Page 111 of The Secrets of Ashmore Castle

The invitation was for Miss Sands to play for the dowager Lady Stainton and guests at her house in Bruton Street. The choice of music was left up to her, and a fee was mentioned that shocked Mrs Sands.

‘You are behind this,’ she said to Richard, showing him the letter. ‘I know it is your kindness at work.’

‘No,’ he said. ‘I promise I know nothing about it. Except that I’ve been invited, too. I had a card from Grandmère to a musical evening, with “you will come” written across the bottom in her own hand, and underlined twice. When Grandmère does that, you have to obey. I didn’t know why she was so keen on my company, especially when I haven’t a musical bone in my body.’

‘That’s not true, and you know it. You may have thought you didn’t care for music, but you’ve discovered otherwise, haven’t you?’

He grinned. ‘Some music, and only in certain company. But you are making me a better person, there’s no denying.’

Mrs Sands was off on another track. ‘She’ll have to have an evening dress to play in. That will deplete the fee. But it can’t be helped. If there are influential people there, it may lead to other engagements. Do you know who else is invited?’

‘Not a clue. For all I know, it could be just me,’ he joked.

She was too tense to appreciate it. ‘There wouldn’t be a card if it were just you,’ she said. ‘Chloë’s so nervous. I wish I could be there with her, just to give her courage.’

‘I don’t see why you shouldn’t be. Doesn’t a pianist usually have a turner?’

‘At a recital in a concert hall, yes, usually a student or someone of that nature. Although Alicia Ferrari’s husband turns for her.’

‘Well, then, Chloë Sands’s mother should turn for her.’

‘Do you think so? Would your grandmother think it a liberty, perhaps?’

‘Grandmère never notices anything that doesn’t discommode her, so as long as you are in the background, she will probably have no idea you are there. By the way,’ he said, to distract her, ‘if Miss Sands does become a famous international pianist, she’ll have to change her name. Alicia Ferrari sounds so much more impressive than Chloë Sands. I think, actually, an Italian name is almost compulsory. How about Chiara Sabbia?’

Now she laughed. ‘You really are an absurd boy!’

He liked the laughter, but didn’t care for the ‘boy’ part.

He called on his grandmother. ‘You didn’t tell me Miss Sands was to play at your musical evening.’

She raised an eyebrow. ‘When have I ever discussed the details of my entertainments with you? Do you wish to approve the menu of refreshments, too?’

‘Now, bellissima, don’t be facetious,’ he said. ‘You know I have a particular interest in Miss Sands.’

‘Yes,’ she said, ‘I have noticed it.’ She was more convinced than ever that he was in love with the girl. Why else had he rushed here as soon as he had had the invitation? ‘And why are you speaking Italian to me?’

‘Because I’ve just been talking about Alicia Ferrari, so the language was in my head.’

‘Hmm. Not a bad pianist, but I don’t care for her style. Sir Thomas had a little histoire with her, many years ago.’

‘So it seems he liked her style, at any rate.’

‘Don’t be vulgar. Well, what else have you to say about my soirée? You will come. I will not accept any excuse.’

‘Oh, I will come. I don’t dare defy you when you resort to pen and ink. I suppose,’ he said, trying to sound casual, ‘you won’t object if she brings someone to turn for her.’

Grandmère’s eyes narrowed. ‘I know that tone. What tracasserie are you plotting now? If you mean yourself – you are already invited. If you wish to turn for her, say so.’

‘I don’t read music well enough to turn. I think she would like her mother to do it.’

He braced himself for some violent objection, but his grandmother only looked thoughtful, and said, ‘I see no reason to object. In fact, it would suit my purposes quite well.’

‘What purposes?’ he asked nervously. ‘What are you plotting, Grandmère?’

‘Not your business,’ she snapped. ‘She may come. That is all.’

‘Will you come now, please, miss – and madam?’ said the butler.