The Song of Love

[chris2c4u]

A closed thread for Delicious Maiden and myself. All comments welcome and we hope you enjoy reading along.

_______

Mark swayed gently in the saddle of Clara, his piebald mare, his thighs pressed against her flanks as she made her own way towards Broome House with no instruction from the reins.

He pulled open the document that had been delivered to his lodgings at the Swan With Two Necks that morning and scanned the note from his publisher quickly.

Dear Mr West,
We are most gratified to inform you...this last week, October 25th
1790...your book, Melodious Voices...was available to be sold at the Stationers, St Pauls London and also copies to be sold by the men that carry the Tunbridge Messenger...10 copies have been dispatched to your address in Pembury, Kent...The total amount of the invoice being, then, £53 12s 4d (advertising and sundry costs included)...

Mark folded the letter and wondered how long he could fob them off. It was his nature to prevaricate over money matters though he wasn't doing badly for himself at all, after his return from Naples. Kent wasn't perhaps the height of the Opera but the families there were the fat and contented heart of England. In troubled times in the world, it was a secure job, Singing Master here in the Garden of England. Hard work though, moving from the local grammar school to the church choir to the established gentry, whose house he now approached.

On looking up he saw the redbrick of Broome House through the soft rain of the tree's yellowing leaves, falling as autumn signalled the start of the winter season for the gentry around London. No more travelling across to Bath, they would have to make do with their own local spa town of Tunbridge Wells and its buzz of gossip, scandal, balls and visits until the roads improved and travel was once more the order of the day.

Somewhat resentfully he rode around to the tradesman's entrance; a professional musician, toast of the European opera, reduced to a mere servant. He bit back the thoughts and dismounted while one of the teenage grooms took Clara for him and he could wipe his boots on the scraper before passing through the kitchen.

"Morning Mr West," said Cook as she supervised the work of mid morning in the busy room.

"Good morning Mrs Jones," he said as he stole one of the small pork pies cooling on a tray. Cook pretended not to notice.

"Here for the practise," she said, hardly a question in her voice as
she knew the answer. He was here to coach the three children of Sir Henry Worthing to be passable singers for when parties would be hosted that season.

"Indeed I am. I'll be down for lunch, if I may?"

Cook looked around and mopped her brow. She smiled and winked at him. "See you later young man."

He smiled back, pulling off his slightly unfashionable tricorne hat and doing a deep bow at which cook squealed in delight. He tugged out his watch from his breeches and saw he was due in the music room and bid his friend a quick adieu.

Arriving above stairs he marched purposfully towards the music room until halted by an imperious rendition of his name.

"Mr West!"

He turned and saw Sir Henry Worthing himself emerging from his study.

Bowing, Mark dutifully awaited his employer's approach.

"Yes, yes, look, West, I've something I need to discuss with you."

"Sir?"

Worthing approached the young singing master and by beginning to walk towards the window that overlooked the large landscaped garden, implying Mark should follow him. "It's a rather delicate matter," he confided, trying to find the words. "You were engaged to tutor my three young children, yes, of course you know that!" He laughed a little; Mark smiled politely and nodded.

"Well, you know - oh, of course, you don't - I have another child.
Well, not a child now. My daughter Jane. She's 19. An angel. She's been away at school, had a most difficult time, nursing my wife through the last illness that took her from us, so missed a lot of education until now, later in life. But she's bright. And down here just in time for the season and meeting local eligible gentlemen - well, anyway..."

Worthing stopped rambling and gazed outside, gathering his thoughts.

"I see, sir," said Mark, still waiting to see what this had to do with him.

"She's coming home, here to Broome. You see, she's got this talent for singing, it seems, according to her last letters home from the school. She knew from my letters to her that we had employed you. So, I was hoping you might find a way to include teaching her in your schedule? There will be a suitable adjustment to your remuneration, of course," he said. That was the reason for his attitude of uncertainty, almost distaste - it involved him speaking of money matters to the staff! Mark
smiled.

"I would be delighted sir. When will she be joining us, may I ask?"

"Should the London coach be on time, later today," Worthing replied. "Now, the children performing well? Good, good. Please, carry on." both men bowed perfunctorily to each other and Mark entered the music room, where the three young children gathered. They stopped laughing and playing when he arrived, lining up beside the piano.

"Right, choir Worthings, where were we last time?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Jane Worthing

Jane’s body ached from the continual rocking of the coach as she finally approached the end of her 3 day journey home from London. She glanced out of the window as the familiar sight of the river and castle drew into view. It had been many months since she had been at home, in fact she had been sent to school shortly after the death of her mother. ”Much too soon” Jane had thought and yet there was little she could do. Her father had made the arrangements and explained how he felt she needed to complete her education and that now was the appropriate time.

”After all, you cannot stay at home forever. You are a good girl Jane, but you must needs see something of society before you marry.”

Heavy with grief, Jane refused to be drawn on the subject of matrimony and focused instead on becoming as accomplished as possible, knowing that her mother would have been proud of her success.

In some ways her father had been right. Jane was given no opportunity to dwell on her mother’s death. Her school day was busy and the strict routine suited her well. Much as she had enjoyed the novelty of residing in London and knew that she would be much envied her domicile by other young ladies of her age, Jane had in fact seen little of “real” society. True she had been able to observe the colourful tapestry of London society, but from a very “safe” distance. Jane was half aware that there were many sights that she was not permitted to become aware of, and those experiences she was introduced to were carefully arranged and heavily chaperoned.

Every function she had attended, had been carefully manufactured and yet Jane had not felt cheated as many of her contemporaries had. The “safety” of the venues had indeed helped Jane to grow in confidence. Naturally shy, she had been surprised to find that she enjoyed dancing with the partners selected for her and had even felt a twinge of pride when told that her singing voice was had a quality which was “above the average”.

All the time, Jane’s mind was filled with the loss of her dear mother as she imagined how proud she would be of each accomplishment. Jane knew of course that this schooling was destined to equip her with the skills to attract a suitable husband and subsequently become a good wife, but she preferred to keep that thought to the back of her mind.

Grabbbing the side of the coach, Jane stayed upright with effort as the conveyance lurched to a halt. She had endeavoured to retain her posture throughout the bumpiest of terrains. True the roads were much improved, but at this time of the year after the recent rain, travelling did not afford much comfort.

”TONBRIDGE!”

The announcement was followed almost immediately by the door swinging open to admit some welcomed fresh air.
Jane inhaled deeply, smiling as she rose gracefully and picked her way out of the coach, not forgetting first to wish those amongst her fellow travellers a pleasant continuation of their journey. Pausing to look about her, Jane took the opportunity to cast her gaze towards the swollen River Medway as it cut it’s course past the Castle.

”Miss Jane!”

Turning with a cry of pleasure, Jane saw that Miles had already secured her luggage and had turned in greeting.
She moved towards him ignoring any disapproving looks and threw her arms around his neck.

”Miles! Are you well?"

She laughed in response to his chuckle and scolding look.
He had used that expression with her since she was a little girl!
He had taught her to ride, when she had been too timid to mount the horse her father chose for her.
To her, he was family.

Smoothing her skirts and schooling her face to a demure expression, Jane asked politely.

"What of my father? My sister and brothers?”

She ignored the grin and willed her mouth not to twitch as she took his hand allowing him to hand her into the small coach.

”Your father is in good health, Miss. Your brothers … “

His respectful answer was ruined by his exasperated expression.
Jane chuckled, allowing her good humour to surface now she was safely in the privacy of the smaller conveyance.
She could imagine all too well how her two brothers might be driving their tutor to despair.

”And Miss Sarah … has ambitions to see London herself.
She’s growing up fast Miss … a proper handful an’ all.”

Her sister at the age of 15 was indeed a handful and had missed much of their mother’s quiet guidance in the last two years. Sarah was dark haired and spirited, taking after their father, whilst Jane was fair and lacked the confidence her sister already possessed.
It would prove an interesting reunion between herself and her now envious sister.

Jane settled back as the door shut.
She had missed the quiet familiarity of the small community that surrounded her family home.
She had missed her siblings and she had missed Miles.
This journey would be shorter, but the roads would be worse.
She closed her eyes and tried to let her body move with the swaying of the coach.
Finally she let homesickness wash over her; an emotion she had long suppressed during the months in London.

”Soon … “

She told herself.

”Soon … I’ll be home … “

http://images.primelocation.com/KFGR/images/KFTUWS1010502.JPG

 

[chris2c4u]

The three children stood by the piano. West bowed to them; they had grown out of giggling at his behaviour - none of their other tutors treated them this way - and Sarah, for one, was pleased that an adult was finally taking them seriously.

He looked at them quizically. "And this is? An assembly of scarecrows?" They smiled to themselves and knew they had to go through their exercises in posture. They loosened their necks, let their arms fall to their sides,stood up straight.

"Now, breathing," he said and they all obediently drew breath,
practising how he had taught them to inhale through mouth and nose together. Joseph, the younger boy started a mild coughing fit but recovered with a smile to which West raised an eyebrow. It was enough chastisement to set the boy off on his exercises again.

"Now lift the breath to your voice," he said, with his hand rising in
front of his midriff. "Gradually, I want to hear your voices just
whisper..." he closed his eyes. The mixture of sounds was good,
considering the few weeks he had been visiting them and the limited amount of time they could devote to practising.

"Very good, very good," he said completing their warm up exercise. "Now, we will continue with the work on the part song that you will perform -" he caught their eyes, bending down, looking intently to each in turn "yes, perform - at the Hamilton's in two week's time." He saw them glance at one another apprehensively.

"What's this? I won't have any uncertainty among the members of the Broome House ensemble. Your performance will be of such a magnitude that grown women will fan themselves in the audience." The children giggled and Samuel, the 13 year old said, "yes but they'd fan themselves anyway, there's such a heat in the room especially after dancing."

"No no, they will be overcome by the beauty of the work; why I
shouldn't be surprised to see grown men in tears of joy." The choir Worthing smiled at this and they gathered round the piano.

Doing a passable imitation of a fish's jaw moving regularly up and
down, Mark encouraged their final exercise to loosen the jaw. In
dramatic fashion he drew out two long chords from the piano and they gathered up their music and began.

Expertly he listened to the mix of high voices amongst his singers. It needed a tenor to give it balance and depth and he thought that he would probably sing himself but hadn't told them yet. The soprano of Sarah was somewhat thin but passable; Samuel was effectively a countertenor at the moment; though his voice had broken it was still relatively high. Joseph; as he played he glanced at the 11 year old. A good voice, soprano like in its quality - but for how long? The boy was growing up. It would be a pity if he lost his chance to sing with his family at the social gatherings due to some twist nature threw at him.

He allowed them to complete the work despite falterings and he praised them afterwards and was about to work with them individually when there was a noise outside the window.

The small carriage pulled up and the children began to squeal. "Sir, it is our sister, may we go and greet her? Please?" Sarah, who spoke for them all, had flushed with excitement and he dismissed them with a wave of his hand, following their excited exit from the room at a more sedate pace.

In the marble hallway West stood by the door of the music room for the arrival of this seemingly much loved sister. The children had disappeared outside and there was much laughter and voices all speaking at once. Sir Henry stood back, just inside the door and even a couple of servants had abandoned their duties to greet the new arrival.

In they all came, trying to get through the doorway all together,
clinging to their sister's arms and waist. Mark blinked. Her hair had not maintained its fashionable coiffure and its gold trailed from under her hat around her pale, long neck. The travelling dress had little extra padding; it was also not as revealing as the fashionable dresses of the balls and parties but it did highlight her figure very well.

Mark smiled; her eyes flicked over him but as she didn't recognise him she turned to greet her family and even servants such as Mrs Jones, saying just how much she had missed her cooking. West waited his turn to be introduced and to find out just how talented she was at music.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Jane Worthing

Despite her intentions, Jane could hardly hold back her eagerness to alight as the carriage drew to a halt before the front door. Already poised for exit, Jane raised her skirts modestly and allowed Miles to hand her down as she bounced eagerly before him, looking up at the frontage of the house.

”You’ll be glad to be home again, Miss Jane…”

Jane nodded wordlessly and turned to smile at the man she seemed to have known all her life. To his dismay tears pricked her eyes. He looked at her more intently and instantly understood.

”She’d ‘ave been proud of you Miss.”

The gruff voice informed her. Blinking Jane nodded.
Returning like this after so long an absence brought her loss crashing in on her. This was the first time she had returned home without her mother’s effusive welcome.

Even as the sombre thoughts entered her brain a cacophony of sound met her ears as her brothers and sister tumbled out of the door and hurtled towards her.

”Sam! Joe!!”

Forgetting her decorum, Jane flung her arms around her brothers hugging them to her and pressing kisses against their cheeks, laughing loudly as Joseph squirmed under the embrace, momentarily changing his mind about just how demonstrative he wanted to be with his sister. Still chuckling, Jane ruffled his hair, much as she did when he was little, instantly pacifying him and turned to greet Sarah. The girls eyed each other. Four years her junior, Sarah had certainly grown up and she was, Jane had to admit, close to being a real beauty.

”Sarah!”

The young girl threw herself into Jane’s arms, the two holding in close embrace.

”We’ve missed you Janie. Since mother .. it’s … “

Again Jane was all reassurance.

”I know … but we shall do very well now we are all together again .. “

Turning, Jane, accompanied by her siblings who were loathe to release her, made her way up the steps and into the familiar hallway, their hubbub of laughter and questions breaking into the previous silence.

”Thank you Miles … “

She detached herself from her brothers and sister long enough to turn and press a quick kiss on the man’s cheek. A soft smile and the press of a hand on his arm, before catching sight of familiar faces who seemed to have taken a break in their duties to welcome her home.

”Martha … Amy … “

She acknowledged the housekeeper and the young woman who had assisted her in nursing her mother and now took on duties as parlour maid, she supposed. Jane glanced around, her eyes briefly travelling over a new face and then moving on as she saw that Mrs Jones had joined the welcome party and flew to her side to assure her that her cooking had been much missed, only to be assured that refreshments would soon be served for her.

”Father.”

Jane came to a halt before Mr Worthing, her hands automatically smoothing her skirts, her eyes lifted to his. She saw his pleasure give way to recognition and then pain. Perhaps it was because she was the eldest that she resembled her mother so much. Her eyes glanced at the portrait that still held pride of place in the sweeping hallway and realised that the similarity must cause her father great pain.

”Jane … “

She blinked back tears as her father too came forward to embrace her.

”Are you well, child? Did London please you?”

She smiled into his eyes, still held in his embrace.

”I am very well father. London was .. interesting, but the journey was long. I am pleased to be home.”

A kiss on her cheek and then he released her.

”When you are quite refreshed Jane, I have someone I wish you to meet and a matter I wish to discuss with you … “

Jane tried to quash the sudden anxiety that crept up on her.
Who did her father wish her to meet? What did he want to speak to her about?

”Yes father.”

She replied obediently as the children were whisked off to allow Jane to retire. Although Jane would have loved to linger over her toilet, it seemed that Amy, who had been assigned to attend to her, had been assigned to ensure that she presented herself in the drawing room at the earliest opportunity.

 

[chris2c4u]

The children didn't continue with their lesson after the arrival of
their sister. He couldn't blame them, it was certainly an exciting
event seeing her again after such a separation.

Sitting at the piano, he played a few bars of one of Beethoven's latest preludes though without the music couldn't continue for long. He smiled to himself as he improvised instead on a country dance tune they had been playing in the tavern a few nights before. It was a rather less respectable environment than usual for the musicians - all members of the church band - to be found in he chuckled to himself.

The knock at the door interrupted his soft playing and reverie. Amy entered and asked, "The Master asks if you would join him in the drawing room...sir," she added the latter noun reluctantly as in her eyes he was a servant too but since she was so low in the pecking order all but the stable lads had to be addressed respectfully.

On entering the drawing room Mark was pleased to see Jane again, now changed into fashionable white dress, scoop cut at the front, a peach short-sleeved jacket over it.

"Ah, the very man," Sir Henry came and took Mark by the elbow. "Now, Jane, this is the singing master, Mr Mark West."

Mark bowed and took Jane's proffered hand in his, holding it gently for a moment. "A pleasure to meet you Miss Worthing," he said, his dark brown eyes meeting her own wide blue gaze.

"Mr West was in Naples," Henry Worthing was proud of this fact but floundered a little when it came to details.

"The Opera House, Teatro de San Carlo," supplied Mark, looking from father to daughter, noting Jane's reaction.

"Singing master there, were you not?"

Mark blinked and looked away from Jane, registering her father's
question. "One of them, yes; for the minor roles mostly," he said
modestly. "Times though, on the continent are - troubled - at the
moment. Kent is much safer," he smiled.

"I understand you have been singing at school?" he continued holding his gaze on to the young woman, listening intently to her answer.

"Ah, yes, now Jane. Mr West has been engaged to offer you lessons to further develop this valuable talent. West, you've been working with the other - that is, the children haven't you?"

Mark smiled, his nod acknowledged the voice of his employer, his eyes didn't stray far from the face of his employer's daughter.

"They are very proficient," he said. "In need of a good voice to
supplement them." Mark smiled at Jane, urging her to tell of her
abilities, experiences.

Henry Worthing moved around to stand by his daughter. "Such a useful skill, given the number of families we shall be visiting socially in the locale this winter," he said. Mark's eyes went to Jane for her reaction to this pointed remark by her father.

"Perhaps - tomorrow - if your diary permits - I could return to the
house to have our first lesson?" Mark looked at father, then daughter, enquiringly.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Jane Worthing

Jane was happy to be alone with her father. His welcome home had been effusive and yet behind his eyes was a sorrow, a sadness still.
She was grateful for the refreshment and sat demurely answering his questions about London society, what she had learned, events she had attended. He seemed pleased that her chances for “recreation” had been limited and so well chaperoned.

” … there will be time for that … and soon … “

His ambiguous comment was disturbed by the entrance of a young man, Jane half recalled having seen upon her arrival.

"Ah, the very man. Now, Jane, this is the singing master, Mr Mark West."

Jane smiled shyly and greeted him politely.

”Mr West … “

Her eyes searched his curiously, her father’s effusive welcome so uncharacteristic for a man in his employ.

"A pleasure to meet you Miss Worthing,"

Jane smiled and allowed him to release her hand, glancing across at her father as if for further explanation.

"Mr West was in Naples,"

Jane’s eyes widened and as no further details were forthcoming turned back to Mr West.

"The Opera House, Teatro de San Carlo,"

She was told, then learned further how this man had been one of the Singing Masters, though he modestly added that he was called upon to tutor the minor roles.

"Times though, on the continent are - troubled - at the
moment. Kent is much safer,"

She had heard comments about how the unrest on the continent, though when she had questioned, Jane had been unable to discover any detail. It was incredible that this man had actually been to Italy at such a time and to actually have worked at one of the opera houses…!

Belatedly Jane realised that Mr West had spoken to her, asking about her own singing.

”Yes, Sir. I enjoy singing very much.”

Jane blushed sure that her own abilities could not match Mr West’s previous students.

”I have a great love of opera, but have been schooled in a wide range of pieces.”

She did not add that she disliked the religious variety of music that she had been much encouraged to sing.

"Ah, yes, now Jane. Mr West has been engaged to offer you lessons to further develop this valuable talent. West, you've been working with the other - that is, the children haven't you?"

Jane’s eyes widened in double shock.
Firstly that she was to be further schooled by this man and secondly that a man with such experience had employed to tutor her brothers and sister in the art of song.

"They are very proficient. In need of a good voice to
supplement them."

Jane could not hold back a wide smile at Mr West’s words, imagining her brothers and sisters engage in such a disciplined skill. She lowered her eyes quickly stifling the urge to chuckle at the thought. If this man could praise her siblings, surely her singing would be … passable. And the idea that her father was having her tutored along with the “other children” gave her no small amusement.

Her eyes danced as she looked up at her father as he came to stand beside her, obviously pleased at what he read as her pleasure at his provision of such a tutor.

"Such a useful skill, given the number of families we shall be visiting socially in the locale this winter,"

Jane bit back the question that sprung readily to her lips.
They would be visiting socially? They never had before.

"Perhaps - tomorrow - if your diary permits - I could return to the
house to have our first lesson?"

Jane made no comment, her mind distracted.

”Yes, yes … as soon as possible … eh Jane?”

The older man put his hand on his daughter’s arm affectionately.

”Ohh.. yes… yes … as you wish father …”

Her response was polite, but lacked enthusiasm.
She had hoped for a … quiet … winter season.
She knew that at the age of 19 she was of more than marriageable age and yet … somehow she had not considered that “socialising” would happen so quickly.

Regaining her senses, Jane realised that Mr West was taking his leave of them. She smiled and gave him her hand.

”Until tomorrow Mr West.”

She responded politely, watching him as he withdrew and went on his way.
Did her father have any idea of the musical calibre of the young man he had employed as tutor?
Would she be expected to sing along with the others, or would the lessons be private?

Her mind went back to her father’s words:
Had he even paused to consider whether she was ready to be “socialising” this Winter?
And why hadn’t he mentioned his ideas before introducing the young man in his employ?

 

[chris2c4u]

"Well, and what do you think of Miss Jane," Cook asked Mark the following day. He sat in front of the oven taking in the smell of baking bread, sipping tea; Cook always managed to secrete some away from the supply the smugglers brought before the butler could measure it out and lock it away. Mark knew he was favoured when she presented him with the small cup that morning.

"She seems a very polished young lady."

Cook turned around and wiped her brow with the back of a floury hand, "oh, polished is she, and that's all you noticed?"

Mark smiled, "I have hardly spoken to the young woman," he said as she grinned at him.

"You've got eyes in your head though man haven't you? Do you think she'll make some gentleman sit up and take notice this winter?"

Mark shrugged. "I'm sure several will though I'm not sure they will suit her. She's been in London. Perhaps she'll look for someone more exalted that a local boy two generations up from a hop growing yeoman family."

Cook laughed while Mark privately bemoaned his own poor status in the eyes of the family.

"Right," he said finishing off his tea with relish, "time for me to see what sort of voice this young girl has on her." They exchanged their traditional parody of a lady and gentlemen departing one another's company with bow and curtsey before Mark made his way into the body of the house.

He was surprised to see her - and Amy, clearly assigned to watch over her virtue - already waiting and bowed a little stiffly to Jane.

"I'm not late I hope miss?" Her first lesson was without the rest of his charges; as an adult and a young lady she could not be treated with the same methods as the children.

They went through the preparation, warming up muscles and throat before running through scales, during which he nodded encouragingly to her and found himself attending much more closely. As the piano chords died away he smiled at her and handed her a short psalm he was sure she would be familiar with. After a few guiding notes from the piano he listened as she sang unaccompanied. There were a few - a very few - places where he went back over phrasing with her and she seemed eager to learn. He was annoyed when the clock on the mantle piece signalled the end of their first hour together.

He smiled, his eyes shining with pleasure. "I hope that you will sing with the rest of your siblings as they prepare for the social outings? They are in need of a more developed voice." He was going to say fine voice but at this stage didn't want to over-praise her.

Over the coming days they began to explore a wider range of music until he suggested a duet from Don Giovanni, the Don and Zerlina.

They prepared their voices together and then stood close, by the piano. Jane blushed nervously as she began the aria, then Mark's voice curled around her soaring notes, until she lost her place and the edifice crumbled; they both laughed together and he showed her what had happened. They began again, the words melting into one another, the emotional song of love filling the room. Their eyes met as the last line, sung together, resonated the strings of the piano; silence slowly crept between them as they breathed deeply together.

Amy clapped enthusiastically to draw their gaze from each other and as one they turned and bowed to their audience at which she giggled and covered her mouth.

The following day Mark entered the music room to find Jane alone. "I'm sorry," he said, "shall I come back later when Amy..." He was made to understand that today she was needed to help with washing and that since it had slipped the mind of her father, no one had reminded him of the need for chaperoning. Did he mind?

"Very well," he answered with a smile. He searched through the music and she began a tricky piece after which he was able to suggest some nuances, reminiscing about his days in Naples and a young soprano there who he had helped who he said had quite a voice. "Though, if I may say, not as good as yours could be."

Suddenly, on an impulse he said, "you also play the piano? Shall we play this duet? You've worked very hard this week, this is a little relaxation?"

She came around and sat beside him on the piano stool, obviously nervous but her flush could have been a frisson of excitement too as he placed the music on the stand. She practised her part, at first a little uncertainly but with growing confidence as he indicated time for her. When she began again he joined her on his side of the piano keys. Slowly they began to master the tempo, the rhythm until they laughed together and their hands touched at the end of the piece.

Jane smiled at him then her eyes flicked to the door where Sarah stood, watching them as they sat so intimately together.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Jane Worthing

Jane presented herself promptly at 10 am the following morning. She walked into the music room to find it blissfully clear of her siblings and directed Amy to sit in the alcove and assured her that she might read or continue with her mending as her presence at these lessons was to be a regular occurrence.

"I'm not late I hope miss?”

Jane curtsied, greeting her tutor respectfully as she replied.

”Indeed no, Mr West … I was merely ensuring that Amy be made comfortable. She is to attend me during our lessons … ”

She informed him smoothly although she blushed hoping the young man would not be offended by what she considered her father’s over-cautiousness.

Reassured by his mild response, Jane soon found herself lost in the scales and exercises she was familiar with as she warmed up her voice. When assigned one of the dreaded psalms, Jane did her best to sing with appropriate phrasing and intonation, her initial nervousness soon melting under Mr West’s encouragement. In fact some of the suggestions he made were a revelation to Jane, making her almost forget that the psalms were not a favoured part of her repertoire. The clock announcing the end of that first hour seemed to take them both by surprise. She smiled regretfully as Amy rose promptly to escort her young Mistress from the room.

”Thank you, Mr West … “

Jane thanked him demurely as she quitted the room and went about her business.

And so it was that Jane began to look forward to her lessons. Singing was one of her true joys and Mr West seemed to give a whole new interpretation to those pieces that had seemed so dry and irrelevant when she had been made to recite them at school. Yet it was with great joy that she discovered one day that her set piece was to be an operatic piece!

”Don Giovanni!”

She exclaimed in delight.

”It is one of my favourite operas, Mr West. What do you suggest … ?”

Her mind ran over the various duets deciding that he would select one of the aria’s as a more suitable study piece and yet he surprised her when he suggested the duet between Don Giovanni and Zerlina.

”La chi darem la mano..?”

She echoed softly and blushed as she saw his nod.
The seduction scene where Don Giovanni seduces Zerlina into dumping her bridegroom and consenting to return to his house with him … supposedly to marry him …
Jane studiously buried her head in the sheet music Mr West had handed her, though in truth she knew both the libretto and this particular melody by heart.
She looked up taken aback by the mellow notes directed towards her as Mr West sang the first section leading up to the response of her character. Captivated by the melodious notes that wove around her consciousness, Jane lowered the music, beginning Zerlina’s initial reluctant responses and gaining confidence as the character allowed herself to be seduced by the Don’s persuasion. Stumbling over the first chorus, Jane ground to a halt and was met with Mark’s good natured laughter and encouragement to try once more. Wordlessly he took the music from her and encouraged her to try “from memory”, telling her they could work on the “technicalities” later. Nodding, Jane focused on his brief introduction and first line leading to her response, her hesitancy fitting her nervousness and the dilemma of her character. By the time lines were being exchanged, Mark’s encouragement to run away with him .. the Don … and Jane’s … Zerlina’s increasingly feeble objections both were lost in the scenario. They barely noticed that Mark had taken Jane’s hand as the word “andiam” (let’s go) left her lips consenting to run away with him. The rest of the piece continued a true duet of joint intent ending in an ironic declaration of a shared “innocent love”. Though Mark had long released her hand, Jane and he stood closely by the piano, blinking as if awakening from the sensual spell of the song of seduction.

Amy’s enthusiastic clapping brought them back to reality. Taking a step back, Jane took a steadying breath and bobbed a mock curtsey in the direction of her maid, just as the clock chimed heralding the end of their lesson.

Jane looked in its direction half regretful, half pleased of a seemly escape. She extended her hand to her tutor.

”Until tomorrow Mr West …”

She bade him farewell and left the room quickly.

She was much distracted for the rest of the afternoon.
Whilst she knew that her father encouraged her love of opera, she was not sure that he would approve of her singing such a duet. Even as the thought formed she dismissed it. It was a song … a duet … she was being foolish … there was nothing to object to. The music was beautiful … a masterpiece of melody and persuasion. She could well imagine Mr West tutoring the very best of Neopolitan opera singers. His own voice was … fine …
She moved restlessly hardly wanting to admit to herself just how his voice had enchanted her. His dramatic interpretation of the seduction scene had been … most … convincing … she had never quite understood how Zerlina could have turned her back on her intended, her friends and her rightful place in society, just on a whim … and yet now …

She looked up as her father entered the room.
Pleased of the distraction, she rose to greet him.

She had intended to send word to Mr West that Amy was unavailable to chaperone her that day. And failing that she had intended to procure one of the other servants to fulfil that role and yet, she had found herself in the music room and 9 am that morning, still strangely restless, her fingers picking out the melody of the duet on the piano, lost in thought until she looked up to see Mr West as he crossed the threshold of the room. Her fingers jarred a chord on the piano and she rose to greet him.

”Mr West … I had not realised… that is … time seems to have flown this morning … “

Breaking off in blushing confusion, she was grateful when he responded:

"I'm sorry, shall I come back later when Amy..."

She shook her head.

”No … that is … Amy’s presence is required … father did not ask that I cancelled our lesson, …. “

She took a steadying breath and hoped he did not think her immodest.

”Would you mind if we continued … as usual …?”

To her relief, he agreed.
His mind instantly on procuring a sheet of music.
Jane could not quite hold back a smile. Her virtue had nothing to fear from this very ernest young man. He was the very reverse of the lascivious Don.

Lowering her eyes demurely, Jane stepped towards him and listened attentively to his instructions, following them without question, totally focused on the increasingly difficult piece he had selected for her to attempt today.

Although Amy’s presence was not missed as for as propriety was concerned, it did seem to make the atmosphere of the lesson more relaxed. Jane was more willing to try out new ideas. She listened eagerly to him speaking about Naples and the soprano’s he worked with over there. Blushing at the complement about her voice and its potential.

”I had no idea if I was indeed talented vocally Mr West. It has simply always been a pleasure to sing, especially music from opera.”

She told him shyly.

"You also play the piano?”

Jane nodded.

” … tolerably well, I believe…”

She watched him sit at the piano and pull out yet another sheet of musick.

”Shall we play this duet? You've worked very hard this week, this is a little relaxation?"

Smiling Jane moved to look over his shoulder at the myriad of notes.

”Relaxation?”

She echoed incredulously, but sat beside him and began to pick out the notes, struggling to play a tempo, then finally able to follow the slower beat he indicated, speeding up little by little until she had almost mastered the piece. She smiled triumphantly, but was met with a measured. “ … again … “
Sitting straight, she turned the music back to the beginning and started once more. Her hands faltered as he too began to play, easing closer to her on the piano stool as the harmony he played joined her own notes.
Again he marked time and her confidence grew.
By the end of the piece the music was flowing, an interesting juxtaposition of tunes.
Finally playing the last chord, Jane shook her head and smiled. He had set her so many challenges that lesson and though she had not performed perfectly, she had risen to meet each one.

”Sarah? What are you doing here?”

Jane’s voice was breathless as she addressed the sister whose presence she had only just become aware of.

”It’s 10:15.”

Her sibling announced shortly.

”Oh dear … Mr West … I fear I have kept you beyond your time. Do forgive me … ?”

Jane rose hastily and extended her hand, her eyes widening as he bowed over it and assured her that the time has been pleasureably spent.
As he straightened, Mark found himself looking into the eyes of the younger Miss Worthing.

”I will now take my leave of you … until tomorrow….”

Nodding and smiling as he addressed a remark to her sister, Jane moved to sit at the piano her fingers moving idly across the keys as Mark left the room.

”Is he supposed to be teaching you the piano as well?”

Jane looked up at the suspicious voice.

”No Sarah … that was just a bit of fun … “

She smiled at her sister confused by the scowl she saw on Sarah’s face.

”Does father know you’re having “fun” with Mr West Jane?”

Jane halted moving her hands to smooth her skirts, not understanding her sister’s insinuating tone.

”Don’t your tutors ever let you do something fun … just for a change …? “

She kept her tone light, almost daring Sarah to mention the absence of Amy.

”Mr West isn’t a normal tutor Jane …”

The younger sister was stood before the elder, concern on her face.

”True, Sarah. He’s very talented. Much accomplished.”

The scowl was back again, but this time one of petulance.

”Alas yes. Do you know he is to instruct us in dancing?
In preparation for father’s social calendar?”

Jane chuckled and rose to hug her sister.

”Won’t you enjoy that?”

The two walked along out of the music room as they chatted.

”I always have to dance with the boys … “

Jane chuckled.

”Perhaps you’ll get to dance with Mr West..?”

She teased.

”No. He’s to dance with you.”

She missed the look of shock on her sister’s face.

”With … me …?”

Sarah continued oblivious to Jane’s concern.

”Yes … I heard father talking to him before the lesson today …. He said … “

Sarah continued to chatter, but Jane could think of nothing but how inappropriate it was for Mark to be asked to assist in giving dance lessons.
Of course she had attended dances, classes, all in preparation for her launching in society. An event she had thought would be long in coming.
She determinedly blanked her mind from imagining what it might be like to dance with a personable young man like Mark West, rather than the female and elderly partners she had previously been introduced to.

 

[chris2c4u]

It had been rather a surprise when Sir Henry asked Mark to teaching dancing as well as singing.

"Well, you're here and you get along tolerably well with the brood eh?" Sir Henry laughed. "No point gettin in a dancing master. Remuneration of course can be suitably altered. In fact," He wagged a finger at Mark thoughfully, "in fact, there's a cottage in the grounds that's not been used for a while. How about you take that rent free?"

Mark bowed gratefully. His current room above the Inn was pleasant enough, except for the noise most evenings and he would appreciate somewhere quiet to work on his next book.

"Good, then I'll ask Simmons the estate steward to be in touch with you." Sir Henry smiled and nodded. "Splendid. Yes, very good. Right, carry on."

There was, however, a practical difficulty that came to mind a day or two later. The fashionable dances were all sets - he needed more participants. The solution he offered Sir Henry was practical enough in theory but beset with thorny problems of etiquette.

"So, my children and those of a neighbour should pool resources?"

Mark nodded. "I was hoping you might have some friends in the area?" Mark prompted. Sir Henry sat back in his chair in the study and pursed his lips. A finger wagged again as it did when he came upon an idea he liked. "Yes. Yes - the Gilbert's. They would be delighted I'm sure and I haven't seen them socially since my wife passed on."

The decision made letters were exchanged and confirmation made; they even offered to bring along a "capable piano player," should the dancing master need it. As Mark had suspected, Sir Henry had picked a family who were rather lower in the pecking order; in fact, while not fallen on hard times they were very pleased indeed to be able to send their children for free lessons in such an important social skill.

Sir Henry accompanied Mark to his singing lesson to announce the news to his children. Sarah frowned. "Are there not three children?"

Sir Henry nodded.

"Then are we not an uneven number of pupils?"

"Sir Henry if I may?" Mark requested to answer her. "Where necessary to complete the set I will join in myself. I find it is better that way to get a feel of how things are progressing." Briefly his eyes met Jane's and a flicker of a smile passed across his lips. Sarah glanced across at her sister and sniffed, otherwise keeping her thoughts to herself.

****

The day of the first lesson arrived and the carriage Sir Henry had sent to pick up the Gilbert children arrived. Riding with them came the mother and father who took the opportunity to thank their neighbour in person and to renew acquaintances over lunch.

Mark, after pleasantries and in due course led his charges away to the grand hall. He spent a little time getting to know the two girls and a boy and decided to paint a picture of a grand ball which they would soon be attending. The new girls giggled as he indicated their popularity with the young gentlemen of the district.

"Now you Mary, yes, I see a cavalryman at your side. He will undoubtably send you letters from the front about how he saved the regiment if not the whole battle." There was laughter and the boys broke into an impromptu imitation of Napoleonic warfare until Mark clapped his hands and said they would begin.

He lined them up parallel to one another; boy girl, boy girl. The same on his side but he made up the final place himself, opposite Sarah who couldn't resist a broad smile; she had the sense not to look towards Jane and crow at who he had chosen as his partner - she thought she would save that delight up for later.

Mark, the diplomat had of course seen the tensions and knew this was the way to diffuse them. For him matters were very practical and proffesional - he couldn't afford his charges falling out and word getting back to his patron and the loss of this lucrative position.

Slowly, they went through the moves after his assistant had played the tune of the dance slowly on the piano. The dance was quite simple and both Jane and Sarah had seen it before. Each couple would dance down the set, turn out and part and resume their position at the end; all would do this twice and the dance would be over.

It only took half an hour for them all to become very capable indeed. He then made it a little more complex by suggesting a partner change. The confusion led to laughter and the faces of two of the boys going even redder than the exercise had made them when they nearly ended up dancing together.

The end of the dance though once again was achieved and Jane was in Mark's arms for the first time. He smiled and, instead of the simple set along the line he encouraged her to swing around. As if she had read his mind they turned, drawing close to one another just as the notes of the pian faded. He released her and bowed to his new partner - and of course, to Sarah.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

For all Sarah’s penchant for idle chatter, it seemed that on this occasion she was correct, or at least partly so. Jane’s initial consternation turned to one of indulgent amusement as she learned that the lessons were in fact to include the Gilbert children and could imagine just how fortuitous that arrangement would prove both for them and her own father’s social standing.

And so it was with somewhat bemusement that she allowed herself to be presented to Mr and Mrs Gilbert enjoying a brief sojourn amongst adults before retiring to the music room to join the youngsters in their lesson.

Jane was gratified to be greeted by the pianist as she entered the room and exchanged a few polite pleasantries as she watched Mark arranging his charges, encouraging them with romantic tales of balls and brave suitors for the girls. She bit back a sigh, knowing her own future was not to be cluttered with the inconveniences of love. True she was to be schooled and “paraded” in society, but her father wanted her “well settled” and not for the first time, Jane wondered if the level of financial and social reputation were her father’s only criteria for happiness.

Mutely she allowed herself to be positioned opposite the Gilbert’s boy. So preoccupied was she that she did not notice that Mark was partnering Sarah until the set actually began. The dance was simple and executed at this tempo was verging on tedious. Did her father not realise that being expected to take lessons like this with the children was actually of very little “use”? Never ill-tempered, Jane smiled indulgently as the dance deteriorated as the pace of the music increased. She set herself instead to encourage the young man opposite her with but few whispered instructions and any amount of smiling encouragement, which in fact boosted his confidence and made him the most adept dancer when the partner change was introduced. Encouraging the boy as he moved on to his next partner, Jane turned expecting to find a brother and found herself in Mark’s arms. Managing not to falter Jane smiled shyly finding the experience of actually dancing with a man most … pleasurable.

Indeed, as she fell naturally into the pace of one actually able to lead the dance, she followed his subtle encouragement and finally got the opportunity to demonstrate some of her true ability in the more complex moves and swings bringing a smile and flush of pleasure to her face. As they drew apart, she gave him a graceful curtsey and moved out of line to bid farewell to the pianist whilst Mark praised and encouraged his younger pupils before dismissing them into the pianist’s care.

Aware that only the two of them remained, Jane crossed the room and extended a hand to Mark, smiling softly.

”An … interesting … lesson Mr West … I believe I’ve never seen such progress before now … “

Her eyes danced with a soft tease, her mouth turning irrepressibly upwards as his hand surrounded hers.
True the lesson had done little to develop her own skills, but perhaps in time…
She had no intention of making any critical comment: She believed their tutor had coped admirably.
Jane had no great anxiety about her dancing “prowess” or otherwise.
Whilst not conceited, she judged herself as tolerably proficient on the dance floor. Admittedly she was perhaps not up to the skill necessary for London … or Naples … society, but she would perform well enough for what her father had in mind …

Jane withdrew her hand reluctantly, knowing she should make haste to bid farewell to their guests, although from the audible chatter, she suspected that the Gilberts would still be some time before taking their leave …

 

[chris2c4u]

"An … interesting … lesson Mr West … I believe I’ve never seen such progress before now … " Her eyes danced with a soft tease, her mouth turning irrepressibly upwards as his hand surrounded hers.

Mark, his concentration still on the leading of the session did not immediately comprehend her words or her look. It was only after she had departed to be with her family and their friends he reflected - and grinned. The young woman...he laughed to himself; perhaps she had learnt more fashionable dances in London, that was what gave her the cheek to be critical. Her knowledge was clearly considerable in the field of music, dance, those things that made her even more
marriageable. Her own abilities had been evident; he had noted how she helped her young partner and increased his confidence. Then, of course - he felt a knot in his stomach, yes her own confidence had allowed her to speak in such a way to him but also she could speak to the servants in any way she chose. With a sigh he slipped away to the kitchen and lunch with Mrs Jones.

****

The week was busy as he moved out of The Swan into the cottage in the grounds of Broome House. He eyed it warily; the thatch looked worn in places, the walls cracked. He was grateful, of course but also concerned. An estate worker should have this cottage and the local labourers might well decide to express that opinion forcibly enough to him one night after the pub. His friends in the village, particularly the church musicians, allayed his fears. "This place has been always used for the tutor to the Worthings," said Tom, himself a ploughman and violinist. His gap toothed grin and wiry grey hair a testimony to his unusual age of 53 for a labourer. His memory was one of the longest in the village and he commanded the respect of the other workers of the estate and beyond. Mark smiled his thanks as Tom and the others helped move the few posessions he had into
the cottage, it's damp interior testimony to it having lain empty for several months.

There was little time to improve on that as his work commitments pressed in on him. He had made enough money to settle his publisher's bill but he was stretched now with commitments as the autumn embraced winter. He rode from grammar school to church to the Worthings, knowing the latter choir were becoming agitated at the impending performance at the Hamilton's.

While he knew that they were more than able he felt that something of their father's concerns were rubbing off on them. On several occasions as the day of the ball approached he had sat in on the lessons. While he did not criticise, his presence seemed to remind them all that this was an important function and that the performance was to be one of those subtle tests of their place in the hierarchy of Kent society. Mark also knew that this would reflect on Jane's appearance on the social stage. Mistakes could not be allowed.

****

The song was The Linnet. "The stress notes...?" Mark looked at his charges who all shuffled their feet after a particularly horrenduous rendition during which their father had walked out.

"255..." he paused, not telling them the rest. "Again, if you please." He waited for them to raise the sheet music noting their demoralised state. Running through the simple three versed song, he smiled. "There, you did it. A little more expression and a demenour less reminiscent of cowed puppy and we will be on the way to the London stage." They did at least smile.

"Very well, that's enough for today," he said. "Miss Jane? A word, please?"

The other Worthings trooped out, Sarah more slowly than the other two as she strained to catch the words Mark shared with her older sister.

"Miss Worthing...this is a delicate matter I hope you will be able to help with."

He searched her expression; she was less worried than the rest and with good cause, her command of the song had been complete and she had vented her frustration on her siblings several times before realising that here, at least, Mr West was the one to instil discipline.

"May I ask you a favour?"

She inclined her head and gave a smile of piqued interest.

"Would you perhaps intervene with your father - ask him to refrain from joining our rehearsals? I sense that his presence is having an adverse effect on your brothers and sister. I know you are more mature and experienced...you maintain your skills well...very well." He paused, meeting her gaze. "Your performance will be the anchor to steady the Worthing ship." He smiled. Suddenly, an idea struck him.

"I wonder -" He smiled at her, his hand running through his dark locks distractedly as the idea coalesced. "I am sure that in your London school you were educated in solo singing? Do you have a favourite piece? It would be a great treat - erm - for the audience - if we, in these few remaining days, might practise it together as a surprise item on the day. What do you say?"

His eyes burned with enthusiasm. Forgotten were the pressures on his time or the work with the children as he awaited her reply.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Very well, that's enough for today,"”

Jane smiled encouragingly at her siblings. That morning’s lessons had been uncharacteristically arduous and her father walking out had done little to instil any of them with confidence.

"Miss Jane? A word, please?"

Jane bit back a sigh. With a quick smile at Sarah as she loitered Jane turned and walked across to their tutor enquiring politely.

”Mr West … ?”

Her polite smile softened to a genuine expression as she saw him trying to pick his words carefully.

"Miss Worthing...this is a delicate matter I hope you will be able to help with."

She met his eyes, curious as to how he would proceed.

"May I ask you a favour?"

Jane did not want to commit herself, but nodded her head indicating that he continue.

"Would you perhaps intervene with your father - ask him to refrain from joining our rehearsals? I sense that his presence is having an adverse effect on your brothers and sister.”

Her father … she knew he was becoming concerned about their forthcoming social event and of course now he had put the estate cottage at Mr West’s disposal, he obviously expected that their appearance in society be successful.

” I know you are more mature and experienced...you maintain your skills well...very well.
Your performance will be the anchor to steady the Worthing ship."

Jane flushed at the compliment and bit back a sigh hoping that she would indeed be able to support her siblings who had indeed become increasingly nervous.

"I wonder - I am sure that in your London school you were educated in solo singing? Do you have a favourite piece?”

Jane eyed him suspiciously and nodded slowly.

” It would be a great treat - erm - for the audience - if we, in these few remaining days, might practise it together as a surprise item on the day. What do you say?"

Jane’s eyes widened.

”No …I … I don’t think so … “

She began, wary of being carried away by the tutor’s enthusiasm.

”I think there are enough things that could go wrong without more pressure.
I’ll speak with father … try to persuade him … but … “

She sighed heavily.

”This is very important to him … to us … “

She corrected hastily.

”When mother … “

She halted, the thought of her dear mother’s death and the way her father had sent her away to London. She had thought it cruel at the time and yet he had always maintained that it was what her mother would have wanted.

”There’s never enough time … “

She hardly realised she had spoken as she was lost in thought.
She had been sent away before she had time to truly get over her loss and now …
Now she was being thrust into the marriage market before she had time to even get her bearings.

”I’m … sorry Mr West … “

She blushed blinking away tears that suddenly seemed to prick her eyes.

” … so … foolish … “

She moved away from him fixing her gaze on the garden beyond struggling to regain her composure.

 

[chris2c4u]

”No …I … I don’t think so … “
Mark sighed, disappointed that she didn't feel able to sing at the Hamilton's - then he suddenly realised what a dunce he was. The young woman's last few remarks, disjointed though they were, made sense to him.

"I think there are enough things that could go wrong without more pressure." She sighed heavily.

”This is very important to him … to us … “

Yes, it was to him, to her father's wishes that she was conforming. She had spirit but she was also a dutiful daughter.

"When mother … There’s never enough time … " He couldn't plumb her thoughts from these scattered phrases but the way she wrung her hands, from her agitation there was something that was disturbing her deeply. He did suspect that Sir Henry was a man whose concerns for the welfare of his children was rather more how they illuminated the family name rather than their individual well being; Mark mused on whether Jane's father should have remarried - give a feminine touch, at least help the girls out with a different ear for them.

He blinked, drawn out of his reverie by Jane. "I’m … sorry Mr West … "

She addressed him, apologising when there was no need. He began to bow a
little, acknowledging her wishes when he saw her watery eyes.

" … so … foolish … "

As she turned to the garden he saw her try to compose herself. Without thinking of decorum he stepped forward.

"Miss West, I didn't mean to agitate you so, please, I should be the one who is apologising. There's clearly no need for further pressure as you rightly say. I hadn't realised..." He stopped as she half turned towards him and he looked where her gaze directed his eyes; his hand, closed gently around her elbow, comfortingly.

As if it was a red hot poker he immediately relinquished his hold upon her and took a step back in confusion. He gave a bow. "If you'll excuse me," he flustered. "An engagement. The church choir. I will see you - the choir Worthing that is - tomorrow." Turning without waiting for a reply he fled the room.

****
Parson Charles Beck stroked the mane of Clara, the singing master's mare and offered her an apple freshly fallen from the tree. Inside the church that evening the practise was coming to an end for the harvest festival service and the musicians began to file out with a respectful tug at forelocks or caps when they saw him waiting.

"Should be good one this year," said Frank Willoughby, the cumbersome instrument the serpent held close to his chest. "Mr West is a good un." He wandered on to ask the others if any were going to the pub.

Mark emerged and closed the door of the church when the parson cornered him.

"Before you leave Mr West, perhaps you would join my family for a sherry?"

Mark, always careful not to upset his employers agreed happily. He stroked Clara and followed the thin bird like priest across the intervening graveyard to the parsonage. Charles Beck had a considerable brood to look after and his living was stretched but not to breaking point; he enjoyed the company of the travelled Mr West and this evening he decided to take his chance and introduce his daughter Anna to the young man.

Anna curtseyed and stifled a giggle mindful of her mother's fussing that day over curling her hair and the stories she had been told of Mr West's colourful life abroad. As the evening wore on Mark was invited to stay for something to eat and found himself liking the attentions of the young woman he had been asked to meet. True, she didn't have Jane's breeding nor her natural if often hidden wit. Of course, the London education had helped Jane too...

Suddenly he realised that his yardstick for measuring this pleasant young woman was not in her own terms or even what Mark thought of her. It was Jane Worthing. He shook his head. The parson's wife, Mary inclined her head to him. "Is all well Mr West?"

He smiled. "It is. Indeed it is Mrs Beck. And the company is charming." He smiled at Anna who blushed and sipped again from her first glass of sherry taken in company. With smiles all round the pason invited Mark to share the family pew at the following Sunday's service. Despite not being a regular church goer, Mark accepted the offer to the delight of all.

****
Clara's patient gait took him towards the village later as Mark mused on his past and his future. Perhaps it was time to put his travelling behind him, to settle down. That would mean settling down with a wife and Anna...it could be worse. Despite his mind being occupied with Jane Worthing nothing could come of that! A tradesman and a lady...impossible. Anyway, he mused, she might well have him dismissed for his behaviour earlier that day, and thought about what he would do if she did. He smiled even as his mind pined for the excitement of the theatre and he was torn wondering instead should he head for London, there was music
there a plenty, he would not be short of work.

"Baa," he grunted to himself at this speculation as he put Clara in the stable behind the Swan. He entered the Inn with a smile for his friends and removed his coat, immediately joining those of the church band who were there and playing. In the oil lamps the music flowed along with ale. Mark forgot his concerns in the ancient songs and modern friendships until Clara once again took his home, half asleep on her back.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Miss West, I didn't mean to agitate you so, please, I should be the one who is apologising.
There's clearly no need for further pressure as you rightly say. I hadn't realised..."

Jane raised her eyes to his, her face flushing slightly as she felt his hand gently capturing her elbow. The gesture she knew was intended to comfort, to reassure and yet … she gazed downwards aware that the touch had caused a sudden … glow … to seep into her body.
His release of her elbow was abrupt.
Her head snapped up to his, her expression confused and strangely hurt by the distance he suddenly felt necessary.

"If you'll excuse me … An engagement. The church choir.”

She opened her mouth to make the expected polite response, but closed it again, merely nodding.

” I will see you - the choir Worthing that is - tomorrow."

She watched wordlessly as he quitted the room with almost offensive haste.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

”Jane will not be attending class today … “

Sarah informed Mark almost relishing the information she had to impart.

Eyeing the music Master assessingly, she approached him before responding to his query as if in confidence.

”She’s … indisposed … at least …. that is what she told me to tell you … “

The conversation was cut short by the younger Worthings causing an uproar that threatened to summon all available hands from the adjacent rooms and took both Mark and an amazingly co-operative Sarah to restore order and embark on a particularly ponderous lesson.

Mercifully the only partially dispirited choir had just been dismissed when Mr Worthing entered unannounced, eyeing Mark West critically as the youngsters dashed past him and out to freedom.

”You’re finished with Jane Mr West…I have to speak to her … matter of some urgency … ”

The words were a statement rather than a question, clearly impatient to speak with his daughter.

”Father … Jane just left … “

Sarah’s eyes met Mark’s entreating him silently not to tell of Jane’s absence.

”I think she was headed towards the church … perhaps to speak to the Parson about the Harvest Festival … “

She explained, braving her father’s annoyance, sure she could slip away before being questioned further by either man.
Her father’s abrupt exit took her by surprise. She blushed and stared across at Mark.

”The boys … “

She made a hasty excuse and turned to leave …