Page 44 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke
“I am not sure. I thought perhaps I could start with the entrance hall…” she trailed off as she saw the look of surprise on his face. “You do not approve?”
“No, it is not that. I simply wondered why you would choose to begin with the entrance hall.” Alexander cocked his head.
“The hall gives the first impression of the rest of the castle. It sets the tone for every other room.” Rose knew she sounded defensive. “Why should I not wish to start at the beginning?”
Alexander paused as though considering his words carefully. “You said you wished for the castle to feel like a home. Whilst the hall is, of course, the first thing a visitor would see, very few of the castle’s inhabitants spend much of their time there.”
“Then where would you propose I start?”
Is he changing his mind already?
Rose felt anger rise within her.
“I thought perhaps one of the drawing rooms—perhaps the one that overlooks the gardens?” Color rose to Alexander’s cheeks, though she could not understand why. “I believe my mother and siblings spend much of their time there.”
She thought for a moment, trying to recall her tour of the castle. An image of a grand room, with a collection of mismatched furniture, sprang to mind.
“Is that the room with the musical instruments in it?” she asked.
“I believe there is a harp and a pianoforte, yes.” Alexander’s blush deepened. “Though I think neither is fit to be played.”
A suspicion formed in Rose’s mind, and she decided to take a risk. “Why do you wish me to start in that room?”
Alexander swallowed and turned away from her. “When I visited Pembleton Manor, I noticed the pianoforte. I wondered who amongst your family played. It has been many years since there was music in the house, and it would be nice if it returns once more.”
“You assume that I am the musician, then?” Rose smiled.
“Am I mistaken?” Alexander held her gaze.
Rose shook her head. “You are not mistaken. Well, not entirely. My mother insisted that we all learn skills required to be perfect ladies, so of course that included musical proficiency. Though I am by no means the most talented. That distinction belongs to Emily.”
“Your youngest sister, yes?” Alexander drummed his hands on the table.
“Yes.” Rose’s heart swelled with pride as she recalled her youngest sister’s skill. “She took to music as a duck takes to water. Why, it was only her size that limited her playing.”
“Her size?” Alexander’s confusion was evident.
“She was so young that it was a struggle for her to reach the keys, and she relied on us to operate the pedals for her.” Rose laughed. “Until she discovered that she could tie blocks of wood to her feet.”
Alexander let out a chuckle. “That is quite some dedication.”
“It is.” Rose remembered the many evenings they had spent listening to Emily play while they sang. “Though she is a dreadfully shy creature—at least about her playing. She loves it but is loath to play while in company.”
“Ah, and so my hopes of hearing such angelic music are dashed.” Alexander shook his head in mock despair. “I suppose I shall have to settle for listening to you instead.”
“And what makes you think I will play for you?” Rose asked without thinking.
“Simply that you are a most proper young lady, and I expect once the pianoforte is repaired, Olivia shall force you into a duet.” Alexander grinned. “Though, I confess, as much as I love my sister, her singing voice is far from lovely.”
“And I suppose yours is?” Rose quipped.
“Perhaps.” His eyes glinted. “I have been told I could make angels weep. Though I am not sure if it is due to my skill or lack of it.”
“We shall just have to wait and see.” Rose smiled, trying to imagine Alexander with his serious expression singing beside her.
“So, you will start with the drawing room?” Alexander asked after a moment.
“You have convinced me.” Rose grinned.