Chapter 7

CHAPTER SEVEN

" N ow, Eliza," Evelina began, her voice soft and encouraging. "Shall we begin our piano lesson? I assure you, there is nothing to fear. The keys are merely waiting for your touch to bring them to life."

They stood in the middle of the sophisticated music room in Dunmore House, regarding the grand piano that was sitting in front of a massive window overlooking the backyard and the numerous flower gardens. The afternoon sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow on the polished ebony surface of the piano.

Evelina turned to face her young pupil, who stood beside her with trepidation etched on her delicate features.

Eliza nodded hesitantly, her small hands clasped tightly in front of her. "Yes, Miss Balfour," she replied quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Evelina's heart went out to the child. She placed a gentle hand on Eliza's shoulder, guiding her to the piano bench. "My dear, we shall take this journey together, one note at a time. But, before we begin, might I inquire if you have any favorite melodies? Perhaps a lullaby your nurse once sang to you, or a tune you've heard at a garden party?"

Eliza's eyes widened slightly at the question, as if surprised to be asked for her opinion. She was silent for a moment, then spoke softly, "I… I do enjoy Greensleeves . The melody is quite pleasing."

Evelina smiled warmly, pleased to see a spark of interest in the young girl's eyes. "An excellent choice, Eliza. Greensleeves is indeed a beautiful piece. Perhaps once we've mastered the basics, we might work towards playing it together. Would that be agreeable to you?"

A tiny smile tugged at the corners of Eliza's mouth as she nodded. "I should like that very much, Miss Balfour."

"Splendid," Evelina replied, her smile widening. "Now, let us begin with the fundamentals, shall we?"

As Eliza settled onto the bench, her feet barely reaching the pedals, Evelina sat beside her. She began demonstrating the proper posture and hand position, her fingers dancing lightly over the keys without pressing on them.

"Do you see how my wrists are level with the keys, and how my fingers are curved, as though holding a delicate robin's egg?" Evelina asked, her voice melodious and patient. "This posture allows for greater flexibility and control as you play. Would you like to try?"

Eliza nodded, her eyes wide with a mix of fascination and nervousness. She mimicked Evelina's posture, her small hands hovering over the ivory keys.

"Excellent positioning, Eliza," Evelina praised. "You have a natural grace. Now, let us begin with a simple scale. We'll start with C Major. Remember, no black keys for this one."

As Eliza began to play, her fingers trembled slightly, causing a few discordant notes to ring out. The young girl's face fell, and she looked up at Evelina with dismay, though she remained silent.

Evelina shook her head, her smile unwavering. "There's no need for concern, my dear. Every great musician began just as you have. The key is to persevere. Shall we try again? This time, imagine that your fingers are raindrops, falling gently on the keys."

Encouraged by Evelina's soothing words, Eliza took a deep breath and began again. This time, her touch was lighter, and the notes rang out more clearly. As she completed the scale, a look of quiet satisfaction crossed her face.

"Beautifully done, Eliza!" Evelina exclaimed. "You see? With each attempt, we improve. Now, let us try a simple melody. Do you know Lavender's Blue ?"

Eliza nodded, a hint of enthusiasm in her eyes. "Yes, Miss Balfour. I've heard it before."

"Wonderful. I'll play it first, and then we'll try it together. Listen closely to the rhythm and the way the notes flow into one another."

Evelina's fingers danced across the keys, and the sweet, simple melody filled the room. As she played, she noticed Eliza leaning in slightly and staring at her hands.

When the short piece ended, Eliza spoke up without prompting. "It sounds so lovely when you play it, Miss Balfour. Do you truly think I will learn to play it just as beautifully?"

Evelina's heart swelled at the girl's words. It was the most Eliza had spoken unprompted since their lessons began. "I have no doubt whatsoever, my dear. With practice and patience, you will create music that touches the heart. Shall we continue?"

For the next half hour, Evelina guided Eliza through the melody, offering gentle corrections and warm praise. As they worked, she noticed the tension gradually leaving Eliza's shoulders, her responses becoming less hesitant.

"Miss Balfour," Eliza ventured during a short break, her voice still soft but laced with curiosity, "how long have you been playing the pianoforte?"

Evelina smiled at the question, pleased to see the girl initiating conversation. "I began learning when I was about your age, my dear. My mother was an accomplished pianist, and she insisted that all her daughters learn to play."

"Do you have many sisters, Miss Balfour?" Eliza asked, a hint of wistfulness in her voice.

"Indeed I do," Evelina replied warmly. "Four younger sisters, in fact. Perhaps one day you might meet them. I'm sure they would be delighted to make your acquaintance."

The ghost of a smile crossed Eliza's face. "I should like that. It must be wonderful to have sisters."

Evelina's heart ached for the solitary child. "It is a blessing, though not without its trials," she said lightly. "But come, let us continue our lesson. You were making splendid progress."

As they resumed playing, Evelina noticed a new determination in Eliza's demeanor. Her fingers moved more confidently across the keys, and though she still made mistakes, she was quick to correct them without becoming disheartened.

"Eliza, you are doing remarkably well!" Evelina gushed. "I dare say you have a natural gift for music."

A small smile tugged at the corners of Eliza's mouth, though she quickly lowered her gaze, seemingly unsure how to respond to the praise. But after a moment, she spoke softly, "Thank you, Miss Balfour. I… I enjoy playing more than I thought I would."

Encouraged by this admission, Evelina decided to push a little further. "Music has a wonderful way of expressing what words cannot. When you play, Eliza, what do you feel?"

Eliza's brow furrowed slightly as she considered the question. "I feel… calm," she said at last. "As though the world has gone quiet, and there is only the music."

Evelina nodded, touched by the girl's perceptiveness. "That is the magic of music, my dear. It has the power to transport us, to soothe our troubles and lift our spirits. Now, shall we try a slightly more challenging piece? I believe you're more than ready."

As they began to play a gentle folk melody, Eliza's inhibitions gradually melted away. Her posture relaxed, and though she didn't laugh outright, her expression softened—a quiet joy that seemed to radiate from within.

"How do you find this piece, Eliza?" Evelina asked gently as they played.

Eliza's fingers continued to move across the keys as she answered, her voice a little stronger than before, "It's beautiful, Miss Balfour. It makes me think of a sunny day in the countryside."

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.

How dare she presume to know what was best for Eliza? And yet… hadn't she accomplished in mere days what he had failed to accomplish in years? He had heard Eliza playing, seen the joy on her face—rare occurrences in this somber household.

With a frustrated sigh, he dropped into his chair, running a hand through his dark hair. The image of Miss Balfour's flushed cheeks and determined eyes flashed through his mind, and he found himself grudgingly impressed by her spirit.

She had stood up to him, the feared Duke of Dunmore, without flinching.

"Insufferable woman," he muttered, even though a part of him acknowledged the truth in her words.

He reached for the ledger he had abandoned earlier, determined to lose himself in the familiar world of numbers and accounts. But try as he might, he couldn't shake the image of Miss Balfour from his mind, nor the sound of Eliza's playing from his ears.

For the first time in years, Gabriel felt as though someone had seen through him. It was an unsettling feeling, yet it was strangely exhilarating.

He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He was the Duke of Dunmore, for heaven's sake. He couldn't allow a mere tutor to discomfit him so.

And yet, as the afternoon wore on, he found his thoughts drifting again and again to the scene in the music room. To Eliza's playing, to Miss Balfour's challenging gaze. To the realization that maybe, just maybe, he had been wrong in his approach to fatherhood.

It was not too late to learn from a mistake, he hoped. He would make an effort to listen to Eliza play, to show her the encouragement that Miss Balfour seemed to think was so important.

But what if the years of emotional distance had already done irreparable damage to his relationship with Eliza?

The thought terrified him.

As night fell over Dunmore House, the Duke remained in his study, grappling with the realization that the carefully ordered world he had built for himself was beginning to crumble—all because of a headstrong tutor… and the soft notes of a piano.