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“Is this your own music?”
“It’s the music of other people. I mix their songs together to make something new.”
Nian’s bright eyes lit up reminding Spin of the painting in the hall. “You mean like a maestro?”
“Yes.” Now Spin’s smile brightened. “I suppose so.”
“That’s simply fascinating. I studied the piano. I was quite good in my youth. And then I met my husband, and that life was over for me.” The duchess’ smile was wistful and sad.
Lark caught it. She looked to Spin. Spin gave a slight shake of her head. She knew that Lark had seen the Band-Aid on the duchess’ forehead.
Lark hadn’t come from an abusive home, but she hadn’t grown up in the best of neighborhoods. She knew the signs of abuse. And though she was the type of woman to want to call out the abuser; the one who would be in the driver’s seat if a girlfriend wanted to do a drive-by on her cheating boyfriend. Lark also knew when to hold her tongue.
“My mother always said you shouldn’t let a man hide your light,” Lark said.
Well, she almost always held her tongue.
Nian’s gaze began to cloud over. Before she could retreat into herself, Spin intervened. She grabbed at the first happy thought she could muster.
“I heard Zhi playing,” said Spin.
And just like that, the duchess’ face lit up again.
“We had a little jam session earlier,” Spin continued.
“You played with him?” Nian frowned as though she were confused.
Spin nodded.
“He’s never played with anyone but me.”
Spin told the butterflies in her belly to take a hike. That didn’t mean anything. She’d barged in on him and sat down without an invitation. He was too polite to kick her out. Never mind that he’d clearly enjoyed their session.
“I do hope you stay longer,” said Nian. “This house was once filled with guests. But now … that my husband is ill …we don’t get very many.”
Spin noted the chips on the plates. These weren’t the finest. She’d been in a big house before. These were the types of plates used by servants. The forks were actual silverware and not gold plated. There was a ducal emblem on them, but like something that might be sold in a gift shop. The meat served had not been the choicest cut. The butler’s uniform was frayed.
Nian rose. Lin materialized from the doorway. The maid’s bun was once again a tight circle of neatness. But her black uniform was more slate gray than black, as though it had been washed more than its fair share of times.
“I’m going to check on my husband and retire for the night.”
Spin and Lark rose as the duchess made her way out of the room.
“She’s really nice,” said Lark once they were alone. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on with that bruise on her head?”
“Not my story to tell.”
Lark nodded in acceptance. “Too bad we can’t stay longer. This place is like a fairytale, but we have to get back to the real world. Did you book the tickets yet?”
“I’ll get to it.” Spin still wasn’t quite ready to tell Lark she wasn’t heading back with her. No reason to ruin the day. Not since it was practically over. She’d just wait until tomorrow.
Chapter Nineteen
Once again, Zhi started the day drenched in water. Although this time, it was mostly sweat. After a long night and early morning, he’d won another round with the pipes. Only just barely.
He’d graduated from YouTube with the DIY problems he was facing. A real plumber would have to be called in soon. Or they’d all have to grow fins to stay in the house. Or maybe it would be easier to clean the pool and use that as a water source.
He didn’t care so long as he got himself dry. But as he headed for the grand staircase, he heard feminine voices rounding the corner. He slunk back beneath an alcove just before Lark and Spin came into the front door with shopping bags.
