Page 64 of Only a Mistress Will Do

“I believe I can help you.” Violet gritted her teeth but managed a smile and indicated the chair opposite her. “Won’t you please take a seat?”

The young woman’s face lit up, her eyes wide and eager. She flashed a trembling smile at Violet and hurried back to the fire. “Oh, thank you, Miss Carlton.”

Violet waved her hand toward the teapot. “Shall I send for more tea?”

“Oh, yes, please.”

Violet stepped to the door and hailed a footman. “Please fetch more tea for Miss Harper.”

The man nodded and left.

Gathering her courage, Violet reseated herself and looked straight at Miss Harper. She could do this for Tris. “What can I tell you about Lord Trevor?”

“Oh, please call me Dora,” the girl replied, leaning forward to grasp Violet’s hands with fingers like ice.

“Thank you, Dora. And you must call me Violet.” Perhaps it would be easier if they were less formal.

“Such a pretty name.”

Breathing deeply, she forced a smile. She could do this. “What would you like to know?”

“Oh, I have no idea, really.” Dora gave a shrill little laugh. “Everything you can think of. How does he take his tea? What foods does he like? Does he prefer town life or country?” She ran on excitedly, her face animated for the first time in Violet’s memory. “There are a thousand things I want to know. He dances so well. What music does he like?”

Violet closed her eyes and the music room at Lammas House appeared, bathed in candlelight. “The harp, I would say, is his favorite instrument. Do you play?” With a shake of her head she opened her eyes. It wouldn’t do to be carried away by her memories.

“Only the pianoforte. Does he like that as well?” Dora asked eagerly.

“He does. I have played both instruments for him and he seems to enjoy both.” Violet fought the memory of Christmas Day, even as the remembered smell of beeswax candles filled her head.

“But he prefers the harp?” Dora cocked her head, her face falling. “I can see it in your eyes. I do wish I could play, but we only have the one instrument. Mama thought it the best one for ladies to learn. I see she was wrong in my case.”

So tempting to just sympathize and continue the conversation. But that would not further the plan for Tristan’s happiness. “If your parents approve, I will send for my harp. I could teach you and later Anna.” The tight band that encircled her chest eased a trifle.

“You would do that for me?” The astonishment on Dora’s face, the unshed tears, spoke candidly of the kindnesses she’d been denied.

“I would indeed.” Violet swallowed hard and smiled at her new friend. “Everyone deserves happiness.”

Chapter 25

“Relax your hand. Let the fingers fold themselves naturally against the palm, Dora.” Holding up her right hand, Violet demonstrated how the fingers curled inward. “You don’t want them stiff and pointed like a lion’s claw.”

“Ugh. Why can I not do this simplest of things?” Dora clenched her fist, then threw her hands in the air, fingers pointed outward. “Roar.”

Violet couldn’t help but laugh. Dora’s lessons had only begun two days before, but the girl seemed to think she must play perfectly from the beginning. An excellent trait, perfection, but better if a bit more forgiving. “You are a credible lion, but I think you’ll be a better harpist before long.”

“I shall never play as well as you.” Fretfully, Dora pushed the instrument upright then slumped against the chair.

“You will if I have anything to do with it.” Violet ran her hand softly down the strings, making them whisper a discordant tune. “You are at the beginning of your studies. With time and practice you will play beautifully.”

“But I have little time, Violet.” Dora sat up, rubbing her arms as if suddenly chilled. “The wedding will be in two short months. Then I will be gone. No more lessons.” She sighed, almost a sob.

“Of course you will have more lessons. Once you are…married, I am sure Lord Trevor will insist you keep up your studies.” Almost no hesitation now when speaking of Dora’s marriage. The pain had dulled recently, as a wound does after the initial shock to the severed flesh gives way to a muted ache. Coming to know Dora had been a two-edged sword. The constant reminder of Tris’s impending marriage was pure agony, but as she came to know Dora’s sweet nature, she took perverse comfort in thinking she would hand Tris a wife he could come to love and be happy with in time. If she could not have him herself, then who better than Dora?

“Come, let me show you how to perform a glissando.” Violet sat in the chair next to her pupil and pulled the harp over onto her shoulder.

“What is that?”

“A glorious sounding movement that is actually very simple.” Strumming again, this time she played down the strings using her left thumb. “You go upward with your right hand and downward with your left. Watch.” She repeated the sweeping movements twice, watching Dora’s rapt face turn into concentration as her brows dipped almost to her nose. “Here. Now you try.”