Page 60 of The Duke’s Duet

"Please what?" She stepped closer, still holding his gift. "Please don't make this harder? Please don't remind you of what we're losing? Please don't—"

"Please don't make me say things that can never be unsaid." The words emerged rough again, filled with suppressed feeling. "Don't make me forget everything that I must be, everything that duty demands—"

"Duty." She repeated the word softly. "Always duty. Never what your heart wants, what your music says is true."

"What my heart wants doesn't matter."

But even as he said it, he knew it for a lie.

His heart had never mattered more, had never hurt more with wanting something he couldn't have.

"Doesn't it?" She was close enough now that he could see the gold flecks in her eyes, could catch the subtle scent of lavender that he would forever associate with music and passion and impossible choices. "Then why compose this piece for me? Why pour your feelings into notes if they don't matter?"

He started to step back, to restore proper distance between them, but found himself frozen by the look in her eyes.

"Because music is the only language that can speak these truths without destroying everything that we both hold dear."

"And what truths are those?"

Her voice had dropped to barely more than a whisper.

Before he could respond - before he could damn himself by speaking the words that burned in his throat - a discreet cough sounded from the doorway.

They sprang apart as Simmons entered.

"Begging your pardon, Your Grace, but the Dowager Duchess is asking for you. And Miss Piper, your father's carriage has arrived."

Reality crashed back over them like a wave. Harper watched Melody smooth her skirts, tuck his gift carefully into her reticule, and restore her composed expression.

In moments, she had transformed back into the perfect professional performer, all trace of their heated exchange hidden behind proper behaviour.

"Thank you for everything, Your Grace." Her voice was steady, though her eyes still held shadows of what had almost been said. "I shall treasure this gift, and the memories of our performances together."

He bowed over her hand, allowing himself one moment - just one - to memorise the feel of her fingers against his.

"Godspeed, Miss Piper. May Italy bring you everything that you deserve."

Everything, he thought as she walked away, except what they both truly wanted.