When the Music Stopped Page 2

  ‘Yes,’ she declared firmly. ‘I don’t care what people say about us; I just want to sing. Father can slander us in any way, even turn us out of our home, but we will survive. And we will take care of you.’

  She smiled. ‘That’s what your brother told me, but let us pray that doesn’t happen.’

  For the rest of the day Lillia kept her mind focused on her brother and, much to her relief, she did not pick up any indication that he was troubled. They were so in tune with each other she knew she must remain calm. Although they had been parted, they were still working together to thwart their father’s plans. They were not alone either, because their mother was on their side, as she always had been.

  Dinner that evening was difficult for her without Lester sitting opposite her, but she remained bright, refusing to let her distress show.

  ‘Lord Dalton will be calling on you tomorrow afternoon, Lillian,’ her father announced. ‘I shall expect you to be courteous and show pleasure at the honour he is bestowing upon you by his interest. He doesn’t like silly females, so engage him in intelligent conversation.’

  ‘Yes, Father.’

  ‘Sara, you will chaperone them but remain unobtrusive.’

  ‘Of course, Gilbert. Will you be joining us?’

  ‘I have business to attend to, but I am relying on you to see this first meeting goes smoothly. It will be a step up to have a lord in the family.’

  Ah, that is what this is all about, thought Lillia. He is trying to climb the social ladder.

  ‘Lord Dalton must already be impressed with her to have declared his interest.’ She smiled at her husband. ‘And I have no doubt he will soon be even more certain of her suitability once he gets to know her.’

  ‘She is presentable enough, I agree, and young enough to give him the heirs he needs.’

  She went cold with horror, but somehow managed to keep a smile on her face. These men were proposing to trap her in a loveless marriage for the sole purpose of producing heirs! Well, that wasn’t going to happen. Neither would she see her brother’s talent squandered just so this soulless man could have another officer in the family. He had already been elevated above his station by marrying their mother who came from the impeccable Kirkby family.

  The moment their father retired to the smoking room to enjoy a cigar and several brandies, she spun to face her mother, absolutely furious. ‘How dare he do this? I won’t have it. If he tries to force this marriage on me I shall leave home. I can always get work somewhere. The music halls would probably give me work. I will not become a brood mare for anyone.’

  ‘Keep your voice down, my dear,’ her mother urged. ‘Stay calm. You said you had a plan to make Lord Dalton withdraw his offer. Put it into action at once and I will support you. Will you tell me exactly what you are going to do?’

  ‘It is for the best that you don’t know, then you can say with complete honesty that you had no idea I had done this.’

  Sara studied her daughter and frowned with worry. ‘Don’t do anything foolish.’

  ‘Have you ever known me to act foolishly?’

  ‘No, I haven’t, but you have never had to face anything like this before. It would ease my mind to know what you are planning.’

  Lillia’s smile was devilish. ‘It will soon become clear, and I think you will approve.’

  ‘I say, this is exciting, isn’t it?’

  Lester glanced around the room containing six beds and grimaced at the young man standing beside him. ‘Exciting isn’t the word I would use. My name is Lester.’

  ‘James.’ The young man held out his hand. ‘From your reply I take it you are not happy to be here.’

  ‘Correct.’ Lester shook hands with James and smiled. ‘This isn’t what I had planned for my life, but it was forced upon me.’

  ‘Ah, a strict parent?’

  He nodded. ‘But I’m here now and will have to see how it goes, but I doubt I’ll make a soldier.’

  ‘You stick with me. I come from a long line of military officers and will help you along if you need it.’

  ‘That is generous of you, but I fear you could come to regret that offer.’

  James laughed. ‘I revel in a challenge. Come on; let’s explore the place before we start being ordered around.’

  They found the classrooms, dining hall, library and the main lounge. This last room was the most interesting to Lester because there was a grand piano pushed into the corner. He walked straight over to inspect it. It was good, but not the quality of the one he had at home. The anguish he felt at that moment was intense and he couldn’t mask it from his expression.

  ‘I say,’ James came and stood beside him. ‘You’re looking at that instrument as if you know something about it. Do you play?’

  ‘I know a piano of quality when I see one,’ he answered, avoiding the question. He turned away to hide his sadness. ‘It doesn’t look as if it’s played very often.’

  James shrugged. ‘I wouldn’t know. I never could get past the scales.’

  ‘What are you doing in here?’ a stern voice demanded.

  They spun round to find an officer standing in the doorway, and James answered, smiling. ‘We’ve just arrived and thought we’d better find our way around, sir.’

  ‘This room is off limits to you. Go back to your quarters and wait for someone to come and escort you to the dining room.’

  Lester’s spirit sank even lower. This was the only place they had seen a piano and it was out of bounds to students. It was going to be hard to endure this torture, he thought, as they hurried back to their sleeping quarters. To be separated from his sister and his piano was more than he could stand; not to mention their twice-weekly lessons with Professor Elland. But endure it he must! He knew his sister was suffering in the same way and he had to be strong so they could defeat their father’s plans. From the moment they had begun to show interest in music he had resented it for some reason, and when they had won places in the Royal College of Music he had gone into a rage. They had ignored him and continued making plans for a future in music. That future had now been ripped away from them, and if he was gloating over the success of his devious plans then he was in for a shock. His sister was going to have to use all of her dramatic flair to make Lord Dalton withdraw his offer of marriage, and he had every confidence in her, but how on earth was he going to get out of this? He had shown complete unconcern to his sister and mother, but in truth he really didn’t have any idea what he could do.

  ‘Don’t look so downcast,’ James declared when they reached their room. ‘We’ll have a lot of fun, you’ll see.’

  ‘Sorry.’ Lester dredged up a smile, not wishing to put a damper in this likeable young man’s enthusiasm. ‘I’ve got a sister – we’re twins – and this is the first time we have ever been parted.’

  ‘Twins! I say, I’ve heard that twins know if the other one is ill, and often they know each other’s thoughts. Is that true?’

  ‘It is like that with us.’ Lester laughed at the boy’s rapt expression.

  ‘That’s a bit inconvenient, isn’t it?’

  ‘Not really. We’re used to it.’

  ‘Is she pretty?’

  ‘No.’ Lester considered for a moment, then said, ‘She’s beautiful.’

  ‘You would say that!’ James grinned. ‘At the end of term the families can visit. I’d like to meet her.’

  ‘I’ll make sure you do.’

  ‘Terrific! I’ll introduce you to my folks. My father’s a general.’

  ‘So is mine.’

  ‘What?’ James stared at him aghast. ‘And you don’t want to be a soldier? What did you plan to do with your life?’

  ‘Be a musician.’

  ‘Ah, that’s why you were looking at that piano so fondly. There’s no future in that. The army is a much better career choice.’

  ‘I expect you’re right, but is the army ready for an officer with the soul of a musician?’

  ‘There’s room for every kind of talent,’
James assured him. ‘There are military bands. At the end of term you can declare your interest in music and there might be a place for you in a band.’

  ‘I’ll consider it.’ Lester stood up as a sergeant arrived to take them to the dining room.

  ‘You do that!’ James slapped him on the back, still smiling brightly. ‘There are still four to arrive for our quarters. Wonder what they’ll be like? If they’re all as nice as you, we’ll be all right. Lots of fun ahead. Let’s go and see what the food is like.’

  The dining room was only half full as there were still a lot of boys to arrive and James was soon talking to everyone there. Lester watched his new companion with amusement and couldn’t help joining in the laughter, but he was unable to match their enthusiasm. However, James had planted a seed in his mind about the military bands. If all else failed it could be a way of still being involved with music. He managed to keep smiling as the pain tore through him again at the thought of spending his life in that way. No, it wasn’t an option he could really consider, but he would have to wait a few weeks before trying to leave.

  Chapter Three

  It had been a busy morning, but Lillia was excited and satisfied with what she had achieved. If the threat of marriage to a politician had not occurred, she doubted if she would have taken this step even though she agreed wholeheartedly with the aims of the organisation, but she was glad she had done so. The women were showing a determination to win their battle whatever the consequences or danger to themselves, and she approved of such an attitude.

  ‘Lord Dalton has arrived,’ Sara declared as she entered her daughter’s room. ‘That dark green gown is a perfect choice. It is elegant and brings out the unusual colour of your eyes. Are you ready for the meeting?’

  ‘Quite ready. We mustn’t keep him waiting.’

  She tried to wipe the look of distaste from her face as they made their way downstairs. She curtsied gracefully to Lord Dalton, keeping her eyes lowered as if nervous. Refreshments were served while they talked about various society occasions being planned, and she answered when spoken to, showing an interest she didn’t feel, and appalled by the thought of being married to someone like this. Not only was he forty-five, but he was self-opinionated and pompous. How dare he try to snare himself a young wife! She was finding it increasingly difficult to be civil to him but it was too early to put her plan into action.

  Sara, always aware of her daughter’s moods, stepped in to ease the rapidly building tension. ‘My daughter has a charming voice, Lord Dalton. Perhaps you would like to hear her play and sing?’

  ‘I would indeed. A talent like that is always useful when entertaining guests.’

  Sara stood up and they made their way to the music room.

  ‘What would you like to hear?’ Lillia asked him, smiling as if eager to please.

  ‘I am sure you have a repertoire suitable for entertaining. I leave the choice to you.’

  She nodded and settled at the piano.

  ‘Do not sing too well,’ her mother said softly as she leant over to put music on the stand.

  The thought of doing that appalled her, but she knew it was necessary. She began to play popular pieces heard in the drawing rooms, keeping the volume of her voice subdued and slightly off key. After two such songs she changed to her great love – opera. She had been taking instruction for the music from Madame Butterfly with Professor Elland and Lester, and they had both complimented her the last time she had sung it for them. Tears came to her eyes knowing what she was about to do to this beautiful music.

  Her mother gently applauded when she had finished and Lillia quickly wiped the moisture from her eyes before turning to face Lord Dalton.

  His expression was unreadable and she felt that her terrible performance hadn’t had the desired effect. He appeared more amused than shocked, and when he smiled before turning to Sara, she knew this wasn’t going to be the way to change his mind.

  ‘Thank you for entertaining me,’ Lord Dalton said, obviously not the slightest bit concerned about her lack of talent.

  ‘She has had excellent tuition from Professor Elland from a very early age, as has her brother. They are both talented musicians.’

  Lord Dalton swiftly changed the subject. ‘I understand your son is following in his father’s footsteps and is now at a military academy.’

  ‘That was his father’s wish,’ she replied, hiding her feelings with a slight smile.

  ‘Of course.’ He then turned his attention back to Lillia. ‘I have enjoyed our meeting today. Would you join me in a drive tomorrow afternoon? The weather is holding fair.’

  ‘Thank you, sir. That would be very pleasant.’

  ‘Excellent!’ He was still smiling as he stood up. ‘I must take my leave and return to Parliament for an important debate, but I look forward to our next meeting.’

  They watched him leave, and then Sara shook her head. ‘I fear he is even more enamoured with you. I was sure he would begin to have doubts when he heard your singing was not up to the standard of your reputation.’

  ‘We know now that that was the wrong approach, and I suspect he is puzzled, knowing who my tutor is.’

  ‘That could be so.’ Sara took hold of her daughter’s arm. ‘Let us retire to my sitting room and try to decide what we can do next.’

  Her mother’s expression was grim the moment they were alone. ‘I will not have you throwing your life away by marrying that man. He is too old for you and you are too young. You seemed certain he could be made to withdraw his offer, but how is that to be achieved? I have to stop this, my darling! I would live in a hovel and take in washing before I see my children treated in this abominable way!’

  Alarmed by her mother’s declaration she rushed to her side. ‘You must not do anything to anger Father. That was only the first meeting and we now know Lord Dalton will not be frightened off easily. There is another way, and I believe it will be much more effective.’

  ‘Then tell me, for I cannot allow this to go any further.’

  She realised that if she didn’t explain then her mother would defy her husband, and no doubt face dire consequences from him. Before her brother left they had discussed the situation and had both agreed they must not allow their mother to suffer because of them. She most certainly would if she tried to stand between them and that man. At a very early age they had become aware that this was not a happy marriage. Sara and her husband had separate rooms and seldom went out together; indeed, they spent as little time as possible in each other’s company. They had found it impossible to become close to him and he had never shown the slightest interest in their upbringing. She explained her plans and waited anxiously for her mother’s response.

  ‘You have actually met them?’ Sara gasped.

  ‘I went to see them this morning.’

  ‘I see.’ There was silence for a while, and then a slight smile touched her mother’s lips. ‘When are you meeting them again?’

  ‘Tomorrow morning.’

  ‘I would like to come with you.’

  ‘I am sure they would be happy to meet you,’ she told her mother, taken aback by the request. She had expected disapproval from her mother.

  Slowly, a rare smile spread across Sara’s face. ‘That is so clever of you, my dear. I do believe you might have found the one thing a politician will not tolerate in a wife. Are you actually a member?’

  ‘Not yet, but I was told I would be very welcome to join their ranks. I am aware this could cause a great deal of trouble, and that is the reason I was reluctant to tell you about my involvement.’

  ‘I am pleased you have. I have been very worried that I might not be able to stop this marriage. Lord Dalton and Gilbert are powerful men and not easy to defy, but this situation is so grave we have no choice in the matter. I shall join in the struggle for women’s rights. With both women in the family involved we should have Lord Dalton leaving at speed. I know for a fact that he is stoically against women meddling in politics – his words not
mine.’

  ‘Are you sure you want to do this?’ she asked her mother. ‘Father will be furious when he finds out.’

  ‘I no longer care what he thinks. My children have become wise adults, quite able to take control of their own lives. It is time for me to do the same. I have one last thing to do for you, and that is to see he doesn’t succeed in his desire to ruin your futures.’

  ‘We have never understood why he dislikes us so much. Most parents love and support their children. His attitude towards us has always perplexed us, and as we have grown older it is as if he cannot bear the sight of us.’

  ‘You remind him of everything he is not.’

  ‘I don’t understand why he should feel that way. Everyone has different qualities and talents. He must have been an exemplary soldier to have reached the rank of general. Surely that is something to be proud of? Why should it be of concern to him that our talents lie in the realm of music?’

  ‘I cannot answer that. I have never been able to fathom what is in his mind.’ Sara stood up. ‘Let us see what tomorrow brings. Now it is time to change for dinner.’

  The moment they walked into the dining room Lillia could see that her father was in a good mood because he actually smiled at her.

  ‘Lord Dalton told me he was pleased with his visit today. He said you conducted yourself perfectly. That was well done, Lillian.’

  ‘Thank you, Father,’ she said, pinning a look of pleasure on her face. ‘We are going for a drive tomorrow.’

  ‘Yes, so I understand. Lord Dalton has already decided that you will make him a suitable wife and I have suggested your nineteenth birthday for the wedding. It will be a lavish affair and will need time to plan.’