by Nikki Poppen
She’d done her best tonight, and she was proud of all that she’d accomplished. If anyone had told her little more than a year ago that she would be married to an English lord and playing in one of the most renowned performance halls in Europe, she would have denied the possibility.
But tonight was all about dreams coming true. Ten months ago, she’d married Gannon in a quiet ceremony in Camberly’s village church. Her mother would have cringed at the simplicity of the ceremony that had united them. Since then, she’d spent her time learning to become a countess and studying her music, two roles that no longer had to be mutually exclusive.
True to his word, Gannon had helped her find the instructors she needed to continue with her studies. He’d seen the town house and the country estate supplied with the finest instruments.
All those successes aside, the road to this evening hadn’t been without its rough patches. In spite of Gannon’s efforts, people were hesitant to embrace a female musician of her caliber. Professional music was still a man’s field. Being a countess and a member of the peerage made the transition even more difficult, not easier, Audrey discovered. Nonetheless, she and Gannon had faced the social restrictions and prejudices together. Together, they’d overcome them.
Audrey waved to the crowd, acknowledging them with her bouquet of gathered roses. She beckoned offstage to where Gannon waited. She motioned him to come join her. He strode across the stage, handsome and commanding, to her side, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek. “I am so very proud of you,” he whispered.
Then he turned and silenced the crowd, speaking into a relatively new sound transmitter called a microphone. “My wife, Lady Camberly, and I want to thank you all for turning out tonight. As you know from the handbills for this evening, all the proceeds from this evening’s concert are dedicated to the founding of the Audrey St. Clair Musical Conservatory for Girls here in London”
The announcement was met with great applause, and Audrey was moved to tears by the emotion of the moment. Tonight was indeed special beyond words, and she had another surprise for Gannon as soon as they left the stage.
They waved once more to the audience, and Audrey let Gannon escort her to the wings, where they could be alone for a short while. The Carringtons were hosting a reception for a select few guests after the concert, and they were expected.
“Are you happy, Audrey?” Gannon asked once they were alone.
“Thrilled beyond words,” she said sincerely. “Thank you for making all this possible. I doubt you knew what you were getting into when you met me on the beach.”
Gannon laughed. “We started a legacy tonight, Audrey. Generations of girls will have the gift of music because of you”
Audrey smiled up at her handsome husband. “We’ve started another legacy too,” she said mischievously. “This one, for Camberly”
She delighted in the puzzled look that crossed Gannon’s face until the news registered. Then his face fractured into a wide grin.
“Not bad for a summer in Newport,” he chuckled, drawing her closely against him.
She sighed, her arms about his waist. “No, not bad at all for an heiress and an earl who were both reluctant to marry.”
“But not reluctant to love,” Gannon corrected gently.
“Sounds like the making of a great love story.” Audrey smiled.
“Yes, our story.” Gannon bent to kiss her, and she gave herself over to their very own happily ever after.
