When the Music Stopped Read online

  She stood up, holding on to the back of a chair to steady herself. The first thing she must do was put things right with her husband. Things were going to be difficult enough without having his anger and resentment hanging over them.

  She found him in the library and when she entered he looked up from the papers in front of him. ‘May I have a moment of your time? I need to talk to you.’

  He put his pen down, sat back and nodded.

  Sara sat at the other side of the large oak desk. ‘I don’t know what your motives were for separating the twins, but after much thought I have come to realise that it had to be done. Indeed, it should have been done a long time ago. They have been on their own too much with only music and each other for company. It was wrong of me to allow that to happen.’

  ‘That’s a surprising admission.’

  ‘It is, I agree, but I wish you had discussed your plans with me first.’

  ‘And what would you have said?’ he asked sarcastically.

  ‘I would not have agreed, of course, and would have urged you to let me find another way.’

  ‘It would have been impossible to leave such a decision to you. From the moment they were born they have been your whole life. And you have not been a very good wife.’

  ‘You knew from the beginning that there was no love, affection or even friendship between us. Be honest, Gilbert, you married me for the money and position such a union would bring you. I know that, and for the sake of the children I have allowed you to take whatever you needed without protest. Now I am going to ask you not to contest the ownership of the house or try to raise money against it.’

  His gaze narrowed. ‘I need money and where is that to come from?’

  She stood up, walked over to a glass cabinet and opened the doors. ‘This contains many valuable items, and you have my permission to sell any or all of them as you need to. That could keep you supplied for some time.’

  ‘And after that?’

  ‘I will see that you have whatever you need. I don’t want us to be enemies. Let us work together for the sake of all of us.’

  He studied the contents of the cabinet, assessing the value of the exquisite Chinese and Japanese items, and then nodded. ‘I agree. Will you tell me what you intend to do about the children?’

  ‘Lillia will not marry Lord Dalton, but I am already urging her to find something of interest other than music. I would like Lester to remain at the academy, but that will have to be his choice. I will not force either of them to do anything that makes them unhappy.’

  ‘I am surprised you are not doing everything possible to bring the boy back home, but I will tell you that I do not want him here permanently. If he will not stay where he is, then you must find him accommodation elsewhere. As for the girl there is now no question about her marrying His Lordship. She has already dealt with that by telling him exactly what she thinks of him.’

  Sara looked at her husband, an amused glint in her eyes. ‘She is apt to speak her mind when she is angry.’

  ‘As I have often discovered, but she is less trouble without her damned brother always at her side.’ He closed the cabinet doors and faced his wife. ‘Let us try at least to be civil to each other.’

  ‘I am sure we can manage that if we both adhere to our agreement. I will keep you supplied with money even if it means we end up with a house stripped of its more valuable contents. If Lester agrees to stay where he is, will you allow him to come back here during term breaks?’

  He nodded. ‘That will be acceptable.’

  Sara left the library reasonably satisfied. She was going to have to talk to Lester and explain the situation. Gilbert was determined not have her son back in the house again permanently and that was troubling. She had won a small reprieve but it was not a happy situation. They had to discuss this and find a way round it. The immediate problem had been dealt with – for the time being anyway.

  Chapter Seven

  The finishing line was in sight and Lester increased his stride, determined to beat James. His friend grinned at him, matching his pace. After a final spurt they crossed the line with James one stride ahead, and they collapsed on the ground laughing, having thoroughly enjoyed their little battle over the five mile run.

  ‘Dead heat.’ James slapped Lester on the back as they clambered to their feet. ‘And we’ve beaten everyone else.’

  ‘You were just ahead of me, but I’ll beat you next time,’ he declared, still breathing heavily.

  James said teasingly, ‘You’re quite an athlete for a musician. Are you pleased you came here now?’

  ‘I haven’t decided yet.’

  ‘Don’t try and fool me,’ James told him. ‘I’ve watched you over the last few weeks and you are enjoying yourself. Go ahead – admit it. And then when lessons are over for the day, you sneak off to play the piano.’

  ‘I don’t sneak off. You all know where I’m going.’

  James studied his friend carefully. ‘When we first arrived I was afraid you were going to leave as soon as it was possible, but since they have allowed you to play the piano you have appeared much happier. We’ve never heard you play. I’ll have to ask the brigadier if we could have a musical evening for the whole academy. I’ll offer to arrange it.’

  ‘That would take a lot of organising, and who are you going to get to perform at this concert? One pianist is not enough.’

  ‘I’m sure you could entertain us for the evening. There’s talk by those who have heard you that you are quite good.’

  ‘That’s kind of them,’ Lester laughed. ‘My tutor, Professor Elland, wouldn’t think much of that remark.’

  James’s mouth dropped open. ‘I know him. He’s famous and considered the finest tutor there is, and he only takes students who are not only talented, but gifted musicians. How long have you been with him?’

  ‘He took us as students when we were five years old.’

  ‘What? You and your sister?’

  Lester nodded. ‘I could get a tune out of a piano as soon as I was able to sit on the stool, and I think Lillia was singing from the moment she was born.’

  ‘My word. I had no idea you were both that talented. We’ve really got to have a concert.’

  At that moment the captain strode over to them. ‘Well done. It’s good to see friendly rivalry. Now, get to the baths. There are only a few stragglers left.’

  ‘Yes, sir.’ James nudged Lester. ‘Beat you to the baths.’

  After they had all cleaned up and had their meal, everyone was in high spirits because they had been given a rare afternoon off to do whatever they liked. The boys were lounging around talking or reading.

  Lester had received a letter from Lillia so he settled down to read it, eager to find out how she was getting on now the threat of marriage had been dealt with. When he’d heard about his sister’s outburst he hadn’t been surprised. Subtle hints had not driven Lord Dalton away, and knowing his sister, she wouldn’t have been able to remain docile for long. Thankfully there hadn’t been any serious reaction from their father, which was very surprising. When his mother had asked him if he would stay at the academy for a while longer, he had agreed. He missed them dreadfully, but as far as he could gather from their letters things were a little easier without him there. He had always known that he was the main focus of his father’s dislike, although he had never understood why this should be. One day he would confront him and ask for an explanation. He began to laugh quietly as he read his sister’s letter.

  ‘What’s amusing you?’ James asked.

  ‘Our mother has suggested that my sister find something of interest to do other than music. She has sent me a list and asked me to choose for her. It reads: music, singing, dancing, tightrope walking, acting, singing, dancing, hat making, music, dressmaking, singing, opera, nursing, singing. Guess which subject she has underlined?’

  ‘I wonder what she would like you to choose,’ James replied dryly, and both boys burst into laughter. ‘I thought music was all you
were both interested in, so why is your mother urging her to find something else to do?’

  ‘She has realised we have had only one interest in our lives and need to get out and mix with other people. That is the only way we are going to learn to cope with life. A few weeks ago I wouldn’t have agreed with her, but I do now. Music had become our whole life and we were content with each other’s company. If we had remained that way we would never have had the experience to face the struggles and disappointments that will certainly occur in pursuing our musical careers.’

  James studied his friend thoughtfully. ‘I’m not sure that is true. You didn’t want to come here, but you have settled in with us without any great problems.’

  ‘That has surprised me,’ Lester agreed, ‘but my sister has a very different character to me. She is emotional and speaks and acts without thinking. All of her self-control goes into the mastery of singing.’

  ‘Ah, then she does need something away from music where she has to obey orders like we do here. She did have nursing on her list and that would be perfect. I have a cousin who has gone into that profession and she loves it.’

  ‘I don’t believe for one moment she was serious. She would consider that as unlikely as tightrope walking. My sister was undoubtedly joking when she suggested that.’ Lester shook his head and then grinned. ‘If the patients took too long to recover they would receive a severe reprimand from her.’

  ‘Oh, I am looking forward to meeting her. Go on, suggest she takes up nursing.’

  An amused glint shone in Lester’s eyes. ‘I think I will, but be prepared because she is liable to storm up to me and demand to know if I have lost my mind.’

  ‘In that case you had better not tell her until after the end of term parade. Suggest it during the Christmas holiday. I say, why don’t you spend Christmas with us? I’ll ask Mother to invite you.’

  ‘She doesn’t even know us.’ Lester stood up, shaking his head. ‘See you later.’

  ‘Where are you going?’ James slapped his hand to his head as he watched his friend walk away. ‘Daft question.’

  ‘I had no idea there would be so much paperwork attached to this job.’ Alex threw down his pen. ‘How are the arrangements going for the reception, Bob?’

  ‘There’s only one outstanding thing I need to know and that is who will stand with you when you take the salute at the parade.’

  ‘We’d better have James Anderson’s and Lester Holdsworth’s fathers.’

  ‘Right. I’ll draft the letters to them.’

  Alex sat back and sighed. ‘Can’t say I’ll be sorry to have a break. We’ve been so busy; this term has flown by. Come on, I need a beer.’

  The two officers stopped by the door of the lounge when they heard the music, and Bob shook his head. ‘I gave that boy a free afternoon and instead of enjoying himself with his friends he plays the piano.’

  ‘It’s what he wants to do – no, it’s what he needs to do. Every time I hear him playing I’m convinced he shouldn’t be here, but he has settled in and is doing well. He seems to be quite popular with the other boys as well.’

  ‘I’ve been keeping a close eye on him,’ Bob admitted. ‘I was expecting to have trouble with him when I found out he was here against his will, but he’s a good student. Over the weeks it has also become apparent that he has leadership qualities. He will make a good officer.’

  Alex pushed the door open a little. ‘Just listen to that. How can a father put a son with that talent into the army? I haven’t had time to ask what you’ve found out about Gilbert Holdsworth.’

  ‘The only general by that name would now be 110 years old.’

  ‘That can’t be right.’ Alex closed the door again. ‘There must be a mistake in the records.’

  ‘No, I’ve checked very thoroughly. I’ve got someone doing another search but they haven’t found anything yet. We are trying to discover if any records are missing.’

  ‘That would account for it, I suppose.’ Alex didn’t look convinced. ‘We will meet him at the end of term and that will give us a chance to talk to him.’

  ‘Yes, we’ll find out more then.’ Bob rested his hand on the door. ‘Let’s get that beer. The boy won’t know we’re here. He is oblivious to everything when he’s playing.’

  ‘Thank goodness it isn’t snowing,’ James declared as he gave his uniform buttons an extra polish.

  ‘You’ll rub holes in them if you don’t stop. You look perfect.’

  ‘Are you sure? I mustn’t disappoint my father. Is yours here yet?’

  Lester shook his head. ‘He isn’t coming.’

  ‘What? But he made you come here, so he can’t miss this, surely? I say, does that mean your sister isn’t coming?’

  ‘She’s already here with our mother.’ Lester grinned at James. ‘Don’t worry. I’ll introduce you.’

  ‘My parents can’t wait to meet you.’ James shoved his friend out of the door and winked at him. ‘I’ve had a word with Mother.’

  Once the parade was over they went to the lounge where family and friends were waiting for them. The moment Lester entered his sister rushed towards him and wrapped her arms around him. ‘I’ve missed you so much,’ she told him with tears in her eyes.

  He gave her a big hug, laughing with joy to see her again. The separation had been hard on both of them, but it had shown him that it was necessary for them to live separate lives. They would have had to part in the future to pursue their different careers so they needed to become independent and live as two – not one. The pain they were suffering now would help them in the future.

  She stepped back and studied him critically. ‘You’ve grown and are taller than me now.’

  He measured them with his hand above her head. ‘Only by about an inch. Did you ask if you could run across the room in such an unladylike manner?’ he teased.

  She laughed and shook her head and he realised just how much he had missed that sound. Even her laughter was musical. Their mother was waiting patiently to greet him and he smiled with pleasure as he kissed her cheek.

  Someone else stepped forward, making him exclaim in surprise. ‘Professor Elland. It is good to see you,’ he said, shaking his hand.

  ‘Have you been practising?’ he asked immediately.

  ‘They have kindly allowed me to come in here and play. I have managed a couple of hours most days.’

  Joshua looked crestfallen. ‘That is not enough, dear boy.’

  ‘I know, sir, but it is all I can fit in. This room is out of bounds to us really, but they have given me special permission to come in here when it isn’t busy. I am grateful for their kindness.’

  ‘Yes, yes, of course. A few hours is better than nothing,’ he agreed, but still didn’t look happy.

  James was across the room trying to attract his attention and he beckoned him over. His friend said something to his parents and they all came over.

  Introductions were made and the group were soon talking and laughing together. Lester was amused to see that James could hardly take his eyes from Lillia.

  ‘I am sorry your husband couldn’t come,’ General Anderson told Sara. ‘He missed a fine parade. The boys drilled quite expertly.’

  ‘They did, indeed,’ she replied. ‘My husband had a commitment he could not break.’

  ‘Understand. Great shame though. We would have liked to meet him.’

  Brigadier Stansfield joined them at that moment and he smiled at Lester and Lillia. ‘If you are ready I would like to announce our musical interlude.’

  ‘Please do, sir.’ The twins made their way over to the piano with Joshua right behind them.

  They had corresponded about their short programme so she sat beside the piano and listened to her brother playing the opening piece. When the applause had died away she stood up, resting her hand on the piano and nodded to Lester to let him know she was ready.

  Her clear, powerful voice filled the room making James lean forward in his seat, enraptured. The twins entert
ained for the allotted hour and brought their performance to a stirring close, then they stood up and bowed in acknowledgement of the tumultuous applause.

  James was on his feet like everyone else, stunned. He turned to Sara. ‘I say, Mrs Holdsworth, that was splendid. It is the first time we have heard Lester play. He’s taken a lot of teasing from us about his need to play the piano, but we had no idea about his skill – and your daughter is beyond compare.’

  ‘You have very talented children,’ General Anderson added.

  ‘Indeed.’ James’s mother also complimented Sara. ‘Do you have any plans for Christmas?’

  ‘I expect we shall have a quiet time as usual.’

  ‘Our boys have become firm friends and we would be honoured if you and your family would join us for Christmas.’

  ‘That is very kind of you …’ Sara hesitated. Gilbert had said he didn’t want Lester in the house, although he had made a concession about the Christmas holiday. However, this would be a perfect solution and it would be lovely to spend time in a happy atmosphere, but …

  ‘I say, please do come,’ James pleaded. ‘We have a large house with plenty of room – and we do have an excellent grand piano.’

  Everyone laughed at his desperate urging, and James’s mother scolded her son. ‘James, you must give Mrs Holdsworth time to decide.’

  ‘I do beg your forgiveness, but it would be splendid if you could manage to join us.’

  ‘Well … I am not sure my husband would be able to come, and we always invite Professor Elland.’

  ‘Bring him with you.’ General Anderson had the same glint of humour always present in his son’s grey eyes. ‘I am sure he would like to spend time with his pupils.’

  ‘I would.’ Joshua bustled up to them. ‘I must. Their performance was good, but it needs more work.’

  ‘I would have said it was flawless. You must be proud of them,’ Mrs Anderson told him. ‘We would be very pleased if you could also spend the holiday with us.’