When the Music Stopped Page 3

  ‘Wouldn’t the summer be better?’ Sara suggested. ‘March can be a cold month.’

  He waved a dismissive hand. ‘Lord Dalton has too many commitments during the summer. He agrees that March will be perfect.’

  With the subject dismissed the rest of the meal was taken in silence and Lillia concentrated on her food, although she had quite lost her appetite. It was September now and that didn’t give them much time. These two men thought it was all settled, but they were in for a shock. Lester had insisted they have an escape route if their plans to extricate themselves from this situation failed, and after a long discussion they had one. They would have to leave home and go out on their own, but it would only be used if there was no alternative because it would involve hardship and poverty. If they had to put such a desperate plan into action then they would, but their mother must not know anything about it. Their music came above every other consideration, and as her father was in a good mood she had to make sure her lessons continued.

  ‘May I continue with my singing lessons until the wedding? Lord Dalton did appear to enjoy listening to me.’

  He frowned and then nodded. ‘Only two hours a week.’

  ‘Thank you,’ she said meekly, hiding the gleam of triumph in her eyes by looking down. She had been worried that he had already cancelled those with the professor, and Lord Dalton had obviously kept quiet about her off-key performance.

  The next morning Sara and her daughter went to the meeting place used by the Women’s Social and Political Union. They were preparing for a demonstration that afternoon in Hyde Park and Lillia would have loved to take part, but she had agreed to a drive with Lord Dalton. There would be other times, she thought, as she watched her mother in deep discussion with some of the women. She had never seen her so animated. It was as if this crisis with her children had woken something inside her, and for the first time a fighting spirit had emerged. It was clear there would now be some changes made in their house, which until now had been completely controlled by her husband.

  ‘Thank you for bringing your mother to meet us,’ Agnes, the organiser of this group said. ‘She is very knowledgeable about politics and you will both be a great help to us.’

  ‘I’m sorry I can’t join you in the demonstration today, but we have a problem to resolve. Once that has been dealt with we will be able to come here more often.’

  ‘That will be excellent, and do not apologise. This has been arranged at short notice, but we will be well supported.’ She gave a wry smile. ‘We like to take everyone by surprise if we can.’

  ‘I’m afraid we must leave now.’ Sara came over to them smiling with excitement. ‘Thank you for making me so welcome, and I will come to your next meeting.’

  On the way home Sara smiled at her daughter. ‘I wonder where Lord Dalton intends to go for a ride this afternoon. Hyde Park perhaps?’

  ‘That would be perfect!’ she laughed, ‘but I doubt that. Although the ladies have arranged this in a hurry, he probably knows about it already.’

  ‘Yes, he’s bound to have been told. Never mind, we shall have to bring the subject into the conversation.’

  ‘I intend to.’ She suddenly became pensive and tears filled her eyes.

  ‘What is the matter, my dear?’

  ‘Lester isn’t happy. I can feel it. The moment we have frightened off Lord Dalton we must get him out of that place!’

  As expected, Lord Dalton didn’t take them through Hyde Park. Instead they had a leisurely drive around the Palace of Westminster while he explained the history of Parliament.

  This was a good opportunity for Lillia to talk about politics.

  ‘What are your views on giving women the vote?’ she asked casually.

  ‘I am against it, of course.’

  ‘Do you not think that women should have a say in the running of their country?’

  ‘Certainly not! That is a ridiculous idea, and it is not something you should be filling your head with.’

  ‘And why is that?’ she asked with a look of innocent enquiry on her face. ‘The decisions you make in government touch all of our lives, not only men.’

  ‘A woman’s place is looking after her home and family, not interfering in something they have no intelligence for.’

  She bristled and heard her mother’s sharp intake of breath from behind them. ‘Are you implying that women are only fit for bearing children and allowing men to dominate them?’

  He frowned at her vehemence. ‘I wouldn’t put it quite that way, but women have their role in life, and men theirs. That is the way it has always been – and will stay.’

  ‘I must disagree, sir. What about Elizabeth I? She ruled and men did her bidding. And she is not the only woman we have had on the throne.’

  ‘Men advised and guided Elizabeth, and by the time Victoria came to the throne she had no power over Parliament. These women of the WSPU will never win the vote for women. They are making a nuisance of themselves and looking foolish in the process.’

  ‘Do you think they are foolish, Mother?’ she asked.

  ‘After our meeting with them I am of the opinion that they are highly intelligent ladies. It may be a long, hard struggle facing them, but they will eventually win. Women successfully manage households and staff, dealing with the many problems arising. They could make a valuable contribution to running the country – given the opportunity.’

  ‘Exactly!’ She turned back to Lord Dalton, a wide smile on her face. ‘We must agree to differ on the subject, sir.’

  He was looking from one to the other in astonishment. ‘I understood you were interested only in music. You have met some of the women?’

  ‘We have,’ Sara told him.

  ‘I see. Well, you would be wise to disassociate yourselves from them immediately. If they continue to persist in their illegal activities there will be serious consequences. They could even be facing a prison sentence.’

  ‘The ladies I spoke to are quite aware of that, and it will not stop them,’ Sara told him. ‘They are prepared to face any hardship for their cause.’

  ‘Then they are even more misguided that I imagined,’ Lord Dalton retorted. ‘And I will hear no more of this subject.’

  ‘Would you not wish me to show an interest in your work as a politician?’ Lillia asked.

  ‘Not by holding such radical views. Mrs Holdsworth, I am relying on you to put an end to this foolishness at once. When we are married your daughter will have no time for such nonsense.’

  They pulled up outside the house and Sara asked, ‘Will you come in for refreshments?’

  ‘I cannot stay today. I have a box at the opera for Saturday evening and will call for you at seven o’clock. I know you will enjoy that.’

  ‘I will indeed, and thank you for an interesting drive, sir.’

  He actually laughed. ‘Interesting – yes it was. Until Saturday then.’

  Once inside the house, mother and daughter looked at each other in dismay, and Lillia said, ‘I don’t believe our views on women’s rights put him off at all.’

  ‘I’m afraid they didn’t. That man has a sense of humour, which is surprising, and he is a fighter. He is absolutely certain he can change you once you are married, and is not concerned with what he considers foolish views.’

  ‘Views he feels can easily be crushed once I am under his control.’

  ‘That is so. I am beginning to think this offer should have been refused immediately.’

  ‘It is too late for that now.’ She followed her mother to their sitting room, deep in thought. When she had planned this with Lester it had seemed so easy to make Lord Dalton withdraw his offer, but it wasn’t working out that way. Oh, Lester, I need you! I am becoming very concerned.

  Chapter Four

  It had been four weeks of purgatory for Lester. He managed the parade ground by concentrating on the rhythm of marching feet and he never missed a step, but not having a piano was tearing him apart. All he could do was picture a keyboard and g
o through the music in his head. He was also worried about his sister. It was evident from her letters that Lord Dalton was still determined to make her his wife. In an effort to protect their mother from the wrath of her husband they had made the wrong decision. They should have refused to go along with his plans the moment he had told them. But they hadn’t, and now their situation was dire. His sister had been unable to make Lord Dalton withdraw his offer, and he was doing better at the military academy than expected. He was already being complimented on his progress, and he wasn’t even trying to excel.

  ‘Holdsworth!’

  He leapt to his feet, along with the other boys when an officer entered their sleeping quarters.

  ‘Come with me.’

  When Lester glanced quickly at James and frowned, his friend just grinned.

  The officer was already marching away and Lester had to run to catch up with him. What on earth did they want with him at this time in the evening? Lessons had finished for the day. He remained silent as they made their way to the main building.

  ‘Captain Andrews wants to see you.’ The officer stopped by the door leading to the lounge they had been thrown out of on the first day, and then he turned and walked away.

  Still puzzled, Lester opened the door and walked in to find the room bustling with activity, preparing for a function of some kind. His attention immediately fixed on the piano. It had been pulled out from the corner and polished until it gleamed in the lamplight.

  ‘Are you Holdsworth?’ a harassed looking officer asked.

  ‘I’ve been told to report to Captain Andrews, sir.’

  ‘That’s me,’ he snapped. ‘I understand you might be able to play the piano.’

  ‘Yes, sir.’

  ‘Our pianist has been taken ill. Show me if you are any good.’ The officer marched over to the piano and lifted the seat of the stool. ‘Damn! There doesn’t seem to be any sheet music here.’

  ‘I can manage without, sir. What would you like me to play?’

  ‘Anything you can manage.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘Guests will be arriving any time now and Brigadier Stansfield expects music.’

  Lester settled at the piano and ran his hands over the keys, his heart racing with pleasure. At last! He began playing and was immediately at one with the music. At the end of the piece he waited until the last notes had faded, and then glanced up at the captain. It was only then he realised there was complete silence in the room, and the officer was staring at him in disbelief.

  ‘I was told you knew something about music and might be able to play. I was not told that you are an accomplished musician. Do you have a large enough repertoire to play for us during the evening?’

  ‘Yes, sir.’

  He gave a huge sigh and actually smiled. ‘Excellent! I’ll tell you when to start, and take a break for refreshments when you need to. Well done, boy. You have just saved the evening for me.’

  ‘My pleasure, sir.’

  Lester remained seated at the piano while he watched as the final arrangements were made to the lounge. As the room cleared of workers he fixed his gaze on the officer, waiting for the order to begin playing.

  Captain Andrews strode over to him, looking relaxed now. ‘First guests are arriving and you can start playing. Something quiet at first, and when the room fills up you can change to more elaborate pieces if you so wish.’

  ‘Thank you, sir. I will gauge the atmosphere of the room and play what is appropriate.’

  ‘I’m sure you will.’ He glanced at the door. ‘Here they come!’

  For the next hour Lester curbed his eagerness and kept the music soft and gentle. He would get his chance to play some of his favourite pieces later in the evening.

  ‘Captain Andrews said you might like a drink, sir.’ An orderly was standing by the piano holding a tray. ‘There’s champagne, whisky or beer.’

  ‘Water, please.’

  ‘Water?’

  ‘If that’s possible.’ Lester looked up and smiled.

  ‘It’s an unusual request at such a gathering as this, but I’ll get you a glass of water at once.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  ‘How do you do that?’

  ‘Do what?’

  ‘You’ve been talking to me and haven’t once looked at the keys or missed a note.’

  ‘Hours and hours of practice.’

  Shaking his head the orderly hurried off to get Lester his drink.

  Captain Andrews took a moment from his duties to watch and listen to the music coming from the corner of the room. They were well into the evening and the boy hadn’t stopped once. As the noise in the room had increased, the music had changed. Quite a few of the guests had gravitated to that part of the room and were obviously enjoying the skill of the pianist. They were also giving him requests and he was playing everything without any hesitation. His hands were now flying over the keys and he appeared totally unaware of his surroundings. Remarkable.

  ‘Where did you find that pianist?’ Brigadier Stansfield asked as he came to stand beside the captain.

  ‘He’s a student here, sir.’

  ‘What? You can’t put someone with such talent in a school like this. He needs to be in a music college! It’s criminal. Look at him. Even at that young age he’s an exceptional musician.’

  ‘I agree, sir, but perhaps this is what he wants to do. He has been earning praise from all the tutors here.’

  The brigadier watched Lester for a while, deep in thought. ‘He reminds me of someone – can’t think who at the moment, but it will come to me. What’s his name?’

  ‘Holdsworth. His father is a general.’

  ‘Never heard of him, and if I had a son with that talent he would be studying in London or Paris. He doesn’t belong here! Bring him to me at the end of the evening. I’ll use your office.’

  Lillia dropped the book she was reading and looked up, a wide smile on her face.

  ‘What is it?’ her mother asked.

  ‘Lester is playing the piano and he is so happy! I can sense it!’

  Gilbert Holdsworth glared at her. ‘Stop that nonsense! You can’t possibly know what he’s doing. He’s miles away.’

  ‘We are twins and aware of each other’s emotions,’ she pointed out.

  ‘Now you see why I had to part them,’ he said sharply to his wife. ‘Your children are not right in the head and, hopefully, their new lives will knock some sense into them.’

  ‘They are different and talented, but they are also exceptionally intelligent. There isn’t anything wrong with their minds; it is just that you have never taken the trouble to understand how unique they are. You should be proud of them.’

  ‘Unique! Oh yes, they are certainly that!’ He threw his paper down and stood up, his face red with fury. ‘And I don’t need to hear your opinion. After all, you don’t have anything to be proud of – do you?’

  Lillia watched him storm out of the room, furious by the way their mother had been insulted. ‘What did he mean by that?’

  ‘Don’t let it upset you. Rudeness comes naturally to him.’

  ‘We have always known that, but he is becoming more open with his dislike for us. What is the matter with him?’

  Sara thought for a moment, and then turned to her daughter. ‘I have a feeling that he is uneasy about something, but I cannot fathom what is troubling him. Perhaps he has problems with his business.’

  ‘What exactly does he do? You’ve never mentioned it and, to be fair, we’ve never asked.’

  ‘That is because I don’t know. Whenever I asked I was told he buys and sells.’ Sara shrugged. ‘But what kind of merchandise I have never discovered. All I know is that he has used our family money to support his activities. There is hardly anything left he can now use and that could account for his bad mood.’

  ‘There is still the house. I know it belonged to your family, but could he sell it?’

  ‘I was worried about that after the way he has tried to put a stop to your musical career
s. I visited the lawyers who have handled the Kirkby family affairs for a long time. They looked into the matter very carefully and discovered a clause in your great-grandfather’s will that would make it difficult for anyone other than of Kirkby blood to take possession of the house. Gilbert could, of course, challenge that in court, but I don’t think he would risk the publicity such an action would bring. The lawyers are almost certain he could not win the case anyway.’

  ‘Does he know?’

  ‘Yes, the lawyers have informed him of the situation.’

  ‘Ah.’ She sighed with relief. ‘That could account for his temper.’

  ‘It could be a part of it. This also means that sometime in the future I could sell the house and pay for your tuition.’

  ‘No, Mother! We would never let you do that. You have sacrificed enough for us. We will manage somehow.’

  ‘I know you say that but things are not going well, are they? Lester is still at the military academy and Lord Dalton appears to be even more determined to make you his wife.’

  ‘The outlook at the moment is gloomy but we will get through this. Things will get better. You’ll see.’

  She smiled sadly at her vibrant daughter. ‘I wish I had your courage,’ she said softly. If she had, would she have defied her father all those years ago? No, that would not have been possible. The consequences would have been too great.

  ‘Holdsworth. You can stop playing now.’

  Lester reluctantly removed his hands from the keys and bowed his head.

  ‘Everyone has gone and you didn’t even notice, did you?’

  He looked up at the officer. ‘No, sir. This is the first time since arriving that I have had access to a piano. I am grateful. Thank you.’

  ‘I am sure there will be more opportunities. Now come with me. Brigadier Stansfield wishes to see you.’

  ‘Sit down, young man,’ the brigadier ordered when they entered the office. ‘You stay as well, Bob.’