Page 29 of The Earl’s Marriage of Convenience

Her fingers struck a single incorrect note.

It was minor, easily corrected, but unmistakable.

“I am not certain I understand,” she said, her voice steady.

“Langshire,” he said simply.

He turned the next page.

“That was remarkably efficient work.”

Her playing continued, though he did not miss the subtle tension that had crept into her hands.

“You arranged matters with precision,” he continued, his tone calm but deliberate. “Each step placed exactly where it would yield the desired result.”

Another page turned.

“Very much like this.”

Her jaw tightened, though her composure remained intact. “And you find fault in that?” she asked.

“Not at all,” he said lightly. “I am merely observing.”

He leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice just enough to suggest something more personal beneath the words.

“And perhaps offering my admiration.”

Her fingers pressed more firmly against the keys. “Admiration,” she repeated. “How generous.”

“I would not presume to criticize,” he said. “After all, I am hardly in a position to cast stones. We have already established that we are not so very different.”

At that, her hands stilled for the briefest moment before continuing. “Have we?”

He did not answer immediately.

Instead, he turned the final page and stepped back. “I am simply acknowledging a fellow strategist,” he said. “You move quickly, Lady Eliza. It is … impressive.” He inclined his head slightly before returning to his seat.

When the piece concluded, Eliza rose and rejoined the group.

“That was lovely, my dear,” Pere said warmly. “You must play for Lord Langshire when he calls this afternoon. I am certain he would be delighted.”

Edwin watched as Eliza’s gaze dropped briefly before she answered. “I had intended to. I mentioned my fondness for music, and he expressed a wish to hear me play.”

“Then he is certain to be pleased,” Anna said. “I did not hear a single misstep.”

At that, Eliza glanced toward Edwin.

He returned the look with the faintest suggestion of a smile.

There had been one.

But he suspected she would not soon forget why.

“And are you quite certain he will come?” Anna continued. “You appeared very well matched last evening. Or so Henley informs me, though I am most unfairly excluded from society at present.”

“You should be resting,” Henley said.

“I am exceedingly bored.”