Page 16 of Most Sought-After Scoundrel in London
“I wasn’t aware that Lady Violet knew how to play any musical instruments.”
What was Abigail up to?Earlier, Violet had shared her idea, which had nothing to do with music, with the girl and her mother in detail in hopes they could assist in the discussion with Cameron.She snuck another look down at Abigail, whose big brown eyes were bright with excitement.Thinking back on their earlier conversation, neither Abigail nor Lady Bronwyn had expressed enthusiasm or support of her notion of embedding invisible messages in art pieces.For the moment, she would have to be patient and see how Abigail proceeded since it was evident that the young PORF had a plan.
“Papa can play too.Do you know how, Lord Hurlington?”
“I wouldn’t say I’m ready to take the stage, but I can fumble my way through a piece or two,” Cameron answered with a smile.He didn’t show any signs of suspicion, yet Violet would have wagered every penny to her name that Abigail was scheming.
She shared a glance with Cameron over Abigail’s head, who was happily humming a non-recognizable tune.As they reentered the house through the terrace doors, Abigail led them through the house and to the music room.
Releasing Violet’s hand, Abigail said, “I shall see you both at supper.”Without a backward glance, the girl who was set to inherit a heavy burden skipped out of the room as if she didn’t have a care in the world.Except Violet sensed Abigail was far from as untroubled as she presented herself.
Violet turned to face Cameron.“I must succeed in becoming a member of the Network.”
“Why?”
“For Abigail,” she answered and then added, “And for me.”Needing space from Cameron and time to gather her courage, she walked over to the pianoforte and sat.“After spending a little over a week here, my opinions on some matters have altered, and some things that I never dreamed of attaining all seem possible.”
“Would you care to share specifics on what these matters and things are?”Cameron joined her, but rather than sitting next to her, he remained standing.
“Not yet.First, we should focus on our task.And while Abigail might have spurred an idea, I’ll need your help to refine it.”She twisted her hands in her lap.Asking for assistance from another was extremely hard for her.
“I shall forever be at your disposal, Violet.”Cameron’s teasing tone held a heaviness that made Violet’s pulse race even faster.
Left.Right.Left.Cameron had resorted to pacing the length of the pianoforte to maintain control.Each time Violet eagerly looked at him, his heart pounded in his chest.He shoved his hands deeper into his pockets to prevent himself from acting out his wishes to cup her beautiful face and kiss her into silence.They were making progress, and now was not the time to allow himself to become distracted.
“Well?Do you agree that it would be possible to encode the melody for the PORFs and simultaneously embed a message in the lyrics for the Network?”Violet’s excitement was infectious.
“I do.”His brief responses weren’t meant to discourage her but to prevent him from looking upon her for too long.
Her fingers continued to tap the ivory keys in a haphazard manner.Composing a tune was no easy task, considering neither of them had any experience in the area.
“Come sit.”Violet shifted to the end of the seat.
Cameron stared at the empty space next to her.It would be a tight fit for the both of them on the bench.Before he could think better of it, his body moved of its own volition, and he found himself seated, his shoulder touching hers.Concentrating on his breathing, he had his eyes closed until he began to recognize the melody that Violet had begun to play.Her fingers glided over the keys with a grace and proficiency that lulled you into the notes.
She leaned against him and asked, “Are you familiar with this piece by Mozart?”
“Sonata for Two… in D Major,” he replied as he placed his hands on the keys and joined in the duet.
A warmth spread through him as their hands continued to float over the keys in harmony, confirming the righteousness of Violet at his side.The sooner they could complete their task, the sooner he could discuss the future.While Violet had not shied away from his goodnight kisses, he was well aware of Violet’s desire to remain an independent widow.He was fairly certain she enjoyed his company, their conversations were never forced, and the physical tension between them was palpable.
As Violet swayed next to him in time with the music, she confessed, “I have a newfound respect for Mozart… Hyden… Ries…Beethoven and their lot.”
“Do you have a favorite piece to play?”
“Mama always…” Violet began to reply, and when her fingers faltered, he inwardly cursed himself for ruining the moment.
She rarely spoke of her family, and when she did, much like now, a darkness seemed to take over her.Cameron had made inquiries of Hadfield, and all the Head PORF had to say was that she had lost both her parents at an early age and had been raised by relatives.Relatives who relished the earldom but not Violet, and had married her off to a baron as soon as she was of age.His blood boiled as he recalled the rumors that had whirled about theton,that her no-good deceased husband had taken his mistress, rather than Violet, across the Channel for an extended wedding trip.Rumors that Hadfield had confirmed to be the truth.What a bloody sod Baron Milcox had been not to have recognized the prize he had married.
His hands fisted, and he turned to face Violet.Desperate to ease the sadness in her eyes, Cameron blurted, “I have an idea.”
She stopped playing and let her hands fall to her lap.Hating the fact that he had aroused bad memories for her, he turned Violet by her shoulders so that she faced him.“My musical penmanship is not the best.I’d appreciate your assistance to…” It was a lie, but when Violet’s clear and bright eyes met his, he believed it to be worth the consequences.Using her desire to be needed was not honorable, but it was the only way he could figure to dispel her sadness.
Blinking the remaining moisture from her eyes, Violet said, “What if we were able to devise a code from an existing piece already composed?We could take advantage of the repetition of notes, could we not?”
“You amaze me, Violet.”Cameron was truly astounded by how the woman’s mind worked.He gave her shoulders a light squeeze.“I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not an expert in cryptography.”
“Does the Network have a master cryptographer?”
