At last, she got up and walked around the table toward the room as the rest of the party was settling in. It wasn’t until she’d gone several steps that she realized with horror that her legs were shaking so badly with nerves that they could not carry her weight. Before she could do anything about it, she stumbled forward and cried out in alarm.
However, just before she landed on the wooden floor, she was caught by two strong arms that steadied her back on her feet. When she looked up her heart skipped a beat, as she looked into the eyes of none other than Lord Rotham.
Chapter 8
Kenneth sat in the armchair near the fire as the footmen set up the pianoforte. He watched as Lady Ruth hesitantly walked to the instrument and sat on the stool behind.
He felt terrible for the girl, given that he was the only one in the room who knew just how nervous she was. He was almost angry at his father for putting her in such a position. His intentions were good, of course.
Mother ignored the poor girl all night long, heaping all her attention onto the younger sister instead. An unforgivable slight that Papa is trying to undo by allowing Lady Ruth to shine. Although it is clear to me that she does not wish to shine.
They’d exchanged but a handful of words when he caught her as she was about to fall, but it was enough for him to know the fear she felt at the prospect of playing. He’d wanted to encourage her, or at least to say something to settle her nerves, but found himself too embarrassed at their prior interactions.
What must she think of me? First, I cannot utter a word after laying eyes on her for the first time, and then she catches me hiding from her very presence in the garden. She must think me a fool. Or worse. A louse.
He looked up at her and smiled to encourage her but found himself mesmerized when his gaze settled on her face.
She sat in such a way that her scarred left side was facing away from him and all he could see was the flawless right side of her visage. His mouth opened at this revelation of her beauty that he’d not seen before, overshadowed as it was by the shock of her scar. Her skin was clear and pale, despite the fact she wore none of the powder so popular among ladies of the high society. Her eyes were clear and bright, and her lips puckered as she readied herself to play.
And then – she played. At once, Kenneth felt carried away at the beauty of the melody. Her father had not exaggerated the way fathers often do. She was a true talent. The music filled the room and all chatter stopped. Her notes enchanted the entire room. Kenneth, like his father, was an admirer of music. He loved little more than to take in a concert. Lady Ruth’s talent rivaled that of the pianists he’d heard at Vauxhall Gardens in London.
“A true beauty, isn’t she?” His mother said beside him. Kenneth flinched, having been so captivated by the music he’d never even heard her seat herself beside him. He frowned at her words before looking back to the piano where Lady Ruth now played with her eyes closed, her long, slim fingers dancing over the keys.
“Not her. Lady Sophia,” his mother said with disdain. His eyes wandered to the younger sister. She was indeed a great beauty. Yes, she was as striking as her sister and without the burden of the scar. She was an almost ideal young lady. He found her attractive and she seemed a kind soul.
“A pleasant young woman, I will admit.”
“Pleasant? She is all a man could ask for. Accomplished, intelligent, and beautiful.”
He nodded. “I cannot deny her charms.”
“Then why are you not more attentive to her? You have done nothing but pout all night. There’s no reason to be in such a miff.”
He sighed then. “I suppose I have been quite aghast at my behavior.”
She frowned. “Behavior? At the dinner table? Well, I will admit you were quite …”
“At the reception. I must have upset Lady Ruth greatly, reacting as I did to her… appearance.”
His mother shook her head. “Please, His Grace ought to have warned us of her…condition. Nobody can blame you for reacting as you did. It was horrifying for me too.”
Kenneth found himself feeling more and more uncomfortable with the conversation. It was clear his mother had no regard for Lady Ruth and reserved all affection for Lady Sophia. He knew his mother cared for little more than appearances, but these words were cold even for her.
He turned away from her and closed his eyes as he felt himself become lost in the music. When the melody ended, he opened his eyes once more and saw that his mother had departed and placed herself beside the Duke of Twilightfare instead. If the Duke had any misconceptions about her unkind behavior toward his daughter, he did not show it. Of course, he would not. Nobody in their society was prone to showing their true feelings.
He glanced back at the young woman at the piano. She’d made her feelings for him quite clear when he attempted to apologize earlier in the day. It was obvious that she regarded him as a conceited young man who cared for nothing but looks. Not that he blamed her. His behavior had indicated as much.
Remembering Jack’s words, he vowed to see beyond the scar in hopes that she could see beyond his poor manners. Perhaps they could start over. There was no reason they could not at least be somewhat civil with one another. After all, they would be spending the entire summer in each other’s company.
He vowed to start over and got up, walking toward the pianoforte. She rose and placed the notes back in their space.
“Lady Ruth?”
She looked up. A wavy strand of hair had fallen into her face, further disguising her burn.
“Yes?” She said in a voice that was as soft and melodic as the music she’d just played.
“You are a true talent. I…I wanted…”
