“Splendid,” Evelina replied, her smile widening. “Now, let us begin with the fundamentals, shall we?”
As Eliza settled onto the bench, her feet barely reaching the pedals, Evelina sat beside her. She began demonstrating the proper posture and hand position, her fingers dancing lightly over the keys without pressing on them.
“Do you see how my wrists are level with the keys, and how my fingers are curved, as though holding a delicate robin’s egg?”Evelina asked, her voice melodious and patient. “This posture allows for greater flexibility and control as you play. Would you like to try?”
Eliza nodded, her eyes wide with a mix of fascination and nervousness. She mimicked Evelina’s posture, her small hands hovering over the ivory keys.
“Excellent positioning, Eliza,” Evelina praised. “You have a natural grace. Now, let us begin with a simple scale. We’ll start with C Major. Remember, no black keys for this one.”
As Eliza began to play, her fingers trembled slightly, causing a few discordant notes to ring out. The young girl’s face fell, and she looked up at Evelina with dismay, though she remained silent.
Evelina shook her head, her smile unwavering. “There’s no need for concern, my dear. Every great musician began just as you have. The key is to persevere. Shall we try again? This time, imagine that your fingers are raindrops, falling gently on the keys.”
Encouraged by Evelina’s soothing words, Eliza took a deep breath and began again. This time, her touch was lighter, and the notes rang out more clearly. As she completed the scale, a look of quiet satisfaction crossed her face.
“Beautifully done, Eliza!” Evelina exclaimed. “You see? With each attempt, we improve. Now, let us try a simple melody. Do you knowLavender’s Blue?”
Eliza nodded, a hint of enthusiasm in her eyes. “Yes, Miss Balfour. I’ve heard it before.”
“Wonderful. I’ll play it first, and then we’ll try it together. Listen closely to the rhythm and the way the notes flow into one another.”
Evelina’s fingers danced across the keys, and the sweet, simple melody filled the room. As she played, she noticed Eliza leaning in slightly and staring at her hands.
When the short piece ended, Eliza spoke up without prompting. “It sounds so lovely when you play it, Miss Balfour. Do you truly think I will learn to play it just as beautifully?”
Evelina’s heart swelled at the girl’s words. It was the most Eliza had spoken unprompted since their lessons began. “I have no doubt whatsoever, my dear. With practice and patience, you will create music that touches the heart. Shall we continue?”
For the next half hour, Evelina guided Eliza through the melody, offering gentle corrections and warm praise. As they worked, she noticed the tension gradually leaving Eliza’s shoulders, her responses becoming less hesitant.
“Miss Balfour,” Eliza ventured during a short break, her voice still soft but laced with curiosity, “how long have you been playing the pianoforte?”
Evelina smiled at the question, pleased to see the girl initiating conversation. “I began learning when I was about your age, my dear. My mother was an accomplished pianist, and she insisted that all her daughters learn to play.”
“Do you have many sisters, Miss Balfour?” Eliza asked, a hint of wistfulness in her voice.
“Indeed I do,” Evelina replied warmly. “Four younger sisters, in fact. Perhaps one day you might meet them. I’m sure they would be delighted to make your acquaintance.”
The ghost of a smile crossed Eliza’s face. “I should like that. It must be wonderful to have sisters.”
Evelina’s heart ached for the solitary child. “It is a blessing, though not without its trials,” she said lightly. “But come, let us continue our lesson. You were making splendid progress.”
As they resumed playing, Evelina noticed a new determination in Eliza’s demeanor. Her fingers moved more confidently across the keys, and though she still made mistakes, she was quick to correct them without becoming disheartened.
“Eliza, you are doing remarkably well!” Evelina gushed. “I dare say you have a natural gift for music.”
A small smile tugged at the corners of Eliza’s mouth, though she quickly lowered her gaze, seemingly unsure how to respond tothe praise. But after a moment, she spoke softly, “Thank you, Miss Balfour. I… I enjoy playing more than I thought I would.”
Encouraged by this admission, Evelina decided to push a little further. “Music has a wonderful way of expressing what words cannot. When you play, Eliza, what do you feel?”
Eliza’s brow furrowed slightly as she considered the question. “I feel… calm,” she said at last. “As though the world has gone quiet, and there is only the music.”
Evelina nodded, touched by the girl’s perceptiveness. “That is the magic of music, my dear. It has the power to transport us, to soothe our troubles and lift our spirits. Now, shall we try a slightly more challenging piece? I believe you’re more than ready.”
As they began to play a gentle folk melody, Eliza’s inhibitions gradually melted away. Her posture relaxed, and though she didn’t laugh outright, her expression softened—a quiet joy that seemed to radiate from within.
“How do you find this piece, Eliza?” Evelina asked gently as they played.
Eliza’s fingers continued to move across the keys as she answered, her voice a little stronger than before, “It’s beautiful, Miss Balfour. It makes me think of a sunny day in the countryside.”
