Chapter One
“Lady Wentworth always throws the most lavish dinner parties, Catherine. She has been this way ever since she married Lord Wentworth; if you ask me, she uses all the fanfare to conceal the fact that she is terrible at conversation – hopes the veal will distract from the utter lack of charm or wittiness.”
Catherine gracefully managed to avoid outwardly cringing at her aunt’s words; Harriet, a widow who had lost her husband six years ago, had grown increasingly sour with each passing winter.
She seemed not only able but eager to find fault in everyone’s character, but no matter how uncomfortable her remarks might have made Catherine feel, she was still her aunt, and she owed the older lady respect.
“I am certain you will find someone to speak to other than Lady Wentworth, Aunt Harriet,” Catherine replied in a whisper as she walked by her side towards the parlour.
“I doubt it; she’s been quite taken with me ever since we were young. I bet I will have to spend the rest of the evening talking to her about the weather.”
It almost feels like she wishes this will happen, so she will have another reason to complain about having to chaperone for me tonight. I wish Mama and Papa could have come instead.
It wasn’t that she didn’t love her aunt; Harriet had been a dutiful, if unofficial, mentor as she had grown up and often welcomed her into her home during the summertime. Catherine owed her skill with the needle to her aunt, after all, and Harriet would always encourage her to sit before the pianoforte and practice her lessons.
But her optimistic view of the world clashed with her aunt’s increasingly cynical outlook, and it could turn tiring before long.
“Now stop wasting your time talking with me, darling. Go impress a few bachelors instead.” Harriet patted her niece’s arm gently, but as Catherine stepped away, she could feel her aunt’s stare focused like a hawk on her back. Oh, she wanted her to go socialise but would be keeping a close eye on her; there was no doubt about that.
Since she had already been introduced to a few bachelors attending the soiree, Catherine could engage in polite conversation without being forced to wait for a mutual acquaintance to step in first. Unfortunately, most conversations, much like her aunt had warned her, were a dull affair, and she hoped this could be a ball instead. That way, she would at least enjoy some dancing and the music notes stunningly lingering in the air.
As she prepared to head back towards her aunt, however, their hostess’s daughter, the lively Lady Theresa, finally disentangled herself from a conversation with her intended long enough to notice Catherine.
Theresa was a plump girl only a year Catherine’s senior, and they had known each other since they were girls. She was good company, and they could laugh together for hours if given the chance.
“Cathy,” Theresa walked towards her, holding both Catherine’s hands in her own with a smile. “I am ever so sorry my mother decided to sit us down on opposite sides of the table during dinner. She wanted me close to my future mother-in-law, and I had already been arguing with her over just about everything else … I had to agree.”
“It is quite alright; you will be married soon, Theresa, and must get to know your husband’s family,” Catherine replied earnestly. She held no jealousy towards her friend for finding a suitor before she did. Theresa was a lovely young lady who deserved all the happiness in the world.
“You look positively miserable; I see your parents decided to send good-old Auntie Harriet to chaperone you. She does not lend herself for much fun, does she now?” Theresa asked cheekily, and Catherine had to struggle not to giggle out loud. Her friend had always been known for a devious sense of humour, but laughing out loud around all those lords and ladies wouldn’t be polite.
“Of course not, I am having a splendid time,” Catherine lied, but her smile didn’t show it. She loathed making people feel uncomfortable or inadequate, and even though it was Theresa’s mother and not herself who was hosting the party, it would still be rude to admit she was bored by the entertainment and conversation.
“If you say so … but I know of a way you can enjoy yourself even further.”
“Oh, no, no, please do not …”
“Ladies and gentlemen! Esteemed guests,” Theresa exclaimed confidently; she had never been the shy type, that much was clear. People turned around at once and set their eyes upon the hostess’s pleasantly plump daughter and the blushing, golden-haired lady standing next to her.
Catherine tried her best to evade all looks, casting her blue eyes downwards as if she didn’t notice people staring, but it was clear Theresa would push her right into the spotlight.
“As I am certain some of you know, my dear friend, Miss Catherine Knightley, is a splendidly talented pianist and has been graceful enough to agree to play for us tonight,” Theresa spoke with a glimmer in her eyes, and Catherine knew all too well there was no way she could refuse to play now without coming across as horribly rude.
She breathed in slowly, offering the crowd a dainty smile, hoping her cheeks weren’t as red as they felt. She meekly made her way towards the pianoforte, adjusting the skirt of her blue evening dress as she sat in front of the gorgeous instrument.
Catherine’s long, limber fingers hovered over the keys for an instant as she mentally prepared herself to perform in front of this large crowd.
She adored music; she had ever since she was a child. It was a language in itself, one that transcended words and awakened innumerable emotions. From sadness to yearning, heartbreak to elation, a few notes were enough to move those who heard it.
And yet the idea of having everyone’s eyes on her, of becoming the centre of attention, only served to create a knot in the pit of her stomach that would not go away until several hours later.
Just breathe and focus on the music. If I let it flow over my body and fill my heart, I will be able to forget people are gathering around me. I am in my family’s music room, all alone, playing the morning away, that is all.
And if she closed her eyes, Catherine could almost pretend it was the case. She didn’t need to see the piano’s keys to perform properly; they were laid out so neatly in her mind. As her fingers began dancing across the keyboard, music flooded her senses, helping Catherine slowly feel at ease.
***
I must focus my attention on Lady Felicity. It is the reason I agreed to come to this dinner tonight, after all. She is beautiful, comes from a fine family, and her dowry will surely be generous. That is why I am here, to make my family proud, to find a proper wife for an earl. So what if she is slightly vapid? Wives are not meant to be fascinating creatures. It is not like I will get married for love anyway.
And yet, as much as he tried not to allow his mind to drift from the conversation, Joshua Rivington, the Earl of Haroven, found himself wishing he could be in the comfort of his own estate, enjoying a good book or returning from a long ride. Being an earl of good standing, Joshua had to deal with ladies and their mothers interested in snatching a good match for their family whenever he partook in social events.
Sooner or later, however, he would need to take a wife, and now he was nearing his thirtieth birthday, it was time to stop avoiding the inevitable.
“I simply must tell you about Lady Mariot’s eldest daughter. I was at a dinner party last Friday and had the misfortune of sitting by her side. She barely touched her food at all, and from what I have heard, she rarely does. Apparently, she is trying to starve herself into a fashionable shape, but if you ask me, it is hopeless. She will never attract a decent offer with her sallow complexion and dull eyes. Perhaps she should lower her expectations, or she might end up a spinster. Is that not …?” Lady Felicity’s story was promptly interrupted by a surprise announcement. She did not seem pleased at all to have Joshua’s attention so readily taken away.
“Ladies and gentlemen! Esteemed guests.” Miss Theresa, daughter of their hostess, Lady Wentworth, was not exactly known for her shyness. Though he rarely attended these events, he had been introduced to her a season or two ago, and they had danced together on a handful of balls. Joshua found she could offer a surprisingly interesting conversation but had difficulty figuring out that silence could also be an asset.
But Joshua barely stared her way at all, even though she was the one speaking and perhaps much louder than necessary. His gaze had caught the young lady standing by Miss Theresa’s side, and he felt unable to look away.
Miss Catherine Knightley, whom he had never met before, was, in place of more poetic terms, lovely. Her hair, blonde and smooth, was combed back into a simple yet elegant braid bun that complemented her oval-shaped face. Her eyes, as blue as her gown, were cast down modestly, and her skin was adorned with the most adorable flushes, letting Joshua know she did not enjoy basking in the attention she was receiving.
Her frame was slim but not wiry, her hips pleasantly round. Though her gown fitted her well, it was hardly new or impeccably tailored to her body shape. She did not come from an affluent family, which was clear at first sight. Even a gentleman like Joshua, who preferred not to partake in the season’s events, naturally developed a keen eye for such details when reputation and appearances became the quickest way to judge one’s equals, no matter how shallow it might seem.
When Miss Knightley began playing a melancholic yet hauntingly beautiful tune, the room went silent. Usually, some attendants continued to engage in quiet conversations away from the pianoforte when a lady was asked to play, but not tonight. She was an exceptional pianist, and the way her fingers, so pale and willowy, so delicate in their flexibility, danced across the keyboard was almost hypnotic to Joshua.
Could she be the tutor I have been seeking? She seems modest, sweet even. Maybe she will be more patient with Maggie than all the rest. Maybe she will be the one to help my sister finally come out of her cocoon.
Chapter Two
The room was so silent except for the music emanating from the pianoforte, and though Catherine enjoyed the illusion she had created in her mind, she simply couldn’t help opening her eyes and looking around. Were they all silently staring at her in irritation? Were they just holding their tongues out of pity?
She was far too modest to believe herself talented enough to merit a silent audience due to sheer admiration but was relieved to see no one seemed to be frowning or sighing with impatience.
As her blue gaze travelled through the crowd, she caught the eye of a dashingly handsome young man staring at her so intensely it almost prompted her to pause for an instant. Catherine managed to keep playing uninterrupted, even though it took her another moment to actually force herself to look away from the tall, severe-looking gentleman.
He easily towered over most men in the room, and his posture was impeccable, just as his elegant navy-blue suit. There was no doubt he was not simply a baron like her father. He had the air of a man of influence, particularly how a few young ladies tried to steal glances from him as she continued to play. Though he did not smile, a warmth in his brown eyes softened his noble face.
Not a man she had the slightest chance of marrying, of course, but Catherine didn’t mind. She would be happy enough to fall in love with a baron or maybe a merchant, doctor, or barrister, even if that meant she would not raise in the peerage through that marriage. It did not much matter as long as the man who asked for her hand loved her dearly.
Catherine smiled prettily as her impromptu concert ended, and people immediately started clapping. She offered the crowd a dainty curtsy, flushing bashfully, and she had to admit the night turned far less dull from that point onwards.
She enjoyed the praises she received, although she didn’t play the piano to be adulated. Catherine believed in earnest that the main reason why her performances sounded as well as they did was because of her love for music. She repeated this to everyone who came to sing her praises.
Much to her surprise, the tall, handsome man staring so intensely at her all through her performance approached her, followed closely by a cheeky-looking Theresa and her fiance, Lord Whitepell.
“Miss Knightley, I must present to you the Earl of Haroven,” Lord Whitepell announced cordially, making the proper introductions. By how the earl looked at Catherine as he bowed his head towards her, she guessed he had been the one to request an introduction to her. This became even more evident when Lord Whitepell excused himself only a moment later, returning to the conversation he had been engaged in before being approached by the earl.
How peculiar. Why would an earl be interested in meeting me at all? Especially the Earl of Haroven! I have heard plenty of gossip about him lately; he is searching for a wife, according to my aunt, and I am hardly marriage material for a man of his station.
Whatever the reason, Catherine was in no position to reject an introduction, nor did she feel inclined to do anything so foolish, so she curtseyed, holding her arms to the sides of her gown.
“It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance, My Lord.”
“After your impressive performance, the pleasure is all mine, Miss Knightley.”
His voice was rich and deep, as pleasant as the warm brown of his eyes. She offered him a polite smile and was disappointed to see he only briefly replied with one of his own before going back to his serious countenance.
Oh, he is handsome; there is no denying it, but I must remember he is an earl. Showing interest in him would only make me look foolish! My parents could offer him no dowry and courting me would waste his time. Everyone knows he’s set his attention on Lady Felicity. She is the daughter of an earl, for goodness’ sake! That alone is enough to overlook her terrible temper, I am certain. Oh, there she is now! If looks could kill, I would cease to breathe right this instant in front of everyone. Why does she mind one way or another? He might as well be speaking to Theresa, who’s already promised to someone else; I have just as much chance of stealing his attention away from Felicity as my widowed aunt! Jealousy can awaken such strange concerns in even the most powerful of ladies.
“May I enquire how you learned to play the piano, Miss Knightley?”
“Oh, my mother hired a governess to oversee my lessons,” she replied bashfully, not wanting to admit out loud that it had been an elderly woman, already retired from her life as a governess, as her family could not have afforded her services otherwise. Mrs. Thomsen had been a family friend and assisting Catherine in her education had been more of a way of occupying herself than a source of income. “She was a miracle worker; truly, I owe my talent almost entirely to her.”
“I would very much appreciate an introduction,” he requested cordially, but Catherine could only lower her gaze with regret.
“I am afraid she passed years ago. I miss her dearly; she was a kind woman.”
Much to Catherine’s surprise, the Earl of Haroven seemed peculiarly upset by the news. He didn’t seem like the sort of man to concern himself with the passing of strangers, so she could only guess he was disappointed he couldn’t hire Mrs Thomsen. It was peculiar, though; a man of his station could surely acquire the services of a far more prestigious governess, or any governess at all. He was one of the season’s most desirable bachelors, which meant he could not have fathered a child yet.
“I did not believe finding a proper and efficient piano teacher would be such a trying endeavour. My young sister absolutely adores music and has been pleading to learn ever since I can remember. Alas, I have found fault with every single tutor I have dared hire, even those recommended by lords and ladies of high esteem.”
“Children should always be encouraged to develop a love of music if they show such inclinations,” Catherine replied earnestly, her smile bright as she spoke of a subject she cared so deeply about. “Your sister is lucky you remain so steadfast in your search for a proper tutor, My Lord.”
Before he could reply, however, a flash of red approached the small group. Felicity was truly a vision in her scarlet gown, but the menacing look in her green eyes took away from her beauty, at least in Catherine’s opinion.
She has beauty and wealth and comes from an influential family … Why must she be so aggressively competitive when she already won without even trying? It almost feels like she must always be on the defensive, never able to enjoy herself, surrounded by imaginary enemies.
It seemed sad to Catherine, but if she had ever dared feel pity for Lady Felicity, it had been long since destroyed by the myriad of unpleasant interactions she had been forced to endure around her.
“Miss Knightley! My goodness, what a lovely performance. You must be so proud of yourself.” Lady Felicity stood by the earl’s side, making it quite clear Catherine better not tread on her territory. Her words might have sounded like praises, but her tone was sharp like a viper’s fangs. “It is truly impressive you have managed to practice so often, with no piano in your family’s home!”
“Miss Knightley certainly owns a pianoforte,” Theresa replied just as sharply; her friend didn’t hold her tongue back when someone she cared about was under attack, and as lovely as it might be to have someone stand up for her, it also led to impossibly awkward encounters.
“Oh, you do? I must have been misinformed,” Lady Felicity replied without missing a beat, and Catherine forced herself to remain pleasant. After all, it was easy to be friendly with people with good intentions; the true test of a kind heart was how one treated someone like Felicity, who seemed to find glee in mistreating others. “Your parents must have sacrificed so much to afford such a lovely gift!”
“All parents make sacrifices for their children, I am certain,” Catherine replied sweetly, prompting Felicity’s frown to deepen.
“Of course, I see it now; they must have invested all their available funds to acquire that pianoforte, leaving nothing for fashionable attires.”
“I admire those who make sacrifices to ensure their loved ones’ happiness.” The earl seemed to disregard Lady Felicity’s remarks, and Catherine found it curious that he barely turned to address the woman he was supposed to be courting.
“My Lord, I am positively parched.” Felicity clung to his arm possessively, which displayed a certain degree of familiarity. Catherine didn’t find it surprising, given the rumours circulating among the ton as of late; what she did find puzzling was how he seemed to tense at her touch.
Before she could request he accompany her to find a beverage to solve her problem, though, Theresa suddenly interceded: “But of course! Come, Lady Felicity, let me guide you to the refreshment table. As the hostess’ daughter, it is my duty and privilege.”
Theresa winked cheekily at Catherine, a gesture she hoped no one else noticed, before swiftly whisking Felicity away.
Oh, why must she put me in these awkward situations? Felicity will resent me for stealing her intended’s attention, if only for a handful of minutes, and all to indulge Theresa’s fantasies that all available bachelors and ladies can fall in love, regardless of their station. Her intentions are pure, I am certain of it, and yet I know it would be foolish to believe, if only for an instant, that the Earl of Haroven could be seeking anything other than a music tutor recommendation from the likes of me.
“An Earl’s Symphony of Seduction” is an Amazon Best-Selling novel, check it out here!
In a world where love is dictated by wealth and status, Catherine Knightley defies expectations with her extraordinary piano skills and independent spirit, striking the keys of rebellion against societal norms. With no dowry to offer, she has always dismissed the notion of marrying for convenience. However, destiny takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with the tempting Earl Joshua. As she becomes the tutor to his sister, an undeniable spark ignites, defying the boundaries of propriety, entwining their hearts in a symphony of passion.
Can she find a way to break free from the constraints of society and surrender to the sizzling desire?
Earl Joshua Rivington is a vigorous nobleman of duty, who has long been detached from the idea of marrying for love. Disenchanted with the women of the ton, he resigns himself to a loveless union, until he encounters a mesmerising pianist, who captivates his heart and challenges his every belief. Catherine’s music breathes life into his dormant soul. However, as rumours swirl and threaten to tear them apart, Joshua is faced with a gripping choice; conform to expectations or embrace the intoxicating allure of a lustful love that defies all conventions.
Will he dare to confront the world that has shaped him in order to pursue his unbridled passion?
They say that love conquers all, but for Catherine and Joshua, it might not be enough. As their melodic lust sets fire to every corner, scandal and schemes are always a step ahead of their passionate affair. While they sink into a storm of pride, prejudice and ton’s necessities, their symphony of fervour seems to echo its disheartening swan song. Will they be able to defy societal norms and embrace their lustful sonata? Or will she be swept away by the tides of passion?
“An Earl’s Symphony of Seduction” is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
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