Page 37 of Made for the Marquess (Second Sons of London 4)

Chapter Thirteen

Minta fought thenerves filling her as Lady Danbury’s guests looked on. She couldn’t help but feel elated at Lord Kingston singling her out, wishing to sit with her at the pianoforte. At the same time, Lord Boxling sat directly across from her, nodding encouragingly.

Who would have thought she would have two such attractive men interested in her?

She knew it to be true. Lord Boxling’s conversation throughout dinner was sparkling, causing Minta to laugh and feel free. And Lord Kingston had already kissed her and now sat possessively next to her, his large frame crowding her a bit. Oh, why couldn’t Sera be here? She needed her twin’s advice. The Season had yet to begin and already Minta believed she had two men vying for her hand.

She placed the sheet music before her. She had chosen a piece which she had practiced this afternoon, knowing Lady Danbury would ask her to play tonight. In truth, she did not even need the sheet music since she had the composition memorized. But the opportunity to have Lord Kingston sit next to her and turn the pages was too good to pass up.

She flexed her fingers a few times, not wanting to attempt any fancy scales to warm up as Lady Danbury had yesterday.

Taking a deep breath, she began to play.

Music could always transport her to another place but she made certain she remained aware of her surroundings. Something told her that Lord Kingston did not read music and so she would be able to tell him to turn the page whenever she chose. Her confidence grew as she continued playing and Minta found she nodded as a cue rather than telling the marquess to turn the page. He was in tune to her and reached up, flipping it with ease. She finished the sonata after several minutes and the invited guests all applauded enthusiastically. She felt the flush creep up her neck and spill onto her cheeks.

“Saying you play remarkably well would be an injustice,” the marquess said quietly to her. “I enjoyed listening to you play very much.”

His words caused a warm glow to fill her.

The Duchess of Camden said, “You must sing and play for us.” Pausing, she added, “Oh, I have a better idea. Your voice, Miss Nicholls, is so high and sweet, while my cousin’s is so low. Perhaps the two of you would care to perform a duet for us?”

Her Grace turned to Lady Middlefield. “Tessa, would you please accompany them?”

Lady Middlefield rose. “I would be delighted to do so.”

Both Lady Middlefield and Lady Danbury moved toward the pianoforte and the three of them began discussing which song to perform. The marquess made an attempt to leave but Lady Middlefield said, “No, Percy, stay. You may turn the pages for me since you proved so skilled in doing so.” The countess smiled at the marquess.

They decided what they would perform and Minta moved from her place, Lady Middlefield sliding next to Lord Kingston.

Lady Danbury took Minta’s hand and squeezed it. “I have never sung with anyone else and am looking forward to this,” she revealed. “I hope our voices will blend well together.”

Minta glanced to Lady Middlefield and nodded and the countess began to play. Minta started singing and realized she did so alone. She gave a questioning glance to Lady Danbury, who merely shook her head. After a few moments, however, the countess joined in the song in a rich contralto.

She had never performed with anyone else either and was overjoyed by the end of their song, thinking their voices sounded as if they were meant to sing together. The gathered guests all rose and heartily applauded their effort. She glanced and saw Lord Boxling smiling warmly at her and then looked to see Lord Kingston doing the same.

“I think we should quit while we are ahead,” Lady Danbury said. “It is always better to leave an audience wanting more than to overstay your welcome.”

“I agree,” she concurred.

They rejoined the others and talked for another hour about acquaintances they had in common and some of the early invitations that had been received for the Season.

She saw her aunt stifle a yawn and Uncle West, aware of that, said, “It has been a most delightful evening but we should take our leave.”

Everyone rose and Lady Danbury escorted her guests downstairs.

“I am so sorry we did not have Lord Danbury’s company this evening,” Aunt Phyllis remarked. “Perhaps once he has returned from the country, we can have you come for dinner.”

“This has been one of the most delightful evenings I have experienced in a long time,” Lord Boxling noted. “Thank you for including me, my lady.”

Minta saw the look in her aunt’s eyes and knew what would be coming next.

“It was enchanting to make your acquaintance, Lord Boxling. Perhaps you would care to come to tea tomorrow afternoon.” Then seeing her invitation might be awkward, Aunt Phyllis looked to the marquess and added, “You are also welcome, Lord Kingston.”

Quickly, the marquess said, “I will be there, Lady Westlake. Thank you for the invitation.”

All eyes turned to Lord Boxling and the viscount said, “I, too, would be happy to come to tea. I also have a new curricle I am ready to test.” He faced Minta and said, “Perhaps you would care to go for a drive in it with me after tea, Miss Nicholls.”

Not knowing if that was allowed or not under Polite Society’s rules, Minta turned to her aunt. “What do you think, Aunt Phyllis?”

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