“Yes, I can imagine the scene. She is eternally gracious and encouraging.”
“Indeed, I shall not argue that truism. However, she later forced me to sit at the harpsichord as she explained my errors, enumerating each one and demonstrating the proper way to play the notes. She was patient and kind, but also amazingly firm that I practice until I learned it correctly!”
They both laughed, Darcy shaking his head. “Tenacious and passionate, at seven! And now to study with the masters in Paris. I should have foreseen this future coming to pass, yet I never have imagined it. Thank you, Mr. Butler, for inspiring my sister to fulfill this dream.”
“Then you are not disturbed by the idea? Of her attending the Conservatoire, I mean.”
Darcy lifted a brow, tone conveying his astonishment. “Not at all. Did she believe I would be? Is that the reason for the secrecy?”
“She was unsure. I was unsure. From your perspective, all of this”—Sebastian waved his hand—“me, Paris, marriage, must appear abrupt and overwhelming. Compound the matter with the notion of a woman studying, a concept not as accepted in England as it is abroad, and we feared your opposition.”
“A few years ago I would have balked at the prospect, I admit. And I am certain I would not allow her to dwell in Paris as an unmarried lady.” He shrugged. “Then again, surrounding myself with highly accomplished and extremely independent women as I have these past years has broadened my thinking. At least to a degree, since I am relieved she will be accompanied by her husband.”
“Her husband,” Sebastian repeated dreamily, a ridiculous grin upon his face. “I do adore the vision that phrase conjures.” At Darcy’s low chuckle he collected himself with a start, flushing and clearing his throat. “Then, I… May I conclude we have your blessing, Mr. Darcy? Have I the honor of formally announcing Miss Darcy is my betrothed?”
“Indeed you do, Mr. Butler.”
Sebastian exhaled in a gush, closing his eyes for a moment before jumping up with the unleashed enthusiasm of a man giddy in love. “Thank you, sir! You have no idea how happy I am! How happy we are at your approval.”
“You are mistaken, Mr. Butler. I have perfect knowledge of how happy you are. Discovering one’s partner in life is a divine gift.” He rose and extended his hand to his future brother-in-law. “I have hoped and prayed for Georgiana to be as fortunate as I have been with Mrs. Darcy. You have brought happiness and relief into my life by treasuring my sister, and I thank you for that.”
“I do treasure her, very much. I want you to know as well that I have planned our immediate future most carefully. Lady Warrow owns a maison de ville in Paris where we will reside with every comfort Miss Darcy deserves and is accustomed to. Money is plentiful so she will want for nothing. We both have friends there, so she will not be without society and companionship. My mother is already renovating a suite at Whistlenell Hall and organizing a grand reception before we leave to Europe, though I warned both actions were precipitous, and my father is gradually adjusting to the idea of Miss Darcy as my chosen bride…”
“I beg your pardon?” Darcy interrupted roughly. “Why would he need to adjust to the idea? Does Lord Essenton have an issue with Miss Darcy?”
Sebastian sucked in his breath. “Forgive me, Mr. Darcy. I should have explained the difficulties with my father more thoroughly. Be assured that Lord Essenton has never, not once, spoken against Miss Darcy in any way. How could he? She has impeccable manners, a lovely personality, culture and beauty, excellent credentials…”
“I know all this. No need to state the obvious. Yet he does not approve?”
“His… reluctance is not based on Miss Darcy in particular. Rather it is his displeasure with the path I have chosen in life. Or, to be blunt, his displeasure with me not walking the path he prefers I do. I respect my father greatly, sir, but he and I have not always seen eye to eye.”
Sebastian straightened, jutting his chin and suddenly looking years older than twenty-three. Darcy’s brow lifted at the abrupt maturity; Sebastian continuing in a firm timbre, “I alluded to some of this in regards to my musical pursuits. Lord Essenton has never comprehended my desires and I regret to confess the battles have been bitter at times. His displeasure pains me, but I am not a man to be bullied and have pursued my studies regardless.”
“I see. Has he learned to accept your choice?”
“He tolerates it, primarily due to my grandmother’s influence and support. Yet also because I have promised him innumerable times that music and my dreams of study and composing do not supplant my love for our estate. He does not concur, but I see no reason both cannot be a part of my life. I think that despite my verbalized conviction he persists in considering it a phase I will grow out of.”
Darcy was nodding and rubbing his chin. “I know Lord Essenton more by reputation than personal familiarity, but do believe I can guess that he now sees marriage as a distraction and further upset—especially to a lady as passionate about music as you. Correct?”
“Partially this is the case. Mainly I think he is simply so accustomed to disagreeing with all I do that the argument comes naturally and without forethought.” Sebastian shrugged, but his expression revealed his sorrow while remaining resolute. “However, the other area we have long disagreed upon is his insistence that I marry a cousin on my mother’s side. To be frank, the lady in question disgusts me for numerous reasons, but even if that were not the case, I have steadfastly refused to marry anyone other than whom I chose: a woman I love and who meets the standards I require, not my father. I trust you can understand and not think less of me for being a disobedient son?”
“Oh indeed,” Darcy said with a laugh, clapping the younger man on the shoulder and steering toward the door. “I can completely understand and now my opinion of you has risen dramatically! What is it about marrying cousins that so appeals to older relatives?”
Sebastian frowned at the question, but Darcy was not expecting an answer. “Now, we better end this conversation since I am sure Georgiana and my wife are at the extreme ends of their patience. Actually, I am surprised Mrs. Darcy has not stormed into the library demanding we speed matters along!”
Instantly upon exiting the library the sound of piano music was heard escaping from the nearby parlor. Sebastian’s puzzled frown turned to a smile and he began to chuckle even before Darcy spoke. “At least my sister is managing to remain calm. But then music always soothes her.”
“I do not think it is working very well,” Sebastian countered, stopping in the hallway and waving a hand toward the distant doorway and the invisible notes floating on the air. “The cadence is too harsh through here, the notes are rushed, and I can hear her nails striking the keys.” He paused to listen. “And… There, yes, I knew she would muddle that particular chord if she were vexed or agitated!”
“That is not a positive sign. If my sister is strained then Mrs. Darcy is probably bleeding from needle-pierced fingertips or pacing to resist throwing something. We best hurry…”
“What in blazes could be taking so long?” Lizzy’s strident declaration followed by the heavy thud of a book onto a tabletop interrupted his words. The music abruptly died with the end sound composed of random keys chiming discordantly when Georgiana’s hands slammed down.
“You do not think he could be saying no, do you?”
“Of course not! He has probably taken Mr. Butler off to the billiard room to celebrate with a game and brandy! I may have to strangle him!”
The men’s appearance on the threshold went momentarily unnoticed as Lizzy continued to rant of how she intended to punish her spouse, her tirade stopping when Darcy cleared his throat.