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The door opened and the butler greeted him politely. “Good evening, Mr. Stewart,” he said, opening the door wide.
“Good evening,” he replied.
“Would you care to wait in the drawing room?”
Guy tipped his head. “I would.”
He was about to turn that way when he saw Miss Locke descending the stairs in a pale yellow gown. She looked so lovely that his breath caught in his throat, and he couldn’t help but stare at her.
She stopped in front of him and smiled. “Good evening, Mr. Stewart.”
Fortunately, he was able to find his voice. “Good evening, Miss Locke,” he greeted, performing a small bow. “You are looking especially lovely this evening.”
A small, barely discernable blush came to her cheeks. “That is most kind of you to say.”
“It is merely the truth.”
They stood there for a moment, awkwardly staring at one another, before he gestured towards the drawing room. “Shall we wait for the others in the drawing room?”
“I think that is a fine idea.”
After they stepped inside, he asked, “Would you like me to play something for you on the pianoforte?”
“Do you mind?”
“Not at all.” He walked over to the instrument and sat down on the bench. “Any requests?”
Miss Locke came to stand next to him. “Anything by Mozart would be wonderful.”
As he started playingSymphony No. 41 in C, he closed his eyes as he felt the music wash over him. He loved playing the pianoforte. It reminded him of a much simpler time; a time when hard work was enough.
The music came to a stop, and he allowed his hands to drop to his lap. Miss Locke clapped softly. “That was beautiful,” she said.
“Would you care to play a piece now?”
“I would,” Miss Locke said, stepping closer to the pianoforte.
Guy rose from the bench and took a step back, creating more than enough distance to be considered proper. “What will you play?”
Miss Locke pressed her lips together as she considered, then said, “I wish to play a piece by Beethoven.”
“I assume you have it memorized, then.”
“Not this particular piece.”
He gave her a curious look. “Do you have your spectacles with you?”
She nodded as she sat down on the bench. “I do, but you must promise not to tease me.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
He watched as she slipped her hand into the pocket of her gown and removed a pair of rounded spectacles. She hesitantly placed them on her face and avoided his gaze.
Guy admired her for a moment. “You look enchanting, Miss Locke.”
“I thought you said you weren’t going to tease me,” she objected, her voice soft.
He sat down next to her on the bench. “You misunderstood me,” he replied. “I am looking at a beautiful young woman who isn’t afraid to be vulnerable.”
