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He tried to ta in his chest "Then you’ll have to cancel thethat? Oh, never overness apparently can play, and she is taking Sarah’s part"

"Then all is well," he said He cleared his throat "Isn’t it?"

She looked at hi child "We don’t know if this governess is any good"

He did not see how the governess’s skills at the piano would make any difference in the overall quality of the performance, but he declined tolike: "Oh, well" Or perhaps, "Quite so" Either way, it served the purpose ofat all

Which was really the best he could hope for under the circuhteenth musicale, did you know that?" Lady Winstead asked

He did not

"Every one of theoverness will be very talented," he said, trying to coave him an impatient look "Talent matters little when one has had only six hours to practice"

Marcus could see that there was no way this conversation was going to go anywhere but in a circle, so he asked politely if there was anything he could do to facilitate the perfor her to say no, which would then leave hi room

But to his complete surprise and – one must be honest – horror, she took his hand in a fervent grip and said, "Yes!"

He froze "I beg your pardon?"

"Could you bring soirls?"

She wanted him to – "What?"

"Everyone is busy Everyone" She waved her ared the chairs three ti what could possibly be so co them lemonade," he repeated

"They will be thirsty," she explained

"They’re not singing?" Good God, the horror

She pressed her lips together in irritation "Of course not But they have been rehearsing all day It’s strenuous work Do you play?"

"An instrument? No" It was one of the few skills his father had not deemed it necessary that he learn

"Then you will not understand," she said with great drairls will be parched"

"Le it in on a tray "Very well"

Her brows rose, and she looked a little annoyed at his slowness "I assuh to carry the pitcher?"

As insults went, it was just preposterous enough not to bother hie, yes," he said dryly