Chapter Nine
Harriet woke earlythe next morning, feeling as if she’d dreamed of Joseph all night. If only he hadn’t caught her eye when she’d finished performing last evening. The delight on his face, as if he were proud of her, had caught her breath.
Not merely proud—but something else, something more. Whatever it was, it thrilled her, leaving a warm glow in its wake.
Even now, remembering that look was enough to make her heart race. Unable to hold back her smile, she stretched, deciding it was going to be a good day.
Sally, the maid, came to help her dress and advised her that Frances had risen as well and was looking forward to their walk.
“Please tell her I’ll be down directly,” Harriet said, her mood lifting even further.
The hour was early enough that only a few other guests were in the dining room.
Frances stood the moment Harriet entered. “Can you make do with a slice of bread? We could take it with us.”
“Perfect,” Harriet agreed and walked to the sideboard to select a piece.
Soon, they were striding across the field, eating their freshly baked bread, and agreed nothing had tasted better.
The air was cool, the sky overcast with the smell of the rain that had fallen during the night lending a freshness to it.
“Wasn’t last evening wonderful?” Frances asked as she brushed the crumbs from her fingers and donned her gloves.
“It was.” Harriet finished hers as well and did the same, tightening her cloak around her. The brisk air was invigorating.
Frances touched her arm, eyes wide with enthusiasm. “Did you notice? Viscount Garland applauded at the end of both of my performances so enthusiastically. I could hardly believe it.”
“Oh?” Harriet’s fine mood diminished. Why had she thought his reaction to her playing was special?
“His gaze met mine, and I felt as if my heart might beat from my chest.”
Yes, that described the feeling precisely, which only made her feel worse.
How silly to think he’d thought her playing special, that he’d realized she’d been thinking of him as she performed.
Frances continued talking while Harriet’s thoughts drifted, trying to recapture what she thought she’d experienced last evening, only to be certain she must’ve imagined it.
They’d nearly reached the forested area when Frances halted with a gasp. “Oh, dear. I was supposed to check with Mother before we departed.”
Harriet stopped as well, not ready to return inside, hoping Frances wouldn’t ask her to.