The stern talking he’d administered to himself took effect and he cleared his throat.
“Lady Ruth, I did not expect to see you up so early.”
“I always rise early. In any case, it seems the entire family is already awake.” She glanced out of the window and he spotted his mother and Lady Sophia walking down the courtyard.
“Ah, yes. I believe I heard my mother was going to take you to the sculpture garden since I was not able to.” He frowned then, looking out the window once more. “Have they departed without you?” He stepped to the window and was about to call out for his mother when Lady Ruth raised a hand.
“They have. It seems when the plan changed from you accompanying us, I was left out entirely. Perhaps your mother assumed I did not care enough to see it.”
He took a breath, not knowing what to say. It would be just like his mother to exclude Lady Ruth, just as she had done the previous night. Judith Cragshade was a woman who appreciated beauty and perfection above all else. Any flaw was perceived as a personal affront against herself and her taste.
Still, this harsh favoritism troubled him.
“I am sure she did not mean to … that is to say… If you would like, I’ll take you to the sculpture garden myself this afternoon.”
She shook her head. He forced himself to only look at her right-hand side, ignoring the scar that was in part covered by a long curl.
“I am not terribly interested in the arts. My sister and I each have our interests, and arts are hers. Mine, as I mentioned yesterday, is music.”
Relieved to finally have something of use to say, Kenneth smiled and nodded. “Yes, I whole-heartedly agree. I have never much appreciated the arts. On the other hand, music - well, it touches my heart. Especially when it is played as beautifully as you played last night.”
She colored and looked away from him and out of the window once more. His mother and Lady Sophia had turned and were out of sight.
“I thank you. It gives me great pleasure to play.” She paused and bit her bottom lip. “Although not in front of strangers.”
He remembered her obvious show of nerves the previous night, having almost fainted with fear. Once again, he was filled with sympathy for her.
“I will say, despite your dislike, you play as well as any concert pianist. The entire room was captivated by your music.”
She blinked and looked up at him once more. “I thank you. It is a shame that someone who appreciates music as much as you, doesn’t know how to play.”
He swallowed, suddenly embarrassed.
“I suppose I have not had the time to learn properly. Nor the will if I am honest. I find myself easily distracted by other matters.”
Kenneth greatly disliked how shallow and flighty he sounded, for he was neither. Why was it that around her he felt so awkward, so unsure of himself?
“It is a goal of mine to learn at least one instrument to perfection before the duties of being a Duke entirely take up my time.”
“I supposed there is hope, given the Duke’s healthy disposition that you will master whatever instrument you choose. It seems you have an ear for music, which helps immensely.”
He smiled, grateful for her words.
“Has it taken you a long time to become as accomplished as you are?”
Why do my words sound so false, so hollow? Yet, I mean them sincerely. I hope she does not think that I am bestowing compliments upon her simply to make up for my clumsy and downright rude behavior thus far.
Fortunately, she did not seem to take it that way at all.
“Not at all. My mother taught me when I was young, and after her passing…” Something changed in her countenance, a dreaminess slipped into her gaze as if she was not quite with him but in some day-dream or a memory.
“Music connects me to her spirit. It may sound silly to you, but it truly does. I feel nearer to her.” She stopped for a moment and when she spoke again, there was an uncertainty in her voice. “Is there a chapel nearby? I am sure there is one in Portsmouth, but I was hoping for one closer, perhaps?”
Taken aback, he nodded. “There is. We have a chapel on the grounds. Just beyond the lake.”
She shook her head. “I meant one that might be large enough to house an organ. I feel closer to my mother still when playing the organ in a church, as she was a very pious woman. Our vicar is so kind as to allow me to play on the organ in the chapel.”
His eyes widened. “There is a small organ in our chapel. Not as grand as what you are used to, but we have one.”
