Page 81 of A Daring Pursuit

The next work Isabelle had chosen to showcase Noah recognized fromThe Marriage of Figaro. Again, with no idea of its title, its elegance came through with Isabelle’s light and flighty glide on the keys, bringing a sting to his eyes.

On and on, she played until a light sheen of perspiration shone on her face.

She ended the concert with something new he hadn’t heard, and to his astonishment, she added her voice.

He could hardly comprehend the words. It was Geneva shaking beside him, startling him. It took a full minute to realize she was doing her utmost to contain her laughter, as the words penetrated.

This Painted Lady, with such grace,

How she bows to her Admiral Red

The sunset’s glow, one’s swift curtsey

To the Monarch, she bows.

The Cabbage White, and Morpho’s celestial show.

Through the verdant wood she sweeps,

Her goal? To find a dainty tail. A Swallowtail, perchance?

Yet ’tis the Brimstone, Green Peacock,

and Mourning Cloak, that advance.

Such splendor merits joy in one’s nature

And, lends courage to one’s leap.

Gads!Painted lady? He would strangle that child. The closer he listened, however, he realized she was singing of…butterflies.

The company jumped to their feet in a round of roaring laughter and applause that filled the chamber to the rafters. All perhaps, but the right and proper Mr. and Mrs. Woodford. Verda stood off to the side with Sander, both beaming with pride. And with Geneva at his own side, cheering enthusiastically, well, it was… right.

Seconds later, Isabelle made her way in his direction with her uneven gait and grand smile. She moved directly past him to Geneva and threw her arms about her waist.

“You were wonderful,” Geneva said, hugging her back. “Outrageously clever. Oh, I adored every word.”

Isabelle stepped back, clasping her hands together. “Oh, I’m so happy. You truly liked it?”

“It brings joy to my nature and I vow, I have courage to leap!” she said, repeating Isabelle’s words back to her. A true compliment, indeed.

Those words, their generosity, the honest candor—he could deny it no longer.I love her. The swift and suddenness of theemotion hit him square in the torso, knocking the breath from him. The dancing flickers of the candle flames toyed with his sight, their heat swamping him. He was much too large to faint. Such a fall would leave an imprint in the planks beneath his feet. The chaotic thoughts assailed him in relentless succession. With sheer determination, he blinked away the bewildering reflections.

“I was certain you would perceive my meaning straight away,” Isabelle was telling Geneva.

Geneva hugged her again. “Oh, how could I not, you brilliant, brilliant tease. Those of imminent intellect are apt to think in a similar vein, of course,” she said in mock seriousness. Then, with an impish grin, she added, “I am honored beyond words.” She went on, as if a tear were not trickling down her cheek. “I cannotwaitto write Abra and tell her that her skills are rivaled only by you.”

A blush crawled up his cousin’s pale skin, hiding her freckles momentarily. “Truly?”

“Absolutely. I’ve never heard anything so beautiful and creative in all my life.”

Sander strolled up and set a hand on Isabelle’s shoulder. “Come, poppet. It’s time to make your grand exit.”

“Must I?”

“We’ll see you tomorrow,” Noah told her. He kissed her cheek.

Sander escorted Isabelle into Verda’s care near the door and stopped to speak with Asher and the marquess.

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