page23 (1/2)

“He comes fro at her levity, “with an income of over twenty thousand pounds a year”

Allegra was about to reply that it was a sha to have a hard ti a wife, when their hostess clapped her hands

“My lords and ladies, I regret to inform you that Alexandra Spolettini, our featured soprano this evening, has taken ill and will be unable to sing for us,” Lady Harrington announced “I was near despair at having to disappoint you when my dear friend Lady Lynton—” she nodded to Sapphira, who crossed the roouests someone almost as talented as La Spolettini While the orchestra sets up in the gallery, would you not give us the pleasure of hearing you play, Miss Antinori?”

CHAPTER TEN

AS ALLEGRA STOOD SPEECHLESS, Sapphira linked arra,” she said, a glittering, self-satisfied suests, she added, “With such a virtuoso as her tutor, I’m sure Miss Antinori is a most accomplished performer”

“Shall we encourage her, ton asked She nodded to Sapphira and the two began to clap

Iuests joined in Fro her, Lord Wofford called out, “Please, Miss Antinori, indulge us”

“Hear, hear!” Sir Harry added

So this was the reason Sapphira had been so anxious for her to attend, Allegra thought, alarlanced over at her co distressed, Rob thunderous as he cast a dagger glance at Sapphira, who ignored hihted to have her relation show off her skill

Allegra knew if Rob tried to refuse on her behalf, Sapphira would only re a reoal fro or not

While the clapping quieted, Allegra placed a hand on Rob’s arm “It will cause less comment if I simply play and have done with it,” she murmured

Heas if he wished hehis stepave a stiff nod “Make it brief,” he said tersely

Her eyes on Sapphira’s triuer intensify as she walked over “I’, I know you allow yourself few diversions” Relishing a few titters frora proceeded to the pianoforte

If Sapphira wished to brand her as a ht mutinously as she seated herself, she would make her father proud

Fingers hovering over the keyboard, she chose a challenging Bach concerto her father had made her practice over and over until his perfectionist’s ear was satisfied

Blazing fury drove her through the first few measures But alled with bittersweetout the rhythm with his bow, transported her beyond the moment

Sapphira’s spitefulness faded away; the noise of the crowd diht up in the music that was alra played on, grief and joy and longing coursing froers onto the keyboard that transforlorious rhapsody of sound

Hands stilled on the final chord, Allegra stared sightlessly over the instru the enthusiastic applause of the crowd Until a fah her abstraction

“Didn’t I tell you she was accomplished?” Sapphira said “Why, I’m sure she plays as well as any of the perfor”

Before Allegra could snap back a reply, Lord Tavener appeared beside the pianoforte “Just couldn’t bring yourself to play badly, could you?” he murmured in her ear

Then he raised his voice to carry over the crowd as he addressed their hostess “Lady Harringtton, I don’t believe the orchestra is yet ready Release Miss Antinori and I shall do my part to entertain If you will permit?”

Lady Harringtton gave hilance, but nodded “If you wish to play as well, Lord Tavener, do proceed”

Allegra felt a zing of warave her a little push toward Rob, who strode over to seize her arm and lead her away