by Cate Morgan
From Christie’s Auction Book:
Lot Description
ANTONIO STRADIVARI
A VIOLIN KNOWN AS THE LADY TENNANT, CREMOA, 1699
Labelled Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis Facebay Anno 1699 also bearing an illegible inscription internally dated 1790, length of back 13 15/16 in (354 mm), with a brass mounted fitted case of walnut and satinwood veneer, probably for W.E. Hill and Sons, engraved on the lock plate Lady Tennant/40 Grosvenor Square W. (2)
Sold: 2.8M Euro
Buyer: Anonymous
Tamsin leaned back against the plush leather seat of Robert’s rented town car, her head spinning with music and applause, the excitement of the auction. All that money, all for Charlie’s foundation.
And of course there was Robert’s other gift to her—establishing her reputation in a public forum, before her audience knew whose daughter she was. She had a voice, now. One that had been vindicated.
Robert slid into the seat next to her, directing the driver home.
“Where is home these days?” Tamsin wanted to know.
“Strange thing,” he said, smiling down at her. “It seems a house came onto the market, quite unexpectedly.” He crossed one leg over the other and brushed nonexistent lint from his pant leg. “I thought it might do for spell, if you’re amenable.”
“Oh?” She narrowed her eyes, though she couldn't conceal a smile. “What are you up to, Robert?”
The town car pulled into traffic. “Not me, for once. Vivien.”
Tamsin braced herself. “Now what does she want?”
“It seems she left at intermission—urgent business regrettably called her away.”
“I’ll bet.” She lifted a brow. “What else did she have to say?”
“She offered us the country house for as long as we want it, and at a very reasonable lease at that. So I moved back in.” He gazed down at her with brilliant eyes. “Is that all right?”
“It’s perfect,” she said, and meant it.
“Good.” He slid an arm around her shoulders and drew her to him, tilting her chin up for his kiss.
The sudden patter of rain drew her attention to the dark, cool window. “It’s raining.”
“So it is.” Robert took her bow hand in his, weaving his long fingers through hers.
Tamsin nestled into the curve of his embrace, eyes fixed on the diamond sparkle and random drum beat of rain on the window, just in time to see the moonlight break through the clouds.
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In the meantime, please enjoy the following unedited excerpt from Waking Muse #2, currently scheduled for release in Fall 2014.
HEARTH & HOME
Waking Muse #2