Page 11 of A Kiss to Stop a Wedding
Flora found herself wishing that Mr Talacre was there to share her amusement at that.
‘Not that it would do to say as much in Lord Whilton’s presence,’ her aunt went on. ‘He would be quite shocked to hear me speak so disparagingly of the classical world.’
The mention of her fiancé put an abrupt end to Flora’s amusement. It was true, Quentin would disapprove of her aunt’s views. He had a serious regard forhistory and he had more than once praised her for her ancient lineage.
‘Yes,’ she said now, ‘we avoid talking of anything contentious with the Viscount, don’t we, Aunt?’
She was unable to keep a sigh from her voice and her aunt immediately roused herself to say, bracingly, ‘Lord Whilton is perhaps a little set in his ways for such a young man, but he is aviscount, my love, and you know how these great men are fêted and, shall we say, a little indulged.’ She stopped, lifting her head a little as voices sounded from the hall. ‘But hush now, the gentlemen are coming!’
Even as she spoke the door opened. Matt Talacre came in first, laughing at something Mr Farnleigh was saying, and Flora felt her own mood lighten when he smiled at her. He could not be considered classically handsome; his face was too lean, his complexion tanned, a man who spent a great deal of time out of doors. Yet there was something engaging in his smile, and in those dark brown eyes, and Flora could not resist smiling back at him.
That was a mistake, because he immediately came across to sit beside her.
‘Your uncle tells me you play the pianoforte, Miss Warenne.’
‘Yes, a little.’
‘Can I persuade you to play something this evening?’
‘Yes, yes, Flora, do play,’ cried Mr Farnleigh, overhearing. ‘Talacre has been listening to me chatter on for the best part of an hour and I am sure he would like something more entertaining!’
Their guest immediately disclaimed, ‘You have entertained me most royally, sir, I have no complaints on that score. But I confess I should very much like to hear Miss Warenne play.’
‘You could try out that new piece you have been practising for Lord Whilton’s return,’ suggested Mrs Farnleigh. She smiled at their guest. ‘You might not have heard, Mr Talacre, that my niece is betrothed to the Viscount.’
‘Indeed, ma’am?’ replied the gentleman, giving Flora an amused glance.
It was a clumsy attempt to warn him off, thought Flora, and Mr Talacre was well aware of it.
‘Yes, I know she is our niece, so we are naturally biased, but His Lordship is very fortunate to find such a jewel,’ remarked Uncle Farnleigh, with a proud smile. ‘But then, we have had the upbringing of her since she was ten years old and, though I say it myself, I do not think there is a more accomplished young lady in the county.’
‘Enough, enough,’ cried Flora, getting up. ‘Such praise is putting me to blush, Uncle. Doubtless I shall confound you now by playing the new pieceverybadly!’
Laughing, she walked over to the piano, trying to ignore her aunt, who was confiding to Mr Talacre that she expected a date to be set for the wedding as soon as Lord Whilton returned.
‘Everything was postponed, you see, sir, due to a bereavement in the Viscount’s family.’
Flora began sorting through the music, concentrating her attention on her forthcoming performance rather than the conversation in the room. She succeeded so well that she jumped when she heard Matt’s voice at her shoulder, just as she was placing the sheet music on the stand.
‘Allow me to turn the pages for you.’
‘Thank you, but there is no need.’
‘If you are not yet proficient, then I am sure there is.’
He was teasing her and she could not help responding.
‘My performance shouldn’t be that bad!’ She narrowed her eyes at him. ‘I am more likely to be put off by you hovering over me.’
He pulled up a chair beside her. ‘Then I shall sit down.’
His audacity made her laugh and she shook her head at him. ‘You are an incorrigible rogue, Mr Talacre.’
‘Acquit me, madam, I am only trying to be of service to you.’
Flora resolutely turned her attention to the pianoforte. She was alarmed at how easy it was to bandywords with the man and how much she enjoyed it. She breathed slowly, took a moment to calm herself, then began to play. After a cautious start she began to relax and soon she had forgotten everything except the music.
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