From Chapter Fifteen
Del followed the guests into another large room,
where an orchestra was setting up on a dais. A variety
of colognes eclipsed pine scents from scattered boughs.
He wove through the crowd to where Lord stood with
Diana, her hand tucked into his arm.
Lord wore his earnest face. “Miss Rennie, I was
hoping to learn something about you at dinner. I wish to
be your friend.”
She slid her hand free and smoothed her hair. “I’m
not very interesting.”
He gestured at the orchestra. “Do you like music?”
Del stepped before them. “Does she like music?
You should hear her play the piano.”
Lord’s assessing gaze moved from Del to Diana.
“Will you play for us?”
She pressed her lips together. Not hard to guess
what was going through her mind. “I’d rather not. I
haven’t—”
“Ah, she’s modest.” Maybe this was as reckless as
riding a wild mustang. Del didn’t care. Why should she
always get her way? “Don’t listen to her. Sit her at a
piano, and she won’t stop.”
She didn’t look at him. Likely planning to punch
him in the mouth.
Lord guided her to the shiny black piano, pulled
out the seat, and turned to his guests, clapping to
capture their attention. “We have a treat in store. Miss
Rennie will entertain us until the orchestra is ready.”
People gathered. Diana sat on the bench, smoothed
her skirt, and removed her gloves. Del took them and
leaned against the wall, facing her. She glared at him,
mouthed the word bastard. The others formed a half
circle behind her. She flexed her fingers and tested the
keys, delivered a quick arpeggio, added fluttering trills
and a smooth glissando.
Killer eyes, but her voice was pleasant. “What
would you like me to plunk, Mr. Russell?”
And there was the challenge. “Chopin? Nocturne.
Do you know it?”
— Cat
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