Lady Gertrude was saving herself.”
“She’s very talented.”
The blithe compliment had been automatic, but when he paused to really listen, Alexander realized it was more than true. Lady Gertrude was every bit as skilled as the famous musicians he had intended to feature. It was astonishing.
“She’s not showing off,” Miss Finch said. “She’shiding, the inconsiderate scamp.”
“Hiding?” Alexander repeated. “On stage in a ballroom?”
“Gertie disappears into her music every chance she gets. She could have been a celebrated pianist if she hadn’t been born a lady, or if her father were less of a—” Miss Finch cleared her throat. “That is to say, Lady Gertrude is accomplished in all things. She could manage a dukedom just as well as she makes music.”
“Subtle,” he murmured.
“Is there any reason to be?” Miss Finch lifted a shoulder unapologetically. “Everyone under this roof knows this year’s party is less Christmastide and more a Duchess Derby. My money is on Lady Gertrude.”
He arched his brows. “I thought proper ladies didn’t gamble.”
“I’m not in the running,” Miss Finch reminded him. “I’m as likely to dance atop a piano as play one. I would make a dreadful duchess. But I can help you find the right one.”
