Page 131 of Pervade London
With me clutching my violin protectively, we got out and walked the short distance to a house that was three doors down from Sylvia’s. The elegant facade and arched windows provided a dash of character. I wondered who lived here.
This expansive home was in the same style as the others lining the street, except it had elegant brass balconies above the ornate windows.James pulled out a key and threw me a disarming smile before he unlocked the door.
A lemon-scented foyer greeted our entry. Each of us wiped our shoes on the doormat before walking into the elegantly furnished sitting room. Everything looked new.
I gave a sideways glance at James and got a wink back.
I tried to process what was happening.
“Let me show you around,” said Xavier.
He led us through the generous upscale living spaces. Warily, I left the masculine décor of the lower floor and followed them to the upper level. We walked in and out of the bedrooms—all six of them.
“Who owns this place?” I asked.
“Better than a hotel, right?” said James.
“It’s yours?”
“Ours,” said Xavier.
My mouth went dry. I wished I’d finished that coffee before we’d left James’ estate. We’d been rushed out of there like the place was on fire.
“Why did we leave the castle so quickly?” I asked.
“I’m needed here,” said James flatly. “I have an appointment in The House of Commons this afternoon.”
His admission reassured me that he trusted my confidence at least. I suppressed a smile at the thought as I parted the blinds and peered out at the extensive garden, its privacy protected by a sweeping line of trees.
“Do you like it?” asked Xavier.
“You’ll stay?” I asked.
Xavier glanced at James.
James approached the window and peered out. “For now, yes.”
“How long?”
Xavier pivoted to look at me. “Garden’s nice, right?”
“We can change the décor.” James shoved a hand in his pocket and turned to look at me. “You’ll continue to act under my guidance, of course.”
I glared at him. “Under your control?”
“Yes.”
“I can come and go?”
“With certain limitations. You may attend your final audition.”
“What about teaching?”
“Cancelled, for now.”
“But my students—”
“They’ve been provided with another tutor.” James shrugged it off.
