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“I know, and I couldn’t say no to her. She’s a special child, I can see that, but I cannot put my integrity over anything else.”
“Name your price and you shall have it,” he said, figuring that was the reason why she was making excuses.
“I’m not doing this to extract more coins out of you, sir!” Carmen exclaimed. “If you cannot see reason, then I know I’m right in my decision not to accept this offer.”
Arthur knew he had said the wrong thing. Despite everything, she looked sincere and something in his gut told him that this wasn’t a sham. “Fine, then I have a proposition for you.”
Carmen looked at him curiously. “What is it?” At least she was willing to listen this time. He was certain that she was adamant about making him her villain.
“You and the rest of the women of the building can continue to live there. I will not be taking away your lodging, but you’ll be forbidden to inaugurate the music hall. Furthermore, any and all constructions to restore it will be seized immediately, and no other repair work will be allowed.”
Carmen frowned at him. “Why did you even buy the building if you have no wish for it?” When he didn’t reply, she continued. “What can you possibly have against the opening of the music hall?”
“My wishes don’t concern you. I told you, you can live there as long as you want without any disruption. In return, I ask you to tutor my daughter.”
“I know you don’t like me at all,” she stated.
He didn’t try to disagree. “My feelings in this case are totally irrelevant. My daughter is at a vulnerable age when she should get all the care and nurturing. Unfortunately, I alone cannot do that.” He looked back at the portrait of his wife hanging on the wall. “But I try my best to provide for her and that’s simply what I’m trying to do now, too.”
“I understand,” she said. He saw the wheels turning in her mind. Finally, she said, “Fine, I’ll take the position of her music tutor.”
“Good,” Arthur said. “I expect you here three days of the week for an hour each. You will be compensated accordingly. You may choose the dates.”
“Okay,” she said. “And what instruments will she be playing?”
“Violin will suffice for now,” he said.
“Is that the only instrument you have at home?” she asked curiously.
“Yes,” he said. It was a lie. She didn’t seem to believe him either.
“All right,” she finally said. “I shall begin tomorrow. Is that fine with you? I assume you have no social standings that might interfere with the lessons?”
“No,” he said shortly. He hadn’t gone out after months and then ran into her on the streets. It would take a long time, and a very pressing matter, for him to venture out of his home anytime soon.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” she said, giving him a small bow and then hurrying out of the room as if she couldn’t wait to get away from his presence. Arthur collapsed on the chair with a sigh, not knowing what exactly he had agreed to. Left alone with his thoughts, only one image flashed clear in his mind—the bloodied body of his wife lying limp in his arms as he desperately tried to call her back to conscious.
