Page 11 of The Theory of Earls (The Beautiful Barringtons 1)

After tea, Mrs. Mounsey and Mrs. Adams saw themselves out with hugs and a thank you to the duchess.

Mrs. Anderson smiled and stood, patting her stomach. “My compliments to your cook on the scones, Your Grace. And I am so happy you could join us today, Miss Lainscott. I fear I won’t see you again for some time. I’m to start rehearsals for my next appearance with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.”

“Thank you for inviting me. I will look forward to spending another afternoon such as this.” Today had been amazing and Margaret would never forget the kindness of Mrs. Anderson and her friends. Nor of the duchess for having her. She was loath to leave the sunny conservatory and return to the exhausting task of avoiding Winthrop.

The thought brought Lord Welles and their conversation to mind. She hadn’t given up on becoming reacquainted with Carstairs.

The duchess walked Mrs. Anderson to the door, hugging her tightly. Margaret saw her nod as Mrs. Anderson said something in a low tone, then her gaze landed on Margaret.

“I fear I must take my leave as well, Your Grace.” Margaret stood, knowing she’d stayed far longer than was prudent. It wouldn’t be wise for Aunt Agnes or any of the servants to see Margaret sneak back to her room.

“A moment, Miss Lainscott.” The duchess motioned for her to sit back down.

Surprised, Margaret did as she requested.

“I hope you enjoyed yourself today?” The duchess picked up a delicate cup decorated with roses and sipped her tea.

“Yes, Your Grace. I can’t remember when I’ve had such a wonderful time. Thank you again for welcoming me into your home.”

The duchess eyed Margaret over the rim of her cup. “What do you think of the organization Mrs. Anderson has formed? I hope you’ll consider joining her and the other ladies when next they meet in my conservatory.”

“I would like nothing more, Your Grace. And I am committed to assisting Mrs. Anderson in any way I can.” Margaret would have access to a great deal of wealth once she married, which made itimperativeshe wed a man who would allow her to do as she pleased. Because it wouldpleaseMargaret to fund the Royal Society of Female Musicians.

“I thought as much. You and I are of like mind in that regard. I hope I don’t shock you, Miss Lainscott, when I say I believe everyone, especially we women, must have a passion—something which is important and worthy of our time besides a husband and children. His Grace was not inclined to such an opinion when we first met.” She took another sip of tea, her voice softening as she spoke of her husband. “Though I am certain he feels differently now.”

“I agree, Your Grace,” Margaret said.

“That is why I’ve encouraged my daughters in their artistic pursuits. It matters not whether they excel or become noted for their accomplishments, though such a thing would be wonderful. What is important is that your passion feeds your soul, the part of you shared with no one else.” She smiled. “My family teases me about my obsession with Greek culture, but I find pleasure in seeking the truth hidden inside a Greek myth. I’ve studied the Iliad for years. Have you read it?” At Margaret’s nod, she said, “I learned Greek so I could read the original text without translation.”

The Duchess of Averell was not just a pampered, titled duchess. Margaret’s respect grew for her hostess who was not only kind but obviously of high intelligence.

“I’ve two young, musically inclined girls who should be encouraged in their pursuits, and not because such talent means I can trot them out to perform for a recital and hope to prove their worth to a potential husband.”

Margaret looked down at her hands, thinking of how Aunt Agnes had done such a thing to her.

A small sound of amusement left the duchess. “Onlytwo, Miss Lainscott. I’ve officially given up on Romy’s musical talent.” Her eyes met Margaret’s. “Lucy tells me you compose as well as play the piano. What a magnificent gift.”

“I dabble, Your Grace. My accomplishments are well beneath those of Mrs. Mounsey.”

Margaret’s dreams were small. She wished to encourage a love of music in others, help other musicians when she could, and possibly publish her own music one day. A husband who made demands on her would allow none of that. Winthrop certainly would not.

Shemusthave her music.

“Forgive me, my dear, if I am overstepping, but I am well acquainted with Lady Dobson.” A hint of dislike colored her words. “I feel certain you are not being encouraged and I doubt you’ve even a proper piano to practice on.” The duchess set down the teacup and leaned forward. “I think we may be able to help each other, Miss Lainscott. Lucy is so very busy and cannot visit often enough to provide the encouragement I feel certain Phaedra and Olivia need. And Romy cannot continue to accompany them on the piano; quite frankly, Phaedra has begged me to allow her sister to do something else.”

Margaret looked over to Phaedra and Olivia. The Duchess of Averell’s daughter was waving the violin’s bow about her head as she tried to make a point about something while Olivia nodded. She liked both girls very much.

“And you wish to compose, do you not? Wouldn’t you rather use our piano in the comfort of my conservatory? My cook does make excellent scones,” she added with a nod at the remains on Margaret’s plate.

Margaret’s eyes slid to the gorgeous piano in the corner. The sound had been sheer perfection.

The duchess noted the direction of her gaze. “It is a beautiful piece, is it not? I keep it regularly tuned. The piano was a gift to my stepson. A Broadwood. Wonderfully made. Certainly, the piano doesn’t deserve Romy.”

“Broadwood makes a very fine piano, Your Grace. The sound is like nothing I’ve ever heard. Even the piano I played at home.” Her voice faltered. Her mother had possessed a piano which Margaret had inherited, but it, like everything else, had been sold at auction after her father’s death.

“I have a proposal for you, Miss Lainscott. I would like you to visit twice weekly, more often if you wish. You will accompany Phaedra and Olivia and challenge them in their choice of music. Encourage them. You may also play and compose to your heart’s content on that piano.” The duchess nodded again to the Broadwood standing sentinel in the corner. “I may ask you to continue Romy’s lessons. Infrequently,” she said in a hurried tone. “Oh, I know she’ll never be any good, mind you, music is not her passion. But Romydidpromise her father to play a tune for him on his birthday, which is still some months away. She doesn’t wish to disappoint him.” Her eyes took on a faraway look for a moment. “My husband is in poor health, Miss Lainscott, and declines daily. Romy may need to find another way to please her father.” She blinked and bestowed a smile on Margaret. “At any rate, I know I’m asking you for a lot, but I’m hopeful the lure of the Broadwood and the use of my conservatory will be enough to entice you to return?”

It would be no hardship to accompany the girls on the piano, nor to offer encouragement. And showing Romy how to play a simple tune would be her pleasure. The Duchess of Averell’s proposal would benefit Margaret far more than her daughters. She snuck another look at the piano, knowing she would have to decline. It was doubtful Aunt Agnes would permit her to visit so often and for a reason other than being courted.

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