“Perhaps it would help if the two of you were to find some common ground,” Deborah suggested. “I am sure the two of you have wonderful stories from your youth that you can share.”
“Yes, it would not hurt to gain a new friend,” Nicholas urged. “After all, I am sure Her Grace will be amazed when you tell her how many gentlemen were interested in courting you and how you were the Diamond of the Season at your debut.”
“More so, stories of Grandfather and how he treated you no less than a queen.”
A wistful expression came over Tabitha’s face. She always recalled those memories with fondness.
“It could be a great opportunity to get to know her,” Nicholas added. “I am sure she will be no less than impressed when she hears the stories you tell her.”
“I suppose so.” Tabitha perked up instantly. “I have led quite a remarkable life.”
Nicholas and Deborah shared a conspiratorial smile, their purpose having been filled.
“Oh, then you must tell those stories to Her Grace!”
* * *
It was a pleasant day as the two families embarked on their walk in the afternoon. The sun was shining brightly over the greenery of the town, and they walked along the cobbled streets.
Once again, upon his mother’s insistence, the Duke walked alongside Joanna, who had also been invited to join them this afternoon.
Dressed in his finest attire, he offered a polite smile to Joanna, who looked away timidly instead of returning it.
“Isn’t it a lovely afternoon?” he asked, groaning internally at having been forced to discuss the weather. However, he hoped that things between them would improve today.
He had already resolved to deny and suppress whatever feelings he had for Deborah. Therefore, he was determined to get to know Joanna better this afternoon. It was the first step in his mission to erase Deborah from his mind.
“The weather is quite lovely.” Joanna nodded.
Once again, her answer had been brief. It only made his job of getting to know her much harder. Fortunately, this afternoon, he had come prepared and had gotten some information about her from his mother earlier this morning.
“I have heard that you enjoy the pianoforte,” the Duke said, hope glimmering in his eyes that this would be the topic that lets their conversation flow. “I must say, I am quite impressed.”
“I am quite fond of the pianoforte.” Joanna nodded eagerly, finally showing some of her personality, much to his relief. “I have spent much of my time practicing my craft.”
“What is it about the instrument that interests you?” the Duke asked.
“Oh, it started early on when I was just a child. My mother saw that I had a natural inclination towards music, and she nurtured my talents. By the time I was ten, I was already able to play complex compositions.” Joanna’s face lit up with enthusiasm.
The Duke nodded. Admittedly, he had never shown too much interest in his piano lessons, always opting for outdoor activities instead of staying shut away in the house.
“Do you have any particular composers whose work resonates with you?” he asked. It was as though he had a checklist of questions in his mind that he was slowly crossing off one by one.
“Oh, there are so many,” Joanna replied, enthused. “Mozart, Beethoven… I could listen to their compositions all day. Each of them touches my soul in a unique manner.”
“That is quite lovely to hear.”
“What about you, Your Grace?” Joanna asked, curiosity lacing her tone. “Do you share a passion for music as well?”
The Duke pressed his lips together in a tight line, considering his words carefully. “I would say that my interest lies mostly in hearing the sounds of it, rather than learning to play myself.”
The excitement in Joanna’s voice disappeared immediately. “Oh, I see.”
“However, I still appreciate your knowledge about the subject,” the Duke offered in consolation.
Joanna’s eyes briefly wandered off to Peter and Emma, who were walking a few steps ahead of them. Their conversation was punctuated with frequent bouts of laughter, and they seemed to be having a great time together. The Duke wished he could say the same about himself as he raked his brain again for something new to discuss with Joanna.
To his relief, it was Joanna that struck up a new conversation topic this time.
