AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Would you be able to perform a duet with my sister?”
Even he, with his limited experience interpreting female reactions, could tell Lady Graciela did not appreciate her sister’s suggestion.
“Oh, no, I’m sure his lordship didn’t expect to play this evening. You shouldn’t tease him thusly, Felicity.” Lady Grace said it in a pleasant tone, but Alex had to bite back his amusement when she sent her sister a fierce glare.
Alex was unsure how best to proceed. He felt a twinge of conscience over how Lady Graciela might feel on the subject, but he was there to curry favour with the Barringtons, not her, so he pasted a smile on his face and nodded to the duchess.
“As I said, my skills are merely moderate, and I have had little experience with duets, but I’m willing to give it a try, if her ladyship will join me.”
The expression upon Lady Grace’s face was priceless and amusing as the kittenish woman tried to frown him into submission while also attempting to not make anyone else uncomfortable. A soft pink flush covered whatever of her skin he could see. Alex ignored how attractive he found her, reminding himself once more that she was a woman of Society and thus unreliable and not in the least trustworthy. Trust and reliability were both qualities he valued highly.
“I do apologize in advance for the assault that is about to happen upon your senses,” she murmured to the room at large, as she approached the large instrument in the room.
“Is there a piece in particular that you think we ought to try?” she asked him once she had finally finished fidgeting with her skirts and settled by his side.
“As I told you, I have little experience with duets.”
“Bach has a few Sonatas designed specifically for four hands,” she explained quietly as she shuffled the papers before them. “I believe the children might have been playing one earlier, so it should be right here.”
He noticed a slight tremor in her hands and wondered about it but was too preoccupied with his own nerves to concern himself overly with hers. In truth, Alex was too busy wondering if the duke would be pleased or irritated with his presence and entertainment value to worry over much else.
“Why did you have to agree to this?” she finally whispered under her voice, even as she placed the papers appropriately and arranged herself. Alex didn’t think she was awaiting an answer, which was a relief as he didn’t have one he could share with her. He certainly wouldn’t have been able to explain the sense of anticipation that swept through him as he followed her lead, holding his fingers steady on the keys, watching from the corner of his eye as she took a deep breath and then nodded curtly.
Almost as though they had been practicing for years, the music flowed effortlessly, and Alex was taken away from his current concerns for the few minutes it took them to complete the short piece she had chosen.
Everyone applauded even as the duchess complained.
“Gracie, my dearest, you should have chosen a longer piece.”
At his side, the previously angry young woman merely smiled pleasantly. “You wouldn’t have said that if it had been dreadful, Felicity.”
To Alex’s relief, the duke laughed over his sister-in-law’s words and clapped Alex on the shoulder.
“That was well done of you, Sterling. Thank you for being a good sport. Now, shall we leave the women and children for a few minutes? It will give us a chance to discuss your estate and anything else you’ve been hoping to bring up with me.”
An uncharacteristic thrill went through Alex when the duke quirked his eyebrow in a knowing glance.Is he going to give me another chance to argue my case?Despite his hopes, the back of his neck grew uncomfortably warm when Alex realized that all eyes were upon him, but he was delighted that the duke had taken the initiative. He simply nodded and followed the other man from the room.
He was just starting to feel himself relaxing as he sank into the chair Rathnelly had indicated in front of the duke’s desk when he caught the other man’s steely gaze fixed firmly upon him. It almost arrested his movement into the seat, but he managed to collect himself and carry on as though nothing untoward were happening.But why is the duke staring at me so?Alex resolved to hold his council and wait for Rathnelly to speak first.
It was a challenge as the other man seemed determined to make him uncomfortable with his silent stare. Finally, without notice, a grin broke out on the duke’s face.
“You are very good at keeping your cool, aren’t you, Sterling?”
Alex had no idea how to respond to that, so he merely continued waiting.
The duke sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
“Very well, my lord, tell me why you wanted to see me. I know you tried to tell me earlier, but it wasn’t the right time. My clerks also mentioned something, but I’d rather hear directly from you.”
Alex made a concerted effort to suppress the frown he could feel forming on his forehead. It wouldn’t do to offend the man now, just as he was finally getting his audience, but Alex wasn’t sure why Rathnelly was being so very coy. Either he would allow him to invest or he wouldn’t; why did it have to be such a production? Alex cleared his throat and hoped he didn’t appear as nervous as he felt.
“I know you dismissed my inquiry on my initial visit, but I would appreciate an opportunity to join your horse breeding enterprise,” Alex finally said, as clearly and simply as he could manage. He waited for the duke’s reaction. If it were possible, Rathnelly became even more still and watchful.
“My clerks said as much after your written enquiry, and I did try to gently dissuade your interest previously, but you must know I have my reasons for hesitation. What do you feel you have to offer to the operations, Sterling? Do you have any experience?”
“I have money to contribute, and I have a couple horses that I think might do well. But no, I don’t have any direct experience in the horse trade.”
Rathnelly continued staring at him, steadily causing Alex to feel fidgety, but he tried hard not to squirm. Finally, the man spoke again.
