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a smile and linked her arm with
Rosalind’s and led her to the music room.
    The guests were gathered around going
through the different music selections when they entered. Lady Penelope pulled
Rosalind across the room to stand before the fire again.  
    “You don’t wish to participate?”
Rosalind questioned her.
    “No. I don’t sing well nor can I play an
instrument with any proficiency.”
    Rosalind frowned.   She would have argued with the woman’s
talent, but in truth, she had never heard Lady Penelope sing or play.  
    “You should join in, however,” Lady
Penelope said after a moment.
    “No, I couldn’t,” Rosalind
insisted.  
    Lady Penelope turned toward her. “Why
not? You play beautifully.”
    Rosalind was shaking her head to
disagree.
    “Tell that to someone who has not heard
you play in church.”
    “Those were hymns and well-practiced.”
    Lady Penelope snorted. “I’ve also heard
you in your home, and my own, and you’ve always played anything put in front of
you without a mistake.”
    Heat crept into Rosalind’s cheeks.   “That was different.   I was only playing for my family and yours.”
    Lady Penelope gestured to the gathering.
“They are no different.”
    There was a vast difference between the
two, but Rosalind didn’t wish to argue. “I would rather not.”
    Lady Penelope sighed. “Very well.”

 
    * * *

 
    Noah had no intention of participating
in the musical presentation but was anxious to learn if Lady Jillian sang,
played an instrument, or both.   He
usually avoided musicals during the Season because most of the time the
debutant being presented had little talent though mothers seemed to think their
daughters were the best vocalist to grace London in a decade.   He only had to attend those he was required
to because he was squiring a sister about Town.
    Tonight was different, however. He
wanted to know if musical entertainment was something he and Lady Jillian might
enjoy in the future.
    Once music was chosen, some of the
guests took seats while others stood in small groupings. Lady Jillian returned
to his side her song choice in hand.
    “Who shall play?” Lady Meadows asked.
    None of the guests offered to be the
accompanist and everyone glanced about the room to the others.
    Lady Meadows frowned and concern marred
her brow. “Does no one know how to play?”
    Noah glanced at Lady Jillian, she smiled
weakly.   “Not well enough that I could
accompany a singer.”
    He nodded.   He certainly couldn’t play. It as a shame
Phoebe wasn’t here. Then again, if his sister were present, and somehow had
been convinced to play for the guests, the others would prefer to simply listen
to her without a vocalist.
    What were they to do?   He could do well enough without musical
entertainment, but he hated to see Lady Meadows disappointed.
    He looked from one of the guests to the
other. Surely he had heard one of these ladies play, or perhaps a gentleman,
but none came to mind. His eyes lit on Penelope.   Though she managed well enough, she certainly
didn’t have the talent Phoebe did.  
    Beside her stood Miss Valentine and a
slow smile spread across his lips.   “Miss
Valentine plays the piano,” he announced.
    Miss Valentine’s eyes grew wide and a
bit of color drained from her face.
    “Oh, I couldn’t,” she exclaimed.
    “You play beautifully,” Noah insisted.
Then he glanced at Lady Meadows. “She has often played in church, and I’ve
heard he play in her home.”
    “Yes, Rosalind, please play,” Demetrius
encouraged.
    “She does play beautifully, almost as
well as Phoebe,” Lady Penelope exclaimed and gave Miss Valentine as gentle
shove forward.
    Miss Valentine’s cheeks went from pale
to a blushing rose in a matter of moments.   “I am not nearly as talented as Lady Sandlin,” she insisted.
    “Please play,” Lady Meadows urged
gently.
    Miss Valentine glanced about the room.
Felding nodded with an encouraging smile, and she made her way to