Page 49 of The Baron Takes a Wife

Irene looked up and glanced over at Sophie. “Do you mean that, Aunt Sophie?” she asked quietly.

“Why wouldn’t I mean that? I always say what I mean.”

“I can vouch for that.” David chuckled.

Sophie shot David a look, clearly communicating that it was Irene’s time to speak. He sat back and gestured for Irene to go on. Elena nodded at her, trying to look encouraging. Finally, they might discover why she had been so miserable all Season. Elena wracked her mind. It didn’t seem to be a young man. Irene wasn’t acting lovelorn and moping around all day. And Annie had told her no rumors were going around about Irene. Other than that some looked down on the family’s background in trade and, of course, their marriage. Elena still felt guilty that she had brought any notoriety to Irene or David, but then, she couldn’t control how people thought or what they said.

Irene took a seat and straightened out her skirts. Goliath rose from the carpet and put his head on Irene’s lap as if giving her a little nudge of encouragement.

Irene paused to take a breath, then went on. “It’s just funny you should say that, Aunt Sophie, because I think that is what I desire.”

“Which is what?” asked David.

Irene answered slowly but held her head up, looking directly at her brother. “I’ve come to the conclusion that my dearest wish is to open a music school.”

They sat in silence for several moments when finally David spoke.

“But, Irene,” David began kindly. “You’ve never taught music before, not for a sustained period. And most tutors are male.” He shifted as three pairs of female eyes found him, and his attention just happened to be drawn to something off in the distance to avoid their gazes.

“I don’t plan to do much teaching. I can likely hire music teachers and tutors, and I would only plan to teach when I have time. Otherwise, my time would be spent running the school.”

“But—”

“I’ve never run a school. I know, but I have to start somewhere, don’t I? I am a quick learner. And I was hoping that, Aunt Sophie, you might help show me how to manage business affairs.”

Sophie finally looked up. Her expression was unreadable. “How would you afford this, Irene?” she asked. “The Royal Academy has trouble enough, and they were chartered by the Crown.”

“When I am at majority, I will gain access to some of what I inherited from Mama’s family. And since the will did not specify it must go to a dowry, I would rather it go to this. And what is not coming from my inheritance, to start, I was hoping it could be an investment from family.” She rushed to add, “While I hope to provide many scholarships, I would also charge those who could afford the lessons so that I would make something of a profit, I believe.”

The corner of Sophie’s mouth ticked up for a brief moment, but Elena blinked, and her face was stone again.

“If only I could spend the time until my majority learning from you, Aunt Sophie. And then, if I came up with a good plan, a plan that could really work, then I might borrow, or you might invest in the school. I want to have a mix of students of different ages and walks of life. It’s difficult for women or anyone below the gentry or merchant class to access music lessons. Most gentlewomen and merchant-class women must learn from private tutors as I did. I want people who would not be able to learn how to play music to have the opportunity to learn.” She looked over at Elena, who beamed back at her. Irene was changing her entire life so other people like Elena could learn how to play music. Elena felt something like a sob well up in her throat, but she swallowed and quickly covered it.

“I know I can’t teach everyone for free. The Royal Academy had a similar issue, but perhaps, with your help, Aunt Sophie, I can figure out a plan that would work. There is still a great deal to think about, but I wanted to tell you what I’ve been thinking. I know you worried for me.” Irene looked at David again, who seemed not to know what to say.

“I’ll help you,” Elena suddenly blurted out. The others looked at her sharply, and she lowered her head sheepishly. “After you have sorted this out with your aunt and brother, that is,” she mumbled.

Sophie leaned forward, looking at Irene intently. “Irene. This will not be easy. You would likely need a board. You would need a very strong plan to account for expenditures. There is a chance this could fail and lose a great deal of money. You don’t know if you have a head for business or organization.”

“But don’t you think it’s time I found out?”

David and Elena looked over at Sophie, whose face finally cracked into a rare smile.

“I suppose there is no better way than to try. All right, Irene, if we work out a satisfactory plan, there is a chance I will invest or lend you the rest of the funds to start your school. Nephew, your thoughts?”

David took a deep breath. “Irene, this is not what I expected.”

“What did you expect?”

David put his hand to his unscarred temple. “Not this. Look, this is a great deal to think through. Do you mind if I have a moment to talk to Elena?”

Irene and Sophie glanced at each other. “Why don’t you play me something in the music room?” Sophie suggested.

Once the adjoining French doors closed and the sounds of notes began to drift in, Elena stood and moved over to her husband, running her hand down his back. She sat beside him, and he put his hand on her knee.

“Did you know she was thinking about this?”

Elena thought back over the past few weeks. “No, but we knew something was distracting her. Isn’t this better than her being heartbroken or having some horrible rumor circulating about her?”