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She’d chosen a challenging piece to be certain, but she made it look effortless. And the feeling that emitted from the instrument…
His heart beat right along with the notes.
It was entrancing. She was entrancing.
Her body swayed, her lips parted as the music flowed from her fingers through the instrument. It’s the only way he might describe it.
Her eyes were half closed and he dutifully turned the page though he wasn’t certain she even looked at the music.
It gave him the chance to bend closer, draw in her scent again.
The very thing he’d cautioned himself not to do.
Millie and Tillie’s mother was right. Millie could have any man she wanted. Kings and princes alike would wish for such a rare flower. The idea of such a man pursuing her almost made him ache.
The song rose and fell, his emotions bouncing right along with it.
Her shoulder brushed his, her touch causing another riot of feeling to skitter down his spine.
The song finally drew to an end, the notes fading away. But his heart continued to pound in his chest.
Inwardly, he cursed. Why did he have to feel this way now? With her, of all women? He was finally making progress. On track.
She looked at him, her hazel gaze catching his, her face so close, he could see the tiny beauty mark on the left side of her nose. He’d like to brush his lips over it, what would her skin feel like?
But he leaned back, pasting a bland smile on his face.
He had to maintain distance from Millie. He’d promised Tillie and besides…Millie would never be his. Of that, he was certain.
* * *
Millie lookedinto Lord Rangeley’s eyes wishing…wishing for everything to be different.
The fact that he’d come here for Tillie. Wishing that she was more like her sister and less herself.
Wanting to confess all of her jumbled feelings to someone.
But that wasn’t meant to be.
The crowd rose, cheering, and then promptly begged her to play another. With a quick nod, she agreed, choosing another piece, and then perching her fingers over the keys.
There was no harm in giving the crowd what they asked for, was there?
Never mind that she selfishly wanted to stay on the bench so that she might continue to be close to Rangeley.
His arm rubbed hers again as he reached for the page, turning it for her benefit. She didn’t need the music sheets. She knew all these pieces by heart.
Distantly she wondered why Lady Greenburg had suggested Lord Rangeley turn the pages for her. Why not her brother? Or Lord Smith?
Smith had been her brother’s friend from Eaton, and he’d spent many a holiday with their family. He was familiar with Millie’s playing and could have easily completed the task.
She kept playing, losing herself in the music and the feel of Rangeley as the lively song continued.
Even Tillie had stopped talking to lean in and listen. Her chin was cocked to one side as she studied Millie.
What did her sister see?
Her fingers nearly tripped on the keys but she caught herself, keeping the music going as the piece finally came to an end.
