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“But I’m…thirty-eight, my lady. He must be younger.” She shook her head. “He wouldn’t wish to…”
“Oh, I daresay he wishes quite fervently!”
Lady Clara sounded so cheerful that Molly couldn’t help but smile.
“Truly, Molly. You needn’t fear on that account.”
“But surely he’d wish to…”
“I can’t speak to his wishes in particular, of course. But it takes a…specific sort of man to become a master piano tuner, doesn’t it? He’s the best there is—so in demand that I waitedyearsfor the first appointment! Another two for him to take on the major repair of my old piano. Once he added me to his customer rotation, he’s as reliable and dedicated as can be. And his work! The travel of the keys, the weight of them when I play after he’s worked on them. The tone quality!”
“How does that mean I needn’t fear about his wanting to…?”
Lady Clara shook her head. “Mr. Vogel has visited the house at least once every fortnight for two years. He is patience itself. I noticed his eyes straying to you since the first visit, don’t you know?”
Molly blinked. “Oh?”
“He’s more than a tuner—the man is a technician and artist in one. Every time he works on the piano, he asks which pieces I’m playing of late. His adjustments take into account the very music I’m trying to impart. He’s a fine player himself, and his standards for my piano are higher than my own!”
“I have noticed all that, yes. It’s admirable. But I’m uncertain what you mean…”
Sighing, Lady Clara leaned forward and spoke in low, conspiratorial tones. “Molly! Mr. Vogel’s hands, his fingers, they’reskilled. Without being boastful, he’s confident in his work. Takes pride inachieving results. Doesn’t stop until he accomplishes precisely what he’s set out to do.”
Molly sank back into the thickly cushioned velvet seat as the unbidden image of Frederick Vogel’s long-fingered, careful hands filled her mind. She squeezed her thighs together. “Oh.”
“Yes. Oh. What’s more, when I informed him I would retire to the country for my confinement, we spoke briefly of his family. They’re quite known in the piano world, you know. His brothers both work for Broadwood, where he himself apprenticed. He said they both have children. Quite forward, I was, in asking after his own wife and children. Mr. Vogel replied he is a bachelor, and the pianos he works on are the only children he seeks.”
Molly covered her mouth. “I didn’t hear that.”
“No, for you were fetching his tea. Take heart! Mr. Vogel’s eyes follow you, but he’s a man of a certain age who’s never taken a wife. We can’t know for certain, but perhaps there is a way for the two of you.”
A way to be together—without being in the family way? Molly’s eyebrows shot up toward her hairline, half-shocked but also more than half-intrigued.
“We’ve arrived, Molly.”
She looked up with amazement to discover that not only had the carriage stopped, a footman stood near the open door.
“What say you, hmm? What color gown shall we ask Madame Robillard to fashion for you so that you and Mr. Vogel can conduct the research required for my library?”
“Research, my lady? Gown?”
Fanning herself indolently, Lady Clara beamed. “Why, yes! In carrying out your duties, surely you must attend concerts of the Philharmonic Society. Accompanied by Mr. Vogel, of course.”
