Heart Strings (Music of the Heart Book 1)

by Donna Hatch

  Mirror Lake Press

  Copyright 2016

  Copyright 2016 Donna Hatch

  Paperback edition

  All rights reserved

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission of the author, except in case of brief passages embodied in critical reviews and articles.

  This is a work of fiction. The characters, names, incidents, places and dialogue are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real.

  Cover design by Lisa Messagee

  Interior design by Heather Justesen

  Print ISBN-13: 978-1537151779

  Print ISBN-10: 1537151770

  Acknowledgements

  As always, I owe my sincerest thanks to my critique partners, Jennifer Griffith and Joyce DiPastena who are so encouraging as well as willing to point out all the ways my story could be improved. Thank you, too, to my Beta readers—Karen Adair, Heidi Murphy, Tracy Astle, Rebecca Barrett, Shaunna Gonzales, and Pauline Hansen. And thank you to my final proofreaders, Susie Hatch, Charlotte Morgan, Debbie DeTemple and Julie Moody. I couldn’t have done it without all of you!

  Also my gratitude goes to my ANWA sister-writers, and the members of the Beau Monde RWA writers group.

  A special thanks to musician extraordinaire, Jenna Hartley, for her feedback on a musician’s life in a professional orchestra.

  And, lastly, I must thank my husband and children who are tirelessly supportive, even though they sometimes have to deal with pancakes for dinner because I didn’t come out of my writing coma in time to prepare a nutritious meal. I love you!

  Other titles by Donna Hatch

  The Rogue Hearts Regency Series:

  The Stranger She Married, book 1

  The Guise of a Gentleman, book 2

  A Perfect Secret, book 3

  The Suspect’s Daughter, book 4

  Anthologies:

  Timeless Romance, Winter Collection “A Winter’s Knight”

  Timeless Regency Romance, Autumn Masquerade “Unmasking the Duke”

  Timeless Regency Romance, Summer House Party “A Perfect Match”

  With Every Heartbeat, “The Reluctant Bride,” Emma’s Dilemma,” “Constant Hearts”

  Heart Strings, Songs of the Heart series Book 1

  Novellas and Short Stories:

  “When Ship Bells Ring”

  “Constant Hearts”

  “Emma’s Dilemma”

  “The Reluctant Bride”

  “Troubled Hearts”

  Christmas Novellas:

  “A Winter’s Knight”

  “A Christmas Reunion”

  “Mistletoe Magic”

  Fantasy Novel:

  Queen in Exile

  Coming October 2016:

  Courting the Countess

  DISCLAIMER

  Every possible measure has been taken to insure this book is free of grammatical, typographical, and formatting errors. Please forgive those few that may have slipped past the many, many eyes that searched for them.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Find this author online

  About the Author

  Chapter One

  England, 1811

  From the time Susanna Dyer was orphaned at the age of thirteen, she had known she was unwanted, but each time her aunt vocalized that truth, Susanna couldn’t refrain from wincing. Even now, at nineteen, she battled to maintain composure during her aunt’s “talks.” Susanna stood in her aunt’s morning room—formerly her mother’s morning room—her head demurely bowed and her hands clasped, when every muscle in her body strained to run out of range from the verbal arrows Aunt Uriana continued to shoot at her.

  Her aunt, sitting against her pillows like a queen, paused after extolling all of Susanna’s faults before declaring, “But, at last, I have found the perfect solution. My nephew on my side of the family—” this spoken as if her side of the family were irrefutably superior to her husband’s side of the family—“a paragon of gentlemanly virtue, has agreed to marry you for the sake of your dowry, however small, to satisfy his patron’s requirement that he be wedded in order to assume the position as vicar.”

  Forgoing her study of the faded scarlet carpeting, Susanna lifted her head. “Your nephew? Not Algernon Bloodworth?”

  Aunt Uriana let out a huff and rolled her eyes. “Of course, Algernon. I only have one nephew on my side of the family, you half-witted buffoon.”

  Perfect. She was to marry a man sixteen years her senior with gout, a propensity to whistle when he breathed, a wit as sharp as a wet bar of soap, and a cruel streak—the kind that drowned kittens and kicked puppies. Oh, and this so-called “paragon of gentlemanly virtue” only wanted her so he could assume a position—as a vicar, no less. Susanna would have to sign her name Mrs. Bloodworth. She shivered, almost as repulsed by his name as by his character.

  Truly fate must be cackling at this point.

  She couldn’t help repeating, on the off-chance that she’d misheard her aunt. “You want me to marry your nephew, Algernon Bloodworth?”

  Aunt Uriana let out a long-suffering sigh as if she were speaking to a rather trying, stupid child, and nodded, making her double chin bulge more than normal. “Yes!”

  “But he’s so…” Susanna settled on the least offensive word she could, “…old.”

  Aunt Uriana made an impatient sound. “He’s only thirty-five—still in his prime. It’s the perfect solution. I finally get rid of you. He gets appointed to the position he desires.”

  The walls closed in and all light dimmed in the room. For a moment, Susanna could hardly breathe. Trapped in a marriage with a troll of a man. No. Never.

  With uncharacteristic boldness, Susanna asked, “Does Uncle approve of this match?”

  Aunt Uriana opened her mouth in shock. “How dare you question me? Of course he approves. Algernon is my nephew, after all.”

  Wearily, Susanna nodded. From the time her papa’s brother arrived to take possession of the entailed property and guardianship of Susanna, he’d never once contradicted Aunt. If he held any opinions, he kept them to himself, probably for the sake of his version of peace.

  Susanna took a breath, swallowed, took another. For the first time in years, she made a stand. “I thank you for your kind offer, Aunt.” She nearly choked on the words. “However, I must decline.”

  “What?” Aunt Uriana’s eyes bulged. “What did you say to me? You most assuredly do not decline. I am your guardian until you marry, and I refuse to keep you under my roof any longer than necessary. I won’t allow you, with your stupid, backward ways and the idiotic things you say, to ruin my daughter’s chances for an advantageous marriage. As soon as you are gone, I will bring her ‘out’ and we will attend London for her first Season. The best part is, I won’t have to worry about you any longer.”

  This implied her aunt had ever worried about Susanna. Of course, she didn’t voice that thought. Instead, Susanna called forth her most respectful, sweet tone of voice. “You could simply leave me behind while you go to London, Aunt—no need to find me a husband first.”

  “Algernon needs a wife and he has agreed to take you.” Her upper lip curl
ed as if she found the thought distasteful. “Now, leave.” Aunt Uriana made a shooing motion which set the fat hanging from her arms to shaking, and picked up her embroidery loom.

  Susanna’s breath came in shallow spurts. She could not marry Algernon. Could not! She squared her shoulders. “No, Aunt.”

  Aunt Uriana lowered her embroidery loom and leveled a stare at her that would have frozen the Thames. She punctuated each word with an ominous tone. “What did you say?”

  Calling upon all the courage she’d once possessed, Susanna raised her voice to an authoritative tone. “I will not marry Algernon.”

  Aunt Uriana’s fingers twitched as if wishing to grab a switch and whip Susanna as she had those first explosive weeks after she became the new mistress of the manor. It hadn’t taken long for Susanna to learn to bow—at least outwardly—to her aunt’s will.

  Undiluted poison came out of Aunt Uriana’s voice. “You will do as I say or I will throw you out.” She let out a mocking half-laugh. “You would have to work to support yourself.” Her half laugh turned to a snigger. “Perhaps the wild dogs will make a meal of you.”

  Susanna ignored that last dart as she considered her options. Though quailing at the thought of working among strangers, seven years of practice helped Susanna appear poised. “I will find a position and support myself. I could be a governess or a lady’s companion.”

  “Ha! As if anyone would want you! You wouldn’t last one day.”

  Spreading open her hands, Susanna sifted through possible solutions. “I could—”

  “Stop this foolish show of rebellion. We’ve already signed the settlement papers. The banns will be posted for the obligatory three Sundays, and then Algernon will come take you away.” Aunt Uriana narrowed her eyes. “Must I lock you in your bedchamber until your wedding day?”

  Susanna pressed a hand to her head. In reality, securing a position could take time, and she had precious little of that. Perhaps a show of compliance would be in order until she thought of a plan. Anger and panic boiled within her.

  Still, she bowed her head and slumped her shoulders to appear the picture of servile obedience. “That will not be necessary, Aunt. You are right. I am ill-prepared to earn my own living. I will do as you wish.”

  The new parlor maid, Martha, entered carrying her cleaning rags. She drew up short, cast a panicked glance at Aunt Uriana and an apologetic one at Susanna. Silently, she curtsied and slipped out.

  Aunt gave no indication she noticed the maid. “That’s better. For your ill-mannered display, you are to go immediately to your bedchamber and remain there until I summon you…perhaps tomorrow. Perhaps longer. No tray will come to you. Now go.”

  Going without meals was a frequent enough occurrence, so Susanna voiced no complaint—such show of spine would only add to her sentence. Head still bowed, Susanna curtsied and left the morning room.

  Oh, heaven help her, what was she to do now? Marrying Algernon was unthinkable. She’d rather starve to death locked in her bedchamber.

  As she crossed the great hall, the black and white checkered tile reminded her of the private joke she and Papa had shared that someday they would use the floor as a human-sized chessboard. That day never came.

  The distinct clattering of wheels and horse hooves on the cobbled drive reached her ears. She paused at the windows facing the front drive. The fountain splashed merrily, heedless of human travail. Behind it, gardeners mowed the expansive lawn. Along the drive rode a fine black carriage with red wheels.

  Susanna groaned out loud. Not him. Not now. The conveyance pulled up to a stop and Percy, the only son of her Aunt Uriana, stepped out. Susanna hurried toward the stairs leading to the second floor. If she were fast enough, she could avoid his company.

  The door opened and the butler’s voice greeted the caller. Susanna quickened her pace but only made it up the first few steps.

  “Ah, Susanna, there you are. I had hoped to see you.” Percy’s voice boomed through the great hall.

  Susanna considered pretending she hadn’t heard. They already thought her stupid and ugly and backwards; adding deafness to her list of faults would not hurt. However, she risked her overly-friendly cousin coming up the stairs after her, and that she could not abide.

  Turning, she folded her hands and said formally, “Good morning, Cousin.”

  “Now, now. What’s all this formality? After all, we are family.” Percy smile sent a shiver slithering down her spine. “Come, come. Give me a proper greeting.”

  She descended the stairs as regally as she knew how. On the bottom step, she curtsied.

  He chuckled. “That is not what I had in mind.” His gaze lowered slowly down her body.

  She backed up a step while cold chills raced down her arms. Trying to appear calm, she stared back at him boldly. With fair hair and skin, and patrician features, he might have been considered handsome by ladies, but Susanna had never found him appealing. His lips were too thick, his chin too soft, his stare bordering on improper.

  “Ah, Percy, have you heard?” Aunt Uriana stood in the doorway of her morning room. “Algernon is going to marry Susanna.”

  “Is he now?” Percy lifted his brows. “Is this your desire, my little cousin?” His stare intensified.

  Her aunt spared her from answering. “Of course. She is nearly twenty and has no other prospects. She’d be very foolish to turn him down.” A pointed glance came Susanna’s way. “Now, Percy dear, come and let’s have a coze.” She turned and went back inside her parlor.

  Percy eyed her. Under his breath, he said, “I do not believe you are happy about this union with Algernon, little Susie.”

  Susanna looked away. “Not…terribly so, but as Aunt Uriana said, I have no prospects.”

  Percy looked her over again as if examining a horse he considered buying. “I might be persuaded to help. With the right clothes and more attention to your hair, you might turn out well enough. I can take you away. Keep you in a quaint little cottage. Give you cart blanche.”

  She stared. Did he mean what she thought? “But you are already married.”

  He laughed, a mocking sound. “No, sweet little Susie. I would not be your husband—I’d be your protector.”

  Her mouth dropped open. “You’re asking me to be your….” She lowered her voice, “your mistress?”

  “You would lack for nothing—a cottage all your own with servants, and fine clothes. I am much more generous with my mistresses than my mother is with poor relations.” A slow, sensual smile twisted his thick lips. “Of course, I’d want a sampling of your sweetness before I make my true offer.”

  He seized her by both elbows and dragged her to him. A heartbeat before his mouth touched hers, her composure splintered. She kicked his shin. He arched back in surprise and released her.

  “Never!” She whirled around and raced upstairs as if the devil were in pursuit.

  He shouted a vulgar name but no pounding of footsteps came after her. With her heart hammering and sobs filling her lungs, she raced to her bedchamber, slammed the door and turned the lock. Of course, that might not keep him out. At ten years her senior, Percy still had the vitality of a young man.

  Aunt Uriana had locked her in enough times that she knew her door could be unlocked from the other side. She must barricade herself in until he left. With what? Except for her bed and dressing table, both too heavy to move, only a small wooden stool remained in her bedchamber, and that would be too light to stop an intruder.

  The dressing table remained her best option. She pushed and pushed and pushed, and finally moved it in front of the door. A really determined man, or an angry one, could probably still get in. At least this might slow him down enough for her to get away. She’d jump out the window if necessary.

  She sank down on the window seat. What to do? She must leave before Percy pressed his suit, and before Algernon came to take her to the parson’s noose. If she refused to marry Algernon, her aunt would starve her into submission. If she pretended to ag
ree, and then refused at the altar, who knew what her aunt would do.

  A scratch at the door caught her attention. Oh, no. Had Percy returned? Fear leaped into her throat. “Who is it?” she squeaked.

  “It’s Martha, miss,” came the voice of the parlor maid. “I…forgive me, I know it’s not my place but…” The maid paused. “May I come in?”

  Susanna let out her breath. Safe, at the moment. To let the girl in, she must move the dressing table. “One moment.” With much heaving, Susanna pushed the dressing table away enough to open the door. “Come in, Martha.”

  The maid stood in the doorway holding a small tray. She cast a curious glance at the dresser through wide gray eyes but returned her gaze to Susanna. In a low voice, she said, “In the missus’ parlor, I wasn’t listening, really I wasn’t. But…I couldn’t help but hear…” she bit her lip. “It’s not really my place….”

  Susanna gestured to her. “Come in, Martha. What is it? You can tell me.”

  The maid entered and waited until after Susanna had closed the door behind her. “I overheard the missus telling you that you weren’t to come out of your bedchamber today—not even for meals—and I noticed you weren’t at breakfast so…I brought you a bowl of fresh berries and a scone and cup of tea.”

  Susanna smiled. “Martha, you are a dear!”

  Martha set down the tray. As Susanna sat on the stool and devoured the food, Martha gestured to the new location of the dressing table. “Forgive me for asking, miss, but are you moving the furniture? Might I be of some assistance?”

  Susanna swallowed. Confiding in one’s servants really was not done, but the need to unburden herself became so great that she could hardly bear it another moment.

  “My aunt is trying to force me to marry her nephew, Algernon, and my cousin Percy apparently desires me for his mistress.”