Again, Mary nodded. I must get well as soon as I possibly can, and I shall NOT cause any more distress to this household, she thought.
After obediently drinking her tea with help from her sister, Mary felt better. Her throat was soothed, and she decided to try to speak again. My jealousy must stop. It is hurting the people I love, as well as those who care for me. She tried to look happier. “Thank you, Lizzy,” she whispered. “I would like to talk to Georgiana for a moment.”
Georgiana smiled and placed her hand over Mary’s.
“Alone,” Mary continued softly.
The room fell completely silent as eyebrows were raised.
Elizabeth was the first to recover. “Of course, Mary. Gentlemen, would you join me in the hallway, please. Georgiana will fetch us when she and Mary finish their conversation.”
Once the door was closed behind them, Georgiana smiled down at Mary and took her hand in both of her own. “Do you need anything, my dear? You may have whatever your heart desires if it is within my power to procure it for you.”
“I ask your forgiveness,” Mary replied quietly.
Georgiana raised her brows. “Whatever for, sister? You have never hurt a soul in your entire life. You are one of the gentlest ladies I know.”
“I am selfish.” Mary’s tears began to roll down her cheeks. “I went to the park because I heard you and Landini practicing together. I waited outside the door for a good while, but I left. I was jealous. This is all my own fault. Do you forgive me?”
Georgiana bent over and kissed her cheek. “I see that I was the selfish one. Was it your lesson time?”
Mary grimaced. “That does not matter.”
The young lady straightened up, wiping her own tears from her face. “Of course, it does, but I can honestly say I did not mean to do it. I should have asked. Please, forgive me.”
“There is nothing to forgive,” replied Mary in her raspy voice. “I was touched by your kindness when you played outside my door. It was beautiful.”
“I cannot take the credit for that,” answered the young lady.
“Because it was written by a master?”
“No,” said Georgiana. “Because I did not play in your hallway. Surely you could tell the difference between a student and a master.”
“Landini? He played the ‘Moonlight Sonata’ for me?” Mary was incredulous.
“More than that, dearest. Landini played for several hours, until my brother asked him to leave. People needed to rest, and so did Landini. He had concerts scheduled every evening except that one. The gentleman needed to go home and sleep.”
As if on cue, the music started again. “The ‘Appassionata Sonata’,” whispered Mary. “The music is much happier. Lively. Brilliant.”
Both women looked towards the door. “He has sent multiple inquiries every day. He must know that you are better. Landini would have filled this room with flowers had my brother permitted it. Shall I allow him in to see you?”
I must look awful. My hair is undone. I have not bathed. Mary started to shake her head but thought better of it.
“Yes,” she answered. “Send him in, but after he finishes the piece. You must help me make myself presentable.”
Georgiana laughed quietly. “You’re definitely better. Shall I call your maid to arrange your hair and send for Elizabeth?”
Mary nodded and glanced out the window. The sun is shining again. She smiled.
Chapter 7
You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. I have loved none but you.
An hour and several cups of hot tea with lemon later, after the ministrations of her maid, her sister, and Georgiana, Mary felt sufficiently well-groomed and refreshed to see her music master. Propped against her pillows wearing her favourite blue dressing gown with her dark hair curling about her shoulders, she felt that she looked the best she could, considering her illness of the past few days.
“I shall see you again this afternoon, Mary,” Georgiana said, bending to kiss Mary’s cheek before leaving the room.
“Lizzy, I would love to listen to him play longer, but I want him to see I am recovering quickly. Could you ask him to come in?”
Elizabeth smiled. “Of course, dear. He has suffered more than enough, I think.” She walked to the door, opened it, and motioned to the gentleman at the piano.
“Alex,” she said. “Mary is ready to see you now. I shall wait in the hallway while you speak with my sister, but the door must remain open.”
“Grazie, thank you,” he answered. He straightened his jacket, took a deep breath, and strode into the room, stopping at Mary’s bedside. “I am so sorry you ’ave suffered because I was not considerate, Maria. I knew it was my fault as soon as I ’eard you left the ’ouse. I was trying to find you. Please forgive me, even though I do not deserve it.”
Mary’s heart melted, but she was determined to know why she had been treated in such a way. She spoke softly. “I want to know why you forgot my lesson. I know that I am not as accomplished as Miss Darcy, nor am I as pretty, but I thought I was making progress, and I thought we were friends.”
He wrung his hands and took a deep breath. Then the words rushed out. “I can make no good excuse. The fault is all my own. I was lost in the music, and I did not mind the time. Miss Darcy is a very good musician. Her technique is excellent, but she has not your feeling for what the music says. You speak to me in your music, Maria. I will use a clock in the future, if you will forgive me, or you come in the room so I see you. I forget time, but I do not forget you. Please forgive me. Please?”
Mary was so moved she was unable to speak, so she nodded her assent. Tears rolled down her cheeks.
“Maria,” he said in anguish. “Please do not cry. My ’eart breaks to see your pain and know I caused it. I love you as I have never loved anyone before.”
His eyes filled with tears. “’ave I lost any chance with you, or will you allow me to court you, beautiful Maria? Please allow me to prove myself to you.”
“I will,” she whispered.
He pulled a ring from his little finger and held it out to her. “You will be my Christmas gift. I have one for you, as well. This was Nonna’s ring. She was my grandmother, and she left it to me. It is my most precious possession. I want you to wear it.”
Mary held her hand out to him, and he slid it on her finger. “It is beautiful, Ale. I shall treasure it always.”
“When will we marry? I do not like to be apart. I want my bella moglie to be with me.” He bent over and lifted her hand to his lips to kiss her fingers.
“We must go to my home in Meryton, and you must talk to my Papa and ask permission to court me properly. My mother will be in raptures, so try not to notice. ’Twas embarrassing when my sisters’ husbands went to Longbourn to ask Papa for permission to marry them.”
Alessandro chuckled. “I am quite accustomed to emotional people, Maria. I am Italian. If your Mama is happy that we shall marry after a courtship, I shall adore her. You need not worry. Also, I have to correct you. I hope you do not mind.”
She tilted her head and looked into his eyes. “What have I said that was wrong, Ale? Tell me.”
“You think Miss Darcy is prettier than you are.” His brown eyes flashed. “I will not have it! You are the most beautiful woman in the world to me. I love your dark hair and blue eyes. I love your soft ’eart and sweet voice. Your smile makes my heart glad. You are lovely inside and outside.”
Mary smiled. “You must love me very much, my sweet Ale, if you think that, but I will try to accept your compliments graciously.”