* * * *
The next day Cameron worked doggedly in his office, determined to complete the final scores before leaving to change clothes for his dinner with Lord and Lady Myerson. He completed them in the nick of time, rushed home, changed, and found, to his surprise, that the earl and countess had sent a carriage to fetch him.
Kat jumped up and down as she watched from the front window. “It’s a coach just like Lady Rose’s!”
Cameron smiled at his little sister, although jerking inwardly at Rose’s name. “We’ll have a coach like that before long, Kitty-Kat,” he promised. “Then I can take you and Tricia and Mum around town in style.”
“Will we, Cam?”
“You bet.”
“That will be such fun! Maybe we can drive back and visit Lady Rose and Lady Lily sometime.”
“Maybe.”
“Why do you have to leave again tonight?” Kat’s small hand tugged on Cameron’s.
“It’s just part of my new job.”
“But I miss you.”
“I miss you too. It won’t be every night. I promise. Now you hurry along and get ready for bed. Don’t give Mum any trouble tonight.”
“All right. Good night, Cam.”
“Good night, Kitty-Kat.”
The coach rid
e to the Myerson home didn’t take long, and Cameron was escorted in and announced. Lady Myerson rushed to greet him.
“Mr. Price,” she said. “It is such a pleasure to have you here.”
Cameron bowed. “I do appreciate the invitation, my lady. Being new in town, I haven’t had the opportunity to meet many new people.”
“I’m sure our Mr. Newland will take care of that,” Lady Myerson said. “Please come with me. We’ll have an aperitif in the parlor.”
She guided Cam to a small divan and sat down beside him as a maid brought their drinks. The earl was nowhere in sight.
“Will Lord Myerson be joining us later?” Cameron asked.
“Oh no, I’m afraid not. He had an engagement that he couldn’t miss this evening.”
“I see.” He was beginning to see very well. So much for Newland’s promise that he wouldn’t have to trade his services for donations. “Tell me, my lady. Why did you invite me here?”
“My, you do like to get right to the point, don’t you?” Lady Myerson smiled.
She was a very pretty woman with cinnamon-colored hair and eyes, a perky round face and a firmly curved body. Cameron guessed her to be in her early thirties. Her mouth was definitely her most intriguing feature. Her lips were a spicy coral color, and the top lip was slightly fuller than the bottom, giving her a pouty look that was distinctive and, well, tempting. For a moment Cameron imagined sucking on it.
“You’re staring, Mr. Price.”
“Pardon? Forgive me. My mind was elsewhere.”
“I think I may know where.”
He laughed nervously. “Opening night is less than a week away. I can’t seem to focus on anything except my music these days.”
“Zachary has assured me that you are extremely gifted. I doubt you need to worry about your compositions.”