Robert Andrews sat beside Lester and stretched out his long legs, wondering just what Alexander Stansfield was up to. Whatever his interest in the boy was he obviously intended to include him as well.
‘You are an accomplished pianist,’ Alex began. ‘I play, but not with your skill and flair. It was a pleasure to listen to you this evening.’
‘Thank you, sir.’
‘What the devil are you doing here?’
Bob watched Holdsworth frown at the abrupt question.
‘It was my father’s wish.’
‘But is it yours?’
‘No, sir,’ Lester replied honestly. ‘We had won places at the Royal College of Music, but our father has no interest in music.’
‘We?’
‘I have a sister, and she’s a singer of great promise. Opera is her love.’
‘Sister? Who has been your tutor?’
‘Professor Elland, sir.’
‘What are your Christian names?’ Alex demanded with a look of surprise on his face.
‘Lester and Lillia.’
Alex swore under his breath and surged to his feet, taking Bob completely by surprise. He had known Alex for ten years, and this kind of emotional reaction was not like him.
‘You are twins!’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Professor Elland is a family friend and has often spoken with pride about his twins, as he refers to you. What are your father’s reasons for sending you here?’
‘To become a soldier?’ The corners of Lester’s mouth twitched as he made that sound like a question.
‘And do you believe you can?’
‘Not if I can help it, sir.’
Bob chuckled at the blunt reply and noticed amusement spread across Alex’s strong features.
‘If your plan is to fail then you are not making a very good job of it. I understand you are already receiving praise from your instructors.’
‘Quite unintentional, I assure you. I will have to try harder because that is the only plan I have.’ Lester tipped his head to one side as he looked at the officer, feeling quite at ease with this man. He had the air of calm strength about him and gave the impression of someone you could turn to in times of need. ‘You wouldn’t like to throw me out for insubordination, would you, sir?’
‘Unlikely. I have only taken charge here today – and I am very tolerant.’
‘Ah, I’m sorry to hear that. I’ll have to find another way.’
They were all laughing now and the atmosphere was relaxed.
‘You haven’t answered my questions about your father’s motives. You don’t have to say, of course, but I would like to know.’
‘I can’t tell you what is in his mind, but for some reason he is determined to stop us having a musical career. He has no interest in music and considers we make the house like bedlam.’ Lester paused and clenched his hands tightly together and his concerns poured out. ‘He was also determined to separate us. We have never been apart and I’m worried about my sister. He’s accepted an offer of marriage for her from Lord Dalton. She has a plan to make him withdraw the offer, but it doesn’t appear to be working any better than mine.’
‘Is there no one you can turn to for help?’ Bob asked, touched by the boy’s anguish for his sister.
‘No, sir. Our mother has always protected us as much as she can, but in this case she is helpless against such a tyrant. We will not allow her to do anything that would make her life even more difficult.’
‘I see your dilemma,’ Alex remarked gently. ‘But don’t give up hope.’
‘We won’t do that, sir.’ Lester relaxed and smiled again. ‘Something will happen to turn the tide for us.’
‘I’m sure it will.’ Alex nodded to Bob. ‘I want you to give Lester written permission to play the piano when the lounge is not in use.’
‘Oh, thank you, sir!’ Lester was on his feet, his face alight with pleasure.
‘Only when your lessons are over for the day. After all, we wouldn’t want you to fail, would we? Off you go and get some sleep, and thank you for a very entertaining evening.’
‘It was my pleasure, sir.’
When the door closed behind the boy, Alex sighed deeply. ‘Did you notice he called his father a tyrant?’
‘I did, and I got the impression he was here only because they are trying to protect their mother. You know their tutor then.’
Alex nodded. ‘Joshua Elland is one of the best musical tutors to be found anywhere. And his praise for the twins’ talents is the highest. He must be devastated to have lost them. I’ll go and see him, and in the meantime I want you to find out all you can about General Holdsworth. I’m damned if I can place him.’
‘What are your intentions, Alex? We can’t interfere in a family matter.’
‘I know that, but he is a pupil here and therefore his well-being must be our concern. I just want a clearer picture of his home life and upbringing. When I was talking to him I had the feeling that he would make a fine army officer, even though he doesn’t want to be here.’
‘I agree. He is showing great promise without even trying.’
‘But he is a musician at heart, so we have a problem on our hands.’ Alex smiled wryly at Bob. ‘I knew this job wasn’t going to be easy. Fancy a drink before turning in?’
‘Good idea.’
Chapter Five
‘You’ve been a long time,’ James whispered when Lester crept back to the room. ‘Did you play for the top brass?’
He nodded as he removed his shoes, trying not to disturb the other boys. ‘And I’ve been talking to the new man in charge – Brigadier Stansfield.’
‘I know him.’
‘He’s very tolerant, he told me.’
James stifled a laugh. ‘He’s got a sense of humour. You didn’t believe that, did you?’
‘Not sure, but time will tell. How do you know him?’
‘He’s a friend of the family.’
‘He seems a decent man. He’s going to let me play the piano when the lounge isn’t being used.’
‘My goodness, you must have made an impression.’
‘Will you two shut up!’ one of the other boys muttered. ‘We are trying to sleep.’
‘Sorry.’ Lester quickly undressed and dived into bed, then reached over and prodded James in the next bed. ‘Did you tell them I could play the piano?’
James nodded, white teeth showing in the gloom.
‘Thanks.’ Lester settled down to sleep.
They were on their lunch break the next day when Captain Andrews came into the dining room and approached Lester.
‘When you have finished your meal Brigadier Stansfield wants to see you.’
‘I’ll come right now, sir.’ Lester was immediately on his feet, hoping the call was to give him the pass for the lounge. ‘Is he in the same office?’
‘No, we used mine last night. I’ll show you where he is.’
Lester heard the murmur of interest from the other boys as he walked out with the officer. James was about to be bombarded with questions, but he didn’t care what they said about him. He was desperately hoping that his stay here was going to be short.
‘Did you sleep well? We kept you late last night.’
‘Very well, sir.’
‘Good. What is your mother’s name?’
‘Sara.’ Lester gave the captain a puzzled glance.
‘That’s a charming name. And what is your father’s full name?’
‘General Gilbert Holdsworth. I don’t know if he has a middle name.’
The officer stopped by a door, rapped sharply and then opened it. ‘Holdsworth, sir.’
The brigadier looked up from the papers he was studying. ‘Thank you, Captain. Did you get what you needed?’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Good. Come in, young man and sit down.’
Hoping he was going to get his longed-for pass, he sat down and waited.
‘I have been receiving messages all morning from
the guests to say how much they enjoyed the music last night. Everyone was impressed with the quality of your playing.’
Lester bowed his head in acknowledgement of the compliment. ‘It was a pleasure to play for them, sir.’
‘I have a favourite Chopin piece that I have never been able to master.’ He handed over some sheet music. ‘Would you show me how it should be played?’
‘When would you like to hear it?’ Lester asked, quickly scanning the score for ‘Étude Op. 10 No. 12 in C Minor’.
‘Right now.’
He looked up in surprise. ‘My lunch break is almost over.’
‘I have arranged for you to have an extra hour. Consider it as a practice hour. Come on.’
There were only two people in the lounge and they watched with interest as Lester settled at the piano.
The brigadier sat where he had a good view and nodded, indicating that Lester could start. ‘Play my piece first and then anything you like. I’ll tell you when it’s time to return to your class.’
That time came all too quickly for Lester, and when he looked up he was surprised to see at least a dozen people in the room. They applauded and he stood up, bowing with a flourish and laughing with pleasure.
‘How I wish I could play like that,’ Alex said as he came over to Lester. ‘That was splendid.’
‘I am pleased you enjoyed it, sir, but I need time and good tuition before I reach the standard I am aiming for.’
‘Perfection?’
‘I’m not sure such a thing is possible,’ Lester laughed, ‘but I intend to get as close to it as possible.’
‘You are asking a lot of yourself.’
‘I know, but the challenge drives me.’
‘I have a feeling you will succeed.’
‘Listen to me in ten years’ time and see if your instinct is correct, sir.’ Lester glanced at the clock. ‘Thank you for this hour. I really appreciate your interest.’
Bob walked over to join them and handed Lester an envelope. ‘Here is your pass to use the lounge and a list of the times it could be empty. If you come here when there are more than four people relaxing here, you must ask for their permission to play the piano. Should they object you are to leave at once. Is that clear?’
‘Perfectly. I assure you I will not abuse the privilege.’
‘See you don’t or it will be withdrawn. Now you must hurry to your next class.’
They watched as Lester strode from the room and Bob shook his head, his fair hair falling over his forehead. ‘I hope you know what you are doing, Alex. If the other boys feel you are showing undue favouritism it could make life difficult for the boy. Remember, whatever his talent, he is still a student here. I’m responsible for seeing discipline is maintained.’
‘He’s tough enough to take it with good humour – both mentally and physically. You can stop worrying, though. I have only taken him out of class this once because I needed to find out just how good he is.’
Bob sighed. ‘And now you know you are going to interfere.’
‘I am, indeed. Have you managed to find out anything about General Holdsworth?’
‘Not yet.’
‘Then get to it as soon as you can. His army records should be easy to trace even if he has retired from the service.’
‘I’ll do that now. What are you going to do next?’
‘This evening I shall visit my friend Joshua Elland. He should be able to tell me exactly what the situation is with this family.’
The door to the practice room was slightly open, and Alex settled down to wait for Joshua to finish the lesson. The voice he could hear was good and powerful. As it soared effortlessly to the top notes, Alex drew in a deep breath and revised his opinion. It was better than good, but Josh clearly wasn’t satisfied and was pushing her hard.
When they came out of the music room, Alex was surprised to see how young the pupil was. He hadn’t imagined that from the maturity of her voice.
‘Alex!’ Joshua beamed with pleasure. ‘Lillia, come and meet my good friend Brigadier Stansfield.’
She stepped forward smiling, and Alex felt a jolt of recognition as he looked into a pair of clear green eyes. ‘It was a pleasure to listen to you, Miss Holdsworth. You are so like your brother.’
‘We are twins. Do you know Lester?’ she asked eagerly.
‘I’ve met him at the academy.’
Her smile fled and was replaced with worry. ‘Is he all right?’
‘He is doing well. You don’t need to be concerned about him.’
‘That isn’t easy, sir. This is the first time we have ever been apart and I miss him dreadfully.’
‘It must be difficult for you, but his tutors speak highly of him and he has made many friends. He is a very charming young man.’
‘That is kind of you to say so. I still worry, though. It has been a pleasure to meet you, sir. Goodnight, Professor.’
The moment she left, Joshua turned on Alex. ‘I heard you have been given a new posting. Is it at the academy? Do you have my boy there?’
‘I do, and that is why I am here.’
‘Oh, thank the Lord. This is a terrible situation. We must help him!’
‘Calm down. He’s all right and seems to be a sensible boy. In fact, from what I have seen of him he will make an excellent officer.’
‘That cannot be allowed to happen. Rarely does talent of the kind the twins possess come along in a lifetime. I have nurtured them since they were five years old and watched their abilities blossom. Lester has been snatched away from me and I have that delightful girl only twice a week! That is not nearly enough, and that unfeeling man is proposing to marry her off to Lord Dalton.’ Joshua’s face crumpled with despair. ‘This cannot be allowed to happen,’ he repeated. ‘Lillia is destined for the operatic stage, and Lester – the prospect of what he can become takes my breath away. The world must not be deprived of my children’s talent!’
Touched by his friend’s obvious distress, Alex made him sit down. ‘I’ve heard him play and he is good …’
‘Good? Don’t be so insulting! You have a better ear for music than that. You are in a position now to help him. I beg of you, my friend. I am helpless – helpless,’ he moaned.
Alex poured them both a stiff drink from the cabinet in the corner of the room and handed one to Joshua. ‘I’m not sure how much I can do, but you can start by telling me all you know about the family.’
‘I know little of the father. He is illusive and not very sociable. Mrs Holdsworth, on the other hand, is a charming lady and loves her talented children dearly. She is clearly devastated by this turn of events, but like the rest of us feels powerless to act against such an unpleasant husband. The twins are very protective of her and will not allow her to do anything to anger him. How such a cultured woman came to marry a man like that is a mystery. He doesn’t like music!’
‘That is a crime, indeed,’ Alex remarked dryly. ‘One wonders how the children came to be so musical.’
‘Ah, that is another mystery. They have inherited nothing from their father, which is a good thing.’ Joshua gave his friend a calculated look. ‘Now you are in charge of the academy would you let me come once or twice a week to continue Lester’s tuition? I assume you do have a piano of suitable quality there?’
‘We do, but I’m afraid I can’t let you do that. The boy is there for training to become an officer in the army. I can’t interfere with that or show him too much favouritism. I have already overstepped the line by allowing him to play the piano in the officers’ lounge.’
‘Thank you for that! Without a piano that boy will fret.’ Joshua tipped his head to one side. ‘Are you sure you couldn’t bend the rules just a little more and allow me to come there?’
‘Absolutely not. However, at the end of term we have an open day when the parents are allowed to visit. You can come as my guest.’
‘And will this special day be held in the lounge?’ Joshua asked sneakily.
Alex laughed
. ‘It will – and perhaps the twins will entertain us with a song or two?’
‘They will! Thank you, thank you.’
‘Now that is settled, get your coat and hat and I will take you out to dinner.’
Lillia was even more worried about her brother after hearing Brigadier Stansfield’s opinion that Lester was doing well at the military academy. That wasn’t the plan at all. He was supposed to fail. She wasn’t doing any better either. Even her involvement with the WSPU hadn’t made Lord Dalton change his mind about making her his wife. He appeared to think it was a joke.
When she walked into the house a maid was waiting for her inside the door.
‘Lord Dalton is waiting to see you. He’s in the lounge, Miss Lillia.’
She muttered a rude word under her breath and was in no mood to be civil to him tonight. ‘Where is my mother?’ she asked.
‘Mrs Holdsworth has retired early with a bad headache,’ the maid answered.
‘I’ll go and see her as soon as I’ve got rid of His Lordship.’ Now she was worried about her mother. It was unlike her to take to her bed, especially with a guest in her house.
‘Ah, there you are – at last!’ Lord Dalton said as she entered the room. ‘I have been waiting for almost an hour.’
‘We were not aware you were calling tonight. Mother is unwell, and I had my music lesson with Professor Elland.’
‘Surely that is unnecessary now. You are quite proficient enough.’
‘Proficient enough for what, sir?’ She was at the end of her patience with this pompous man.
‘For entertaining guests, of course.’
Something inside her snapped, and without her mother or Lester to hold her in check, she spoke her mind. ‘I have been training since I was five years old, and I do not intend to waste all that hard work singing in drawing rooms! My aim is the concert stage and opera house.’
‘You can forget those foolish notions,’ he told her. ‘Once we are married your job will be to help me with my career and entertain my guests.’
‘Married, sir?’ She shook her head. ‘My father arranged that with you. I have not been consulted, and I have never received a proposal of marriage from you.’
When the Music Stopped Page 4