Page 66 of The Secret Castle in the Highlands

I leaned in closer to his little shell-like ear. ‘This will present you with an opportunity to talk to them, if only briefly, and it will be interesting to witness how they engage with you.’

Oscar’s cinnamon freckles twitched on his nose and he laughed. ‘That is a wonderful idea, Mother.’ He turned to go. ‘Where is Father?’

‘He is on a business trip to Edinburgh,’ I answered hastily. ‘Yet again, the law demands his attention.’

Oscar nodded his suspicious acceptance and vanished, leaving me to curse Augustus under my breath.

The first gentleman, Noah Gains, arrived promptly, and Harris had just finished serving tea in preparation.

Mr Gains was directed to the drawing room by Violet, one of our housemaids. He offered me a deep bow, but I failed to be impressed by his initial reaction to being interviewed by someone of the fairer sex. There was also the question of his pompous manner.

When Oscar duly arrived in the drawing room as arranged, seeking his wooden soldier, Mr Gains awarded him a judgemental frown and muttered his discontent at the interruption.

The three subsequent gentlemen fared little better.

Bernard Forster failed to ask any questions pertaining to Oscar, showing very little interest in his prospective student. Instead, he spoke at great length about his own illustrious musical career, playing the violin and mandolin for Swedish royalty.

‘How are matters progressing, madam?’ enquired Harris as he came to collect the tea tray.

I had now despatched both Stanley Coolidge and Archibald Porter. They had barely spoken to Oscar when he entered, far more preoccupied with the remuneration attached to the post.

‘Not well,’ I confided. ‘You must think I’m being incredibly fussy, but I would not be comfortable with any of these four gentlemen instructing Oscar.’

Harris smiled kindly. ‘You are his mother, madam, and know the young master better than most.’ He collected the tea tray. ‘It would appear that the search goes on.’

I emitted a deep sigh. ‘So, it would seem.’

That was my assumption, until there was an unexpected visitor later that afternoon.

I was deftly undertaking some needlework, when Harris strode into the drawing room. ‘Excuse me, madam, but there is a gentleman who wishes to speak with you.’

I placed my embroidery down beside me on the chaise longue. ‘Who is it?’

‘He introduced himself as Gideon Kelly, madam. He apologises for calling unexpectedly.’

‘And what does he wish to speak to me about?’

‘The position as Master Oscar’s violin tutor, madam.’ Harris clicked the drawing-room door closed behind him. ‘He tells me that he only became aware of the vacancy when he overheard two gentlemen discussing the matter in town.’ Harris studied me. ‘I can ask him to call again at a more convenient time, madam, if you prefer.’

I shook my head after a pause. ‘No, Harris, that won’t be necessary. As he is here now, it is more sensible to speak with him. Please send Mr Kelly in.’

‘Very well, madam.’

I watched Harris stalk out of the room, his long, thin shadow flickering on our sunlit Kidderminster carpet.

I smoothed the bodice of my gown, looking up expectantly as the door opened and Harris stepped to one side.

‘Mr Gideon Kelly, madam.’

A tall, broad figure appeared from behind Harris. He possessed eyes like warm chocolate and long, thick, dark-brown curls pulled away from his face and tied at the nape of his neck with a piece of black velvet ribbon.

He stared at me and then fiddled with the cuffs of his pale-blue shirt. ‘Good afternoon, madam,’ he rumbled in a melodious voice. ‘Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Gideon Kelly.’

I watched him bow and I curtsied in reply. ‘Yes, Mr Kelly, I know who you are for Harris has just introduced you.’

A faint colour spread across his cheeks. I hid a smile. ‘Would you like some tea, Mr Kelly?’

‘That would be most welcome, madam. Thank you.’