8. Chapter 8

Chapter 8

T he music room at Rosewood Manor held a peculiar silence that morning, broken only by the soft rustling of sheet music as Iris Rosier sorted through her collection. Her fingers, usually so nimble on the piano keys, fumbled slightly as she pulled out a particularly challenging piece.

Settling herself upon the piano bench, Iris drew a steadying breath, willing her racing heart to still. Her fingers moved deftly across the keys as she played Lord Thornbrook's haunting melody at the soirée, a piece she had attempted to replicate. She barely registered the soft creak of the door opening behind her.

"My goodness, Iris," Lady Rosier's voice cut through the music, causing Iris to startle. "That was quite... impressive. I had no idea you made such progress in your playing."

Iris turned on the bench, her face hot and flushed. She struggled to meet her mother's gaze, acutely aware of how her eagerness must appear. "Thank you, Mama. I've been practicing diligently. "

Lady Rosier approached, her silk skirts rustling softly against the carpet. "Indeed, it shows. That piece seemed rather... advanced. Wherever did you learn it?"

Iris hesitated for a moment, her mind racing. Here was an opportunity she had not anticipated. Taking a deep breath, she met her mother's gaze. "Actually, Mama, it was the piece Lord Thornbrook played at the soirée, remember? I've been trying to recreate it from memory."

Lady Rosier's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Lord Thornbrook? I had no idea you'd paid such close attention to his performance."

"Oh, yes," Iris replied, her voice gaining enthusiasm. "His playing was truly extraordinary. In fact, I've been thinking..." She paused, gathering her courage. "I've been thinking that taking a few lessons from him might benefit me."

The silence that followed her statement seemed to stretch for an eternity. Lady Rosier's expression shifted from surprise to concern, her lips pursing in a familiar sign of disapproval.

"Lessons? From Lord Thornbrook? I'm not certain that would be entirely... appropriate, Iris."

Iris felt her heart sink. She had anticipated her mother's resistance, but facing it directly was another matter entirely. For a moment, she considered abandoning her plan altogether, but the memory of Lord Thornbrook's music, the passion and skill with which he played, bolstered her. She took a steadying breath, her fingers twisting nervously in the folds of her skirt as she prepared to press her case.

"Please, Mama, hear me out. It's not merely for my own benefit. I had hoped... well, I had thought it might be a lovely gesture to surprise Maude with a special performance when she gets married. Something truly memorable, to show her how much she means to me. "

Lady Rosier's expression softened slightly at the mention of Maude. "That's a kind thought, my dear, but we aren't planning the wedding yet. And surely there are other music masters we could engage for such a purpose?"

"None with Lord Thornbrook's talent," Iris argued. "You heard him play, Mama. His skill is unparalleled. And think of how impressed Mr. Hartley's family would be."

Lady Rosier's frown deepened, her brow furrowing in concern. "Iris, my dear, I don't know about this."

Iris felt her cheeks flush with frustration. She opened her mouth to argue further but caught sight of her father entering the room. A spark of hope ignited in her chest. He may be more receptive to her idea.

"Papa," she said, infusing her voice with a sweetness she didn't entirely feel, "I'm so glad you're here. I was just discussing something important with Mama."

The Marquess raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Oh? And what might that be?"

Iris took a deep breath, steeling herself. "Well, you see, Papa, I've had an idea about Maude's inevitable wedding…"

Iris quickly explained her idea, watching as her father's brow furrowed in thought. To her surprise, he nodded slowly. "It's not without merit, my dear. Lord Thornbrook's talent is indeed remarkable."

Lady Rosier turned to her husband, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Surely you cannot be considering this, Charles? Think of the impropriety! A young, unmarried woman taking private lessons from a man of Lord Thornbrook's reputation."

"Hmm," the Marquess mused, stroking his chin. "Your mother does raise a valid point."

"But Papa," Iris said, thinking quickly, "I shall be chaperoned…"

The Marquess nodded slowly. After a moment of contemplation, he turned to his wife. "What do you think, my dear? Such a gesture would certainly mean a great deal to Maude."

Lady Rosier still looked unconvinced, her lips pressed into a thin line. "I don't know, Charles. The gossip alone could be damaging to Iris's reputation."

The Marquess held up a hand, his expression thoughtful. "Now, Camilla, let's not be hasty. Lord Thornbrook may have a colorful past, but he is still an Earl. And if the lessons were properly chaperoned…"

"Oh, yes! Lucy could accompany me to every lesson. Mama, please," Iris pleaded, her voice soft but earnest. "This would mean so much to me. Not just for the music but for Maude. I want to give her something special she'll always remember."

For a long moment, Lady Rosier remained silent, her gaze moving between her husband and daughter. Finally, she sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly in defeat. "Very well. But there will be conditions, Iris. Lucy must always be present, and the lessons will cease immediately if I hear even a whisper of impropriety. Do you understand?"

Iris nodded eagerly, hardly able to contain her excitement. "Yes, Mama. Thank you, thank you both!"

"My dear Camilla," said Lord Charles Rosier with a smile. "Perhaps we might invite Lord Thornbrook to dine with us this evening? It would provide an excellent opportunity to discuss this matter of music lessons in an appropriate setting."

Lady Rosier's brow furrowed for a moment before she nodded. "Yes, that would be most suitable. Iris, my dear, you shall have your chance to impress his lordship with your dedication to music."

Iris's heart leaped. "Oh, thank you, Papa, Mama! I promise I shall conduct myself with the utmost propriety. "

"See that you do," Lady Rosier said, her tone stern but her eyes soft. "Now, I must speak with Mrs. Higgins about the menu. We shall expect you dressed and ready at seven o'clock sharp."

As her parents departed, Iris could scarcely contain her excitement. She rushed to her chambers, her mind buzzing with thoughts of the impending dinner. She rang for Lucy, who helped her select her finest gown, a pale green silk that brought out the sparkle in her eyes. Its empire waist was accentuated by a delicate silver ribbon. As Lucy arranged her dark curls into an elegant coiffure, Iris practiced potential conversations in her head, determined to present herself as both accomplished and demure.

The grandfather clock in the hall chimed seven times as Iris descended the stairs, her heart fluttering with each step. As she entered the drawing room, she found her parents already present, engaged in quiet conversation. Lady Camilla Rosier looked up, her eyes appraising her daughter's appearance.

"You look lovely, my dear," she said with a nod of approval. "Remember, composure is key."

"Yes, Mama," Iris replied, smoothing her skirts nervously.

The Marquess smiled at his daughter. "You'll do splendidly, Iris. Just be yourself—your best self, that is."

Before Iris could respond, the butler appeared at the doorway. "My Lord, my ladies, the Earl of Thornbrook," he announced with a bow.

Lord Thornbrook strode into the room, cutting an impressive figure in his impeccably tailored evening coat. His dark hair was styled fashionably, and his stormy grey eyes were the same color as his attire.

"Marquess, Lady Rosier," he said, bowing to each in turn. Then his gaze fell upon Iris, and she felt her breath catch. "Lady Iris, a pleasure as always."

Iris curtsied, willing her voice to remain steady. "Good evening, Lord Thornbrook. We're delighted you could join us this evening."

"Indeed," the Marquess added, gesturing to a nearby settee. "Please, make yourself comfortable. Dinner shall be announced shortly."

As they took their seats, Iris became acutely conscious of Lord Thornbrook's nearness. She kept her posture straight, hands folded demurely in her lap, but she couldn't help stealing glances at him from beneath her lashes.

"I trust it wasn't trouble for you to come here, Lord Thornbrook?" Lady Rosier inquired politely, but not without a subtle bite in her words.

"No, not at all, Lady Rosier," he replied with a wry smile. "Though I must say, the promise of your excellent company made it far more agreeable than usual."

Iris felt a warmth spread through her at his words, even though they weren't directed at her specifically. She longed to speak, to engage him in conversation about music, literature, or any of the myriad topics that fascinated her. Still, propriety dictated that she remain silent unless directly addressed.

As if sensing her thoughts, Lord Thornbrook turned his attention to her. "And how fares your music, Lady Iris? Still ‘passable,' I presume?"

Iris felt her cheeks flush at the memory of their last encounter. "I've been practicing diligently, My Lord. Though I fear I've much to learn before I could hope to match your skill."

"Ah, but it is the journey that matters, is it not?" he replied, his tone softening slightly. "One must crawl before one can walk and walk before one can run."

The butler's reappearance interrupted their exchange. "Dinner is served, my lords, my ladies. "

As they made their way to the dining room, Iris walked beside Lord Thornbrook. She could feel the warmth radiating from his tall form and smell the faint scent of sandalwood that clung to him. It was intoxicating and terrifying all at once.

Once seated at the table, Iris mainly remained silent, as was expected of a young lady in such company. Still, she listened intently, storing away every word, every gesture of Lord Thornbrook's for later contemplation.

As the final course was cleared away, the Marquess cleared his throat. "Lord Thornbrook, if I may, there is a matter I wished to discuss with you."

Iris felt her pulse quicken. This was it—the moment she had been waiting for all evening.

"Of course," Lord Thornbrook replied, his expression curious. "I'm at your disposal."

The Marquess glanced at his daughter before continuing. "It concerns my daughter, Iris. She has expressed a desire to further her musical education, and we—Lady Rosier and myself—wondered if you might consider taking her on as a pupil."

Lord Thornbrook's eyebrows rose, his gaze flicking to Iris momentarily before returning to the Marquess. "I see. And may I ask what prompted this... unusual request?"

Lady Rosier spoke up then, her tone carefully measured. "Iris was quite impressed by your performance at the recent soirée. She hopes to prepare a special piece for her sister's wedding, you see."

"Ah, familial devotion. How touching," Lord Thornbrook mused, a hint of sarcasm coloring his words. He turned to Iris, his stormy eyes intense. "And what say you, Lady Iris? Is this truly your desire or merely a passing fancy? "

Iris took a deep breath, willing her voice to remain steady. "It is my deepest wish, My Lord. Your skill at the pianoforte is unparalleled, and I would be honored to learn from you. I assure you, I am committed to improving my abilities."

For a long moment, Lord Thornbrook simply regarded her, his expression unreadable. Iris felt as though her very soul was laid bare beneath his scrutiny. Finally, he spoke.

"Well, far be it from me to stand in the way of such admirable determination," he said, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "I would be remiss if I didn't at least attempt to mold such raw potential into true talent."

Iris's heart soared, but she forced herself to maintain a composed exterior. "Thank you, My Lord. I promise you won't regret your decision."

"I should hope not," he replied, his tone light but his eyes serious. "I warn you, Lady Iris, I am a demanding teacher. I expect nothing less than your fullest effort and dedication."

"Of course, My Lord," Iris nodded eagerly. "I shall apply myself with the utmost diligence."

The Marquess cleared his throat. "Excellent. Now, as to the practical matters—"

"Perhaps one hour twice weekly?" Lord Thornbrook suggested. "Tuesdays and Thursdays, at two in the afternoon? That should provide ample time for instruction without interfering overmuch with other social obligations."

Lady Rosier nodded her approval. "That seems a suitable arrangement. And, of course, Iris's maid, Lucy, will accompany her as chaperone. "

"Naturally," Lord Thornbrook agreed, though Iris thought she detected a hint of amusement in his tone. "We would not wish to give rise to idle gossip, now would we?"

As the evening drew to a close and Lord Thornbrook prepared to take his leave, Iris felt a curious elation. She had achieved her goal—she would spend time with the enigmatic Earl, learn from him, and perhaps even come to understand the man behind the music that had so captivated her.

"Until Tuesday then, Lady Iris," Lord Thornbrook said as he took her hand and bowed. Even through her glove, his touch sent a quiver through her body. "Do try to practice in the meantime. We wouldn't want to waste precious lesson time on scales and arpeggios, would we?"

"No indeed, My Lord," Iris replied, a small smile on her lips. "I shall endeavor to surprise you with my progress."

As the door closed behind him, Iris turned to face her parents. Her mother's expression was of resignation, while her father looked quietly pleased.

"Well, my dear," the Marquess said, affectionately patting her hand, "you have your wish. See that you make the most of this opportunity."

"I will, Papa," Iris promised, her voice filled with determination. "I won't let you down."

As she ascended the stairs to her bedchamber that night, a sudden, unbidden, and slightly hysterical giggle escaped her lips. Iris clapped a hand over her mouth, shocked at her own behavior. What had come over her?

"Well, My Lady?" came Lucy's voice as Iris reached her bedchamber. Iris nearly jumped, having missed her presence. "What does his lordship say?"

Iris met her maid's curious gaze, her own eyes shining with barely contained joy. "He's agreed to the lessons, Lucy. We start next week!"

Her hands trembled slightly as she recalled his words, scarcely able to believe that he had agreed to her request. Twirling around the room, Iris let out a laugh of pure joy. She would be spending time with Lord Thornbrook, learning from him, perhaps even coming to understand him.

Even as she reveled in her excitement, a small voice in her mind whispered a warning. Lord Thornbrook was not a man to be trifled with. Shrouded in scandal and tragedy, his past served as a stark reminder of the risks involved in allowing her heart to become too invested.

And yet, Iris couldn't help but feel that something significant had shifted. The music had formed a connection between them, a bridge across the chasm of propriety and societal expectations. Whether that bridge would lead to heartache or happiness remained to be seen.

That night, Iris's dreams were unusually vivid. She found herself in the music room at Thornbrook Manor, seated before a grand piano. Lord Thornbrook stood behind her, his presence both thrilling and intimidating.

" You must feel the music, Lady Iris... "