Chapter Nine

A tticus sat in his seat, gaze focused on the empty spot where Parthena should have been and was not. According to his hostess, who imparted the information as Atticus and the other guests made their way into the drawing room, Parthena, Fidelia and their mother had returned home unexpectedly. When he expressed concern that he hoped all was well, Lady Baldwin casually made mention their return was at the request of Captain Rogers. The gentleman to whom Parthena would soon be wed.

Parthena was not marrying another man. She wouldn't. Not after…

Unless she loved this Captain Rogers.

That was the thought that had Atticus frowning as he considered the possibility.

Duncan slid quietly into the seat beside him as Belinda mercifully finished the song. Handing Atticus a glass of brandy he said, "You look like you could use this. Lady Belinda is quite lovely, but she can't sing to save her life." His friend looked at him. "Fidelia was supposed to accompany her, but Corman tells me the Holm ladies have departed. Did Mr. Holm fall ill?"

The strains of a violin interrupted Atticus's response, the sound coming from outside the drawing room windows.

Lady Baldwin stood next to Belinda as the other guests offered their polite applause, waiting impatiently for Atticus to come forward. Her smile froze at the melody coming from outside, eyes widening. She clapped her hands at Corman, urging him to shut the windows in a furious whisper.

Atticus came to his feet, eyes shutting for only a moment as he listened to the violin outside.

Parthena. And she was more than just adequate on the instrument.

The melancholy notes plucked at his skin. His heart. He doubted she'd ever played for the mysterious Captain Rogers.

"Your Grace," Lady Baldwin hurried to him, dragging along Belinda, nostrils flaring as she glanced outside. "Might I have a word?"

Atticus bowed. "I am sorry, my lady. But my earlier decision stands. I fear it will not be changed."

Lady Baldwin reddened. "You cannot be serious, Your Grace. Miss Holm—"

"Dazzles me." He cut her off and turned to Belinda. "Our tentative courtship is at an end, my lady. I hope you can understand, but I don't believe we suit."

Belinda nodded slowly. "We do not, Your Grace."

Atticus ignored the curious looks of the rest of Lady Baldwin's guests, including Duncan, and marched over to the open window, his only thought to get to Parthena as quickly as possible.

Parthena had her eyes closed as she played with the moon rising behind her, hair unraveling from the pins trying to hold it back. The melancholy notes of the love song soared over Lady Baldwin's lawn.

She was playing for him and only him.

"I'm coming, Parthena," he said through the window. Then, pushing it open further, Atticus wedged himself through the opening and climbed out. Easier than going around, especially when all he could think of was her.

A lone tear ran down her cheek as he approached, her violin falling silent. "Wexham." She pointed the bow at him. "You cannot wed Lady Belinda."

"I cannot," he agreed. "We have decided we do not suit. Put the bow down so I do not lose an eye. While you have visions of me becoming a pirate, I would rather stay a duke."

"Oh," she sniffed. "Well, I don't suppose you'd look good with an eye patch." Parthena bit her lip. "I must know, Your Grace. What is this?" She placed a hand on his chest, swatting his chin accidentally with the bow. "Between us?"

"The seed of a great love," Atticus whispered. "One that has already taken root." He took the bow from her hand, kissing her fingers. "Never doubt it again, Miss Holm."

He took Parthena firmly around the waist, kissing her soundly in full view of every guest staring at them out of Lady Baldwin's window. So there could be no mistaking his intentions.

The End