Page 18 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
This time, the smile did reach his eyes. “Thank you for ensuring my sister is allowed to volunteer at the registry. It means a lot to her. And me.”
For a moment, she couldn’t think of anything to say. The way he looked at her- He liked her. He truly liked her. Perhaps shecouldask him about Lord Wycliffe.
“Your sister means well.”
He nodded. “She does. I believe living for a year with nearly mute relatives led to her desire to fill in awkward silences.”
“That would make sense. Sometimes our disposition changes depending on events we’ve experienced.” She watched his face for a response to her comment.
He nodded vaguely. “That is very likely.”
His expression was no longer as open as it had been. They stood for a moment in silence.
The dinner gong sounded.
“Shall we go in?”
Lord Harbury sounded relieved to end their conversation.
Although she was not seated next to the baron, she listened intently to his conversation. He kept his comments light, discussing nothing of any consequence. They enjoyed a delicious repast, and when the meal was over, their hostess decreed there would be no separation of the sexes. All of her guests were expected to participate in after-dinner entertainments.
Chapter Eight
Whatever had happenedto Lady Edith? She rarely spoke at the dinner table that evening, seemingly content to listen to other’s conversations. Especially his. If her curious behavior continued, he would ask her about it.
Standing beside her before dinner, he’d been struck by her petiteness. He was only five feet ten inches tall but towered over her. Despite her willowy build and fragile looks, he sensed a strength in the lady. Strength he hoped would not be wasted in marriage to some dandy or another.
“We have a most accomplishedpianistewith us this evening,” Lady Cairs said when everyone was settled in the music room. “It would be a pleasure to hear you play, Lady Edith.”
The lady did not appear at all flustered by the request as she took a seat at the pianoforte and lifted her hands over the keys.
“This is a favorite of my father’s.”
Lady Edith was more than proficient on the instrument. He recognized the music as a sonatina by Ignaz Pleyel, and when the last note had faded away, her audience gave an enthusiastic round of applause.
“It is my understanding that Miss Tilford has a lovely singing voice. Would you treat us to a song, my dear?” Lady Cairs smiled benignly at his sister.
