Evelina beamed at her young charge. “Music has a way of painting pictures in our minds, doesn’t it? It is a language that speaks to the soul.”
As they continued to play, Eliza’s confidence grew. She began to add small flourishes to the melody, her musicality shining through. Evelina watched in awe, realizing that her pupil’s talent far exceeded her initial expectations.
“Eliza,” Evelina said as they finished the piece, “you play beautifully. With practice, I believe you could become a truly accomplished pianist.”
Eliza looked up at her, a hint of excitement in her eyes. “Do you truly think so, Miss Balfour? Might I one day play as well as you do?”
“I have no doubt that you will, my dear,” Evelina replied warmly. “And I suspect you may even surpass me, given time.”
A genuine smile spread across Eliza’s face, transforming her features. For a moment, she looked like any other happy young girl, free from the weight of expectations that usually seemed to burden her.
“Miss Balfour,” she asked, her voice still soft but laced with fresh enthusiasm, “might we practice again tomorrow? I should very much like to continue learning.”
Evelina’s heart swelled with affection for the child. “Of course, Eliza. I look forward to it immensely. Now, shall we play the piece one more time before we conclude our lesson?”
Eliza nodded eagerly, her fingers already poised over the keys.
As they began to play, neither noticed the tall, imposing figure that had appeared in the doorway.
Gabriel had been in his study when the first notes of the piano reached his ears. At first, he had tried to ignore them, focusing on the ledgers before him. But as the music swelled, he found himself drawn towards its source.
Now, as he stood in the doorway, he felt an odd tightness in his chest. Eliza, his quiet, reserved daughter, was playing the piano with a grace he had not expected. And beside her sat Miss Balfour, her face alight with pride as she guided her through the melody.
For a moment, Gabriel allowed himself to imagine a different scene—one where Anna sat beside their daughter, teaching her how to play the piano. The image sent a sharp pang through his heart, and he instinctively straightened his posture and schooled his features to the usual stern mask.
He stepped into the room, his presence immediately noticed by both Evelina and Eliza. The music faltered, and the warm atmosphere cooled slightly.
“Your Grace.” Evelina rose from the piano bench and curtsied. “We were just concluding the piano lesson.”
Eliza, too, stood up and curtsied, her earlier contentment replaced by her usual reserved demeanor. “Father,” she greeted softly, her eyes downcast.
Gabriel’s gaze flicked from his daughter to Miss Balfour. He wanted to comment on Eliza’s playing, to acknowledge her progress, but the words seemed stuck in his throat. Instead, he merely nodded.
“I trust you are applying yourself diligently to your studies, Eliza,” he said, his voice more gruff than he had intended.
Evelina, noticing the sudden tension in the room, stepped forward. “Your Grace, Eliza has shown remarkable progress today. Perhaps you would like to hear her play?”
Gabriel shifted uncomfortably. “I’m afraid I have pressing matters to attend to. Another time, perhaps.”
He noticed Eliza’s shoulders slump, and something inside him twisted painfully. But before he could reconsider, Evelina spoke again, her tone respectful but laced with a challenge.
“Your Grace, surely appreciating your daughter’s accomplishments would not take much of your time? After all, a father’s encouragement can do wonders for a child’s confidence.”
Gabriel’s irritation flared at her presumption. Who was she to tell him how to interact with his daughter?
He turned to her, his eyes cold and hard. “I do not recall asking for your opinion on my parenting, Miss Balfour. You would do well to remember your place.”
Evelina’s cheeks flushed, but she held her ground. “With all due respect, Your Grace, my place is to ensure Eliza’s well-being and education. That includes her emotional needs as well as her academic ones.”
A tense silence fell over the room. Eliza looked between her father and her tutor, her eyes wide with worry.
Gabriel clenched his jaw, fighting the urge to dismiss Miss Balfour on the spot. And yet, he couldn’t bring himself to hold her courage against her. Few would dare to speak to him so boldly.
“I see,” he uttered, his voice clipped. “Well, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to attend to. Eliza, continue your lessons.”
With that, he turned on his heel and strode out of the room, his footsteps echoing in the hallway. As he reached his study,he closed the door firmly behind him, the sound reverberating through the house.
Gabriel paced the length of his study, his thoughts racing. Miss Balfour’s words echoed in his mind, stirring up emotions he’d long suppressed.
