Page 30 of The Baron Takes a Wife

Instead of finding his wife, David found his sister alone at the piano, her favorite room in the house. He sat and listened to her go through Beethoven and Chopin. Then, she seemed particularly stuck on Mozart. As her playing slowed, he worked up the nerve to ask.

“Was I wrong to leave you, Irene?”

She looked up from the piano, her eyes so like his but wider and younger. Had he ever been so young?

“I was certainly sad when you left, David. I won’t lie to you. I felt terribly abandoned. I know I had Sophie, but she is so busy. I was so happy when you returned with Elena, but then you left straight away.”

“I—”

“I know why you had to go. I do. And I was grateful for Elena. I think she was as hungry for family as I was, even if she would never admit it.”

“I’m sorry I left, Irene, particularly the first time. I was only thinking of myself and what I needed. I didn’t think of you. I ensured you would be taken care of should anything have happened to me, but that’s not the same, is it?”

“No, it is not.” Irene looked back at the keys, playing several stray notes.

“You know I can always tell your mood by how minor the song you are playing is.”

“Am I so easy to read?” She played a minor scale very dramatically with a slight smirk.

“Just by me, Renie.” He ran a hand through his hair. There was one more thing he had to do. “I’m also sorry that I assumed you would want a Season without asking you. I just charged ahead, as I do. Forgive me, Irene?”

“I understand why you did. Most brothers would, too. And I know you had good intentions. But good intentions are not enough.”

“I’ve learned that lesson a very hard way.”

“The war?”

He nodded. He wanted to shrug casually, but he found his shoulders locked.

“Do you…ever want to talk about it?” She stopped playing straying notes, her hands stilling.

“Perhaps someday.” He gave her a small smile.

“You and Elena have seen so much of the world. I often feel like a maiden in a tower.” She put her fingers back on the keys and pressed down dramatically.

“In some ways, I’m glad you haven’t seen parts of the world. There are some real monsters out there. But I am glad you are going to the hospital with Elena. I hope that allows you more perspective than your average lady.”

“Well, I’m not your average lady.”

“No, you’re not.” He chuckled.

“Join me?” She gestured to the bench.

“My skill is nothing to yours.”

“Yes, but it makes me feel superior.” She smirked again. Somehow, she made a smirk rather endearing.

He shook his head and rose to join her at the bench as Irene slid over and positioned her hands.

“In the future, David, please ask me before you make choices that will impact my future.”

“Such as my marriage?”

“No, I love Elena! I mean, me having a Season. Just ask me first.”

She looked him straight in the eye, and he gave her a slight nod. He did not feel quite settled in this new equilibrium, but it was a start.

“What shall we play?”