Page 71 of The Duke’s Duet

"More certain than I've ever been of anything." The words rang with absolute truth. "I spent my whole life trying to be the perfect Duke, letting my father's fears rule my choices. But your daughter showed me a better way - showed me that true nobility comes from following one's heart, not from following rigid rules."

A hint of a smile touched Mr. Piper's mouth.

Harper smiled in return.

"She does have that affect on people."

"She does." Harper's voice softened. "And I swear to you, I will spend my life ensuring that she has every opportunity to affect others the same way. To share her gift, her passion, her extraordinary ability to make music come alive."

"Pretty words, Your Grace. But the reality may be harder than you imagine. The ton can be cruel to those who defy its expectations."

"Let them be cruel." Harper's voice hardened with determination. "I have wealth enough to ignore their disdain, position enough to create our own society if need be. And the war..." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "The war has changed things, people now question the old rigid rules."

Mr. Piper studied him for a long moment that felt like eternity. Then, slowly, he nodded.

"I believe that you mean that."

"With all my heart."

"Then perhaps..." Mr. Piper's expression turned thoughtful. "Perhaps there might be a way to make this work. To give you both what you want while protecting what you've built."

Hope surged in Harper's chest.

"What do you suggest?"

"Six months." The words emerged careful, measured. "Let her go to Italy as planned - but only for six months. Time enough to establish her reputation independently, so that none can say she succeeded only through your influence. Time enough for you to prepare society, to show them that a Duke need not be bound by antiquated prejudices."

The suggestion struck Harper with the force of revelation. Six months. An eternity and an instant. Time enough to reshape society's expectations, to prove that their love was more than mere infatuation.

"It would give credence to her career," he said slowly, the possibilities unfolding in his mind. "No one could say that she hadn't earned her success. And I could begin introducing the idea of change gradually, through carefully chosen social interactions..."

"Precisely." Mr. Piper glanced at his daughter, who stood watching them with barely concealed tension. "And when she returns, it would be as an acclaimed artist in her own right, not merely as..."

"Not merely as a Duke's choice." Harper completed the thought. "She would have her own power, her own position in society."

"I see that you understand."

"I do." And he did – he understood completely how this solution would protect both Melody's reputation and her independence. "But..." He hesitated. "Would she agree? After I've run halfway across London to stop her leaving?"

Mr. Piper's smile widened slightly.

"Why don't we ask her?"

Harper turned to find Melody watching them, her face alight with an emotion that made his heart soar. But before he could speak, Mr. Piper raised his hand and spoke directly to Melody.

"One moment. I have a suggestion - one that might satisfy both love and duty." He glanced towards the ship where Signor Bianchi paced anxiously. "The opportunity in Italy is real, and valuable. Six months there would establish your reputation beyond question, Melody. And..." His eyes held meaning as they met Harper's. "Six months would give society time to adjust to the idea of an unconventional match. Time for certain preparations to be made."

Harper's mind raced with possibilities.

"A formal courtship could be announced before your departure," he said slowly, the plan taking shape. "Letters exchanged, intentions made clear. By the time you return..."

"Society would have had time to reconcile itself to the idea," Melody finished, her voice soft with wonder. "And my career would be established enough that no one could claim..."

She stopped, colour staining her cheeks.

"That you had ulterior motives?" Harper moved to take her hands in his. "Let them claim what they will. We know the truth of our hearts."

"Your Grace." Mr. Piper's voice held gentle warning. "Perhaps you might convince our good friend Signor Bianchi, and the ship’s Captain, to delay departure by one day? I suspect that money would be persuasive on that issue. It seems we have certain matters to discuss, and arrangements to make."