Page 41 of The Scarred Duchess
“Papa!” Their joy was a perfect picture.
“Do you not enjoy your morning lessons with Mr Primrose?”
They frowned, and finally Elizabeth spoke. “We do enjoy playing together, do we not, Sister?”
“We do,” agreed Mary.
Bennet smiled, thoroughly charmed.What my daughters desire, they shall have!
“And so it shall be.”
The doorway was at capacity; it seemed that every Longbourn servant desired to see the miracle they often heard since the Miss Bennets’ change in music masters a few months prior. Legget used his privilege to observe from the front.
Miss Elizabeth and Miss Mary were at the pianoforte casting their music spells about the manor. Their new piano master, Mrs Grimaldi, sat on a retiring couch farthest fromthe instrument—eyes closed, her venerable baton of a finger drew supine figure eights in the air.
The two girls’ hands flashed like lightning, gliding over the keys as if they were extensions of each other. The duo moved in unison as their energy trilled from the music to their audience. Together in harmony, they wove an intricate tapestry of sound for ten minutes. Four hands came to a rest in an atmosphere of silence, which was sundered a moment later with clapping, cheering, and more than a few whistles. The cacophony waned when Mrs Grimaldi stood and approached her musicians.
Uh-oh, what next, thought Legget.
“Lovely, lovely.” She clapped her hands four times. “Now, which of us shall sing?”
Legget covered his cough with a fist.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Franny smiled at her husband as he handed her out of their carriage; they were to spend the afternoon at Netherfield Park.
“You, madam, are a thief” He whispered, his breath tickling the curls by her ear.
“Behave, Thomas,” Franny said. “In any case, whatever do you mean?”
“You continue to steal my breath.”
Franny pressed her heart and sighed as she took the arm her husband offered her. Looking up, she spied Lord and Lady Lambrook awaiting them. Exchanging a smile, they quickened their pace to go meet their friends and neighbours.
After heartfelt greetings had been exchanged, the men departed. They were to ride the shared fence lines and discuss estate business, Thomas had informed her; thus, his arriving in riding apparel.
Lady Lambrook took her arm and led her into the parlour. Franny, as she always did, admired the quality of thefurnishings and decor. The room was the definition of understated elegance, a direct reflection of the mistress.
“The country is once again so pleasant now that the weather has changed,” Lady Lambrook began.
“Indeed, a happy time for us all after the long winter,” Franny replied “Although not so much for our laundress.”
Lady Lambrook handed Franny a cup of tea and tutted. “May I presume that Miss Elizabeth has resumed her rambles?”
“Mr Bennet fears she may soon outwalk Mr Legget,” Franny said with a smile, and they both laughed.
“Our husbands are as thick as thieves, much like they were at university,” Lady Lambrook said.
“Mr Bennet was excessively eager to ride out with your husband,” Franny said. “Speaking of university, how fares your son?”
“John is doing very well. He is first in most of his subjects, and he leads his year in mathematics.”
“You must be very proud.”
“We are.” Lady Lambrook shook her head fondly “It is singular, this affinity he has for numbers. It will serve him well once he assumes the responsibilities of the estate.”
“Will he return anytime soon?”
