Page 59 of The Magical Bed & Breakfast

Rory grimaced. “Yes, of course.”

Whitney raised a brow and laughed. “You don’t act like it.”

“We’ll be fine. What about you? Aren’t you giving a speech?”

“Any chance I get.”

“How’s the campaign?”

“Good, I think. We ran a small poll and I’m on top at the moment, but volunteering is important.”

Rory laughed. “You’re always volunteering. I remember you used to volunteer for everything.”

She tilted her head. “Still do.”

Once the tables were set up and crafters began arriving to put out their wares, Rory headed over to see the piano on the stage. He strode up the steps and around the curtain and stared. “Not a piano,” he murmured. Slowly he stepped over to see the antique harpsichord in all its glory. No one had warned him they would play the piece on a harpsichord. He itched to sit down and run his hands over the keys, coaxing forth its music. Did he dare while everyone was setting up? He really should practice on the harpsichord. The resistance in the keys would feel different. If he sat down and practiced now, would anyone care? Just as he reached the harpsichord and lifted a hand to touch it, he heard the sound system crackle and the town’s local radio station blasted out with “Cardigan.” The sound was adjusted until it was suitable as background noise for the craft fair. Rory dropped his hand.

Would he have a chance to practice with Kate on the harpsichord before the event? And how would she feel about the difference in the instruments—would it throw her off? For sure they would need a bench instead of this tiny stool. But the instrument itself with its graceful lines, the legs curving elegantly to the floor, was impressive. He opened the lid and propped it open to study the mechanics of the instrument. A woman clicked her way up the stairs. Rory turned and then rushed to help when he saw her wrestling with a piano bench.

“I’ve got it. You’re Malory, right?”

“Yes, thank you.” The tall woman relinquished the bench and grimaced. “It doesn’t match, but it will have to do.”

“Are you responsible for the harpsichord?”

“Yes, Hazel insisted. I had it brought over last night. Sorry the bench is not of the same era. But I couldn’t get a better substitute on such short notice. She only told me she wanted a harpsichord three days ago. Three days!” Malory threw up her hands and released a long-suffering sigh.

At least Malory was given three days. “She didn’t tell me at all.” He knew he sounded bemused.

“Is that a problem?” Malory looked a little queasy. How much was she responsible for the success of this event?

“Yes, no, well…”

“That’s Hazel,” they said in unison.

“You don’t mind, do you, playing the piece on a harpsichord? I thought you would welcome it. It’s authentic.”

Rory realized Malory was all about authenticity. Was he? He hadn’t been authentic in, well, years. What did that say about him? That he had two personas? His Rory Rollins keyboardist life and his…what? Throckmorton life? It wasn’t even his name anymore. He had set it aside to be someone new, but now? He wanted to merge his two selves. And with Kate, he had.

He swallowed and realized Malory was staring. “I don’t mind at all, but I don’t know how Kate will feel about it.”

“Is there that much difference?”

Yes! “Well, it would be best if we had some time to practice on the harpsichord before we perform on it.”

“Haven’t you been practicing?” Malory paled, and Rory almost laughed. “Yes, of course. Just not on a harpsichord, and every instrument is different. They all have their little quirks, especially these older instruments.”

Malory drew herself up, clearly affronted, and Rory couldn’t help but think how well she fit in with the Hazard Historical Society. “It is in perfect condition, and it was tuned by a professional yesterday. I wouldn’t stand for less.”

“Yes, of course.” Rory felt like a 78 with a skip.Yes, of course, yes, of course.

“But I don’t know when you will be able to practice on it. The booths go until five this evening. Then the hall is set up for the performances. The crew will be banging about, getting the booths broken down, and the chairs set up from five to six.”

Rory thought that might work, until Malory added, “That’s when Danita’s Academy of Dance will rehearse the children on the front section of the stage, away from the harpsichord here on the dais. After that the doors open for seating, followed by speeches by the town leaders and committee chairs. The youth choir then performs, followed by the dancers, followed by the comedy routine.” She paused.

Rory swallowed. Dear Lord, they were expected to play a classical piece right after the comedy routine?

Malory got her breath and kept going, “…followed by this year’s Miss Hazard singing a solo. Then you perform…last.”

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