The Melody of A Lady's Heart: A Historical Regency Romance Book

by Aria Norton

  Nathaniel whirled around, his hand on his chest. "Oh! I did not expect to see you there, sir. What may I do for you?"

  Not another job, I hope. Helena was more than enough work for him. Nathaniel noticed the pinched look around the man's lips and the disapproving look in his eyes. What on earth was the matter? I am confident that I have been doing the right thing. Surely I am not in trouble for anything? I suppose one can never know with Debussy.

  "I expect you to be in my office in the next five minutes, Monsieur Baudelaire. Not a minute more. Do you understand?"

  I see someone has woken up on the wrong side of the bed today. Not that the master needed an excuse to be grumpy.

  "Yes, sir. I will be there right away."

  The man nodded, his hands clasped behind his back. "Make sure you are."

  Monsieur Debussy left the room, and with it the tension he always brought with him.

  "I suppose I should get going lest he says that I'm late and threaten to fire me!"

  Would that be such a bad thing?

  Nathaniel entered the master's office a little under five minutes, taking an offered seat.

  "There has been a change in plans," the man began, stroking his moustache. "You will no longer be tutoring Lord Pembroke's daughter."

  Nathaniel stilled. "I beg your pardon?"

  "Lord and Lady Pembroke no longer require your services, Monsieur Baudelaire. You will resume your teaching at this school as before."

  "I don't understand, sir."

  Nathaniel really didn't. Just yesterday, he had seen Helena. What could have changed since then?

  "It does not matter why or how the client decides something, Monsieur Baudelaire, only that they do. They are on their way to London as we speak."

  What? "But they were not due to leave now!" Nathaniel argued.

  What on earth had made them change their minds? Had Helena known about it beforehand? No, I don't think so. I believe her parents sprung this on her at the last minute. Lord and Lady Pembroke did not strike him as the sort of people to suddenly decide on something, or fail to inform their daughter beforehand of their plans. Something didn't seem right.

  "I suggest you leave this matter and continue with your work here," the man cautioned. "There is no need to think about this any longer. You may leave."

  Just like that? Did Monsieur Debussy believe that he would simply let the matter go without finding out what was going on? I am sure that he knows something about this sudden matter, but he is refusing to tell me.

  "Did Lord Pembroke say anything in particular about these lessons? Will I resume them once they return?"

  "If you value your position in this school, you will do well to stay away from Lady Barclay."

  That sounded like a threat to Nathaniel. Why was Monsieur Debussy warning him away from Helena? It didn't make any sense whatsoever. However, there was no point in arguing about it right now.

  Nathaniel left the office with a heavy heart, confusion eating away at his peace of mind and at the happiness he had felt mere moments ago.

  "How can I never see her again?"

  Nathaniel returned to his classroom, his legs giving way as he sat down. Why did the prospect of never seeing her again fill him with such dread? Perhaps it was time to acknowledge his feelings for what they were.

  "I like her a great deal. Perhaps I even love her! I have never felt love before, so I cannot know for sure, but I do know that I will not be able to spend my life without her in it."

  If he pursued her, was he willing to lose his job? Nathaniel risked getting kicked out of the school if Monsieur Debussy were to discover that he had gone against his warning and followed Helena.

  "But if she feels the same way about me- which I believe she does- then it wouldn't be such a terrible thing to lose my job."

  He might even be disgraced and have difficulty finding a job elsewhere, but where there was a will, there was a way, right? At least, his mother always used to say that to him, growing up.

  "I could use her advice right now. Maman always seems to know what to do or say."

  Unfortunately, speaking to her was out of the question until she returned from Cornwall, and by then Helena might be married.

  "I suppose there is only one thing I can do. I'll have to follow her to London and get to the bottom of this situation. There must be a reason behind this sudden change."

  Helena would have told him that she was leaving for London soon, wouldn't she? Nathaniel believed so.

  "I haven't a doubt in my mind that her parents made this sudden decision, but why? And why would Monsieur Debussy specifically tell me to stay away from Helena unless something had been said to him?"

  Could Helena's parents have caught wind that the relationship he had with their daughter was not the usual tutor-student relationship?

  "I'll only know when I get to London."

  A week later, Nathaniel managed to convince Monsieur Debussy that he had to leave for London right away to prepare himself for his performances. It wasn't in the least true because Nathaniel had already been preparing for the balls, but the man didn't nee to know that.

  Right now, the only fear Nathaniel had was if Helena had already found a suitor and was being courted.

  I'm coming, Helena. Just hold on a little while longer.

  Beatrix knew that Nathaniel was up to something. She had been watching him for the past week, worried that he might decide to go after Helena.

  "It was a good thing that I managed to overhear his conversation with Monsieur Debussy last week, or I would have never known just how well my plan worked out."

  Beatrix had no doubt in her mind that Lord and Lady Pembroke's sudden wish to end their daughter's lessons and head to London had everything to do with the rumours she had planted.

  "It certainly didn't take long for them to reach Lord and Lady Pembroke. I wonder what they said when they confronted their foolish daughter about them?"

  That would teach Lady Barclay not to get close to another woman's intended. Let her find her own kind at the London Season!

  Beatrix kept an eye on the clock in her tiny classroom, waiting for Nathaniel to arrive. He was a little later than usual today. Had she missed him?

  "Maybe I should stand outside the door and watch for him there."

  Beatrix made her way to the door just in time to see a determined Nathaniel walk straight into Monsieur Debussy's office. What could he want there? Beatrix hurried to the master's office, looking this way and that before pressing her ear against the door. What she heard next confirmed her fears. Nathaniel was going to London!

  "He doesn't fool me one bit," she muttered under her breath. "He says that he's going to prepare for his performances, but I know better. Nathaniel is going to see Helena- I'm sure of it."

  Well, if he was going, then she had to go as well. Tiptoeing away from the door, Beatrix mind was already coming up with a plan to keep Nathaniel and Helena apart. She could not have them meeting and clearing up any misunderstandings.

  "If Lady Barclay marries soon, then I'll have Nathaniel to myself without the worry of him leaving me to be with her."

  Would Monsieur Debussy give her a few weeks off? If he didn't, then Beatrix would just have to quit. What good would a job do if she lost Nathaniel?

  "I don't care what that old man says. I'm going to London."

  Two weeks later

  Spying on people was becoming a tad too expensive. Beatrix knew that her money was dwindling at an alarming speed, but she had no choice. Thank goodness, Aunt Tilly lived in London, or she would have never been able to afford to stay here. The spinster had only been too happy to have a visitor for the Season and insisted on paying for whatever Beatrix needed from dresses to gloves and shoes.

  "Papa's sister has certainly been a great help. I wonder why she never married?"

  The woman was still attractive, but she was rather timid. Beatrix had no patience for people who couldn't or wouldn't voice their opinions and stand their ground
. A woman had to be made of sterner stuff to survive in this world!

  "Why, look at my own situation. If I had been timid, then Nathaniel would be in the arms of that horrible Lady Barclay, and I would be all alone."

  That was a fate worse than death in her opinion.

  Adjusting her bonnet, Beatrix waited for Olivia to appear. Thankfully, the woman had accompanied Lord and Lady Pembroke to London, making it easier for Beatrix to spy on Helena. It was essential to know the woman's whereabouts at all times, primarily where Nathaniel was concerned. Beatrix knew where he was currently staying and often passed the townhouse to see if he was at home or not. According to her spies, Nathaniel had not yet seen Helena which suited Beatrix just fine.

  "The longer he takes to see her, the more time Helena has to find herself a suitor."

  Where was Olivia? The woman should have been here by now. Beatrix decided to focus her attention on the crates of flowers outside the florist's shop, nearly jumping a foot in the air when a hand touched her arm.

  "Miss, it's me," said Olivia. "My apologies for scaring you."

  "Next time, announce yourself before laying a hand on me," Beatrix snapped. "What information do you have for me today? I hope that it's better than the last bit of nonsense you gave me."

  "Yes, miss," the maid nodded eagerly. "I have overheard that Lady Barclay will be walking in Hyde Park with a young gentleman by the name of Luke Christiansen."

  That was good news! In fact, it was perfect! "Well done, Olivia. You have really come through for me this time. Do you know when they will have this outing?"

  "Not yet, miss. Lady Barclay didn't mention a time, but I will continue to eavesdrop, and as soon as I hear a day, I'll be sure to come and tell you."

  "You do that," said Beatrix, handing a sack of money to the woman. "I hope that you're discreet, Olivia. I would hate for you to be discovered by the other servants."

  The woman grinned at the sack in her hands. "I'm most careful, miss. No one suspects a thing, I assure you."

  "Good, good. Now, you must go before anyone notices that you're talking to me."

  Olivia curtsied, hurrying off into the crowd. Well, well, it seemed that Beatrix's plan was going to work out precisely how she had figured.

  "Now, it's for Nathaniel to see Lady Barclay with this Luke fellow and finally put this matter to rest."

  Beatrix knew that Nathaniel was coming into Oxford Street today, but she wasn't sure at what time. The boy she had hired to spy on him wasn't very good, but at least he was cheap.

  "I shall have to walk around and try to spot Nathaniel in the crowd."

  It wouldn't be hard to do because he was quite easily one of the most handsome men around. Perhaps she could have some tea first since she was feeling somewhat parched. Beatrix wasn't yet familiar with the tea houses on this street, but her aunt would be.

  "Where has Aunt Tilly disappeared to? I asked her to remain outside the glove shop!"

  Beatrix scanned the crowd, her eyes lighting up when she saw a familiar figure. Her aunt forgotten about, Beatrix made her way to Nathaniel, pushing people out of the way. Some protested, and others just uttered little cries of surprise.

  "Why stand in the middle of the way?" Beatrix said loud enough for them to hear. "I cannot understand these Londoners!"

  Now, where was Nathaniel? Beatrix could no longer see him. She gave a growl of frustration and was ready to turn back when she spotted him again.

  "There he is! What is he carrying in his hand?"

  It looked like a gift box. Was Nathaniel buying a gift for Helena? He has never bought one for me, and I have known him the longest! Oh, the unfairness of it all!

  Beatrix pushed through the crowd even harder, keeping her eyes on Nathaniel. When she was within calling distance, she shouted his name.

  "Nathaniel!"

  He turned towards her, momentarily frowning before a grim look came over his face. I see he is not happy to see me. Ungrateful cad! He should be kissing the very ground I walk on for what I'm about to do. Beatrix was going to save him from Helena's clutches before he really made a fool of himself.

  "Beatrix, I didn't realise you were in London as well," he said as she drew up to him.

  "Now, is that any way to greet an old friend?"

  "I'm sorry. I merely surprised to see you here. What are you doing in London? I'm surprised Monsieur Debussy gave you some time off."

  Beatrix didn't bother telling Nathaniel that she had quit. He doesn't need to know all that just yet.

  "I had some time due to me, so I thought it would be wonderful to see what this London Season is all about. What do you have there?" she asked, pointing at the gift box.

  "Oh, this? It's a gift for someone."

  "For Lady Barclay, perhaps?" said Beatrix getting straight to the point.

  To her surprise, Nathaniel didn't deny it. "If you must know, yes, it is for her."

  He doesn't even have the decency to lie about it! Does he care so little about me?

  "I thought so. You're wasting your time pursuing Lady Barclay, Nathaniel."

  His eyes widened for a bit before his brow settled into a frown. "What do you know about that?"

  "I've heard rumours, that is all. Why are you chasing after a woman who is currently gallivanting about town with different suitors?"

  Nathaniel's frown deepened. "What are you talking about?"

  "Don't you know? Lady Barclay is in demand. She has been seen about town with several suitors since arriving in London. I suppose she wishes to marry soon."

  "That's impossible," Nathaniel denied. "I don't believe you."

  "Indeed? I do have proof, or I shall have it soon enough. All I ask is that you do not go to see her just yet. Wait a little while longer, and I'll reveal her true colours to you."

  Beatrix held her breath, wondering if Nathaniel would agree. He took a while to answer, but when he did, Beatrix knew that she had won.

  "Very well. I will wait, but not too long."

  “That's all I ask,” she said with a smile.

  Chapter 18

  Helena closed her sketchbook with a bang. "I never thought I would say this, but I am tired of art."

  "You don't mean that," Rose remarked.

  "I do! At least at this moment, anyway. I do not think that I have ever sketched as many flowers and birds as I have since I arrived in London. I need to find something else to fill my afternoons."

  Helena didn't like having a free moment because that would lead to thoughts about Nathaniel and that she didn't want.

  "Did you not promise Luke that you would walk through Hyde Park with him?" Rose asked. "I could do with a stretch of my legs."

  "That's not until tomorrow, but I suppose I can have Gerald send him a note that I've changed my mind and wish to go today. Do you think he would agree?"

  "Is the sky blue?" Rose countered.

  "Yes, that was silly of me to ask. Of course, he'll come running like a pig to its trough. Not that I'm comparing him to a pig, mind you. He is rather handsome, but he does annoy me at times."