False Expectations - Chapter 5

         We walked out into the courtyard and as I was about to say something to Elizabeth, Andrew caught up with us and asked, "So Miss Dashwood, do you have many other interests? We know that you enjoy reading books and poetry, but what about music and art? What are your thoughts on these?"
         "Oh yes, I enjoy them greatly. I do admit though, other than reading, my favorite things to do are to go riding and to walk. I find them both so calming and can cheer me up even on the worst of days."
         "Oh, and she's wonderful on the piano-forte!" Victoria chimed in. "In fact, you should play and sing for them when we go back inside."
         Elizabeth blushed and glanced at the Andrew and myself before turning back to Victoria. "If our guests so wish it, I shall, but you must remember that it is not polite to interupt, Victoria."
         "I'm sorry."
         Elizabeth smiled and kissed her forehead, "All is forgiven, my love." As Victoria joined Edward in a game of chase, Elizabeth turned back to us, "You'll have to forgive my younger sister. She's a wonderful girl, but she's a free spirit and often speaks whatever is on her mind at the moment." Elizabeth paused as she looked over to see Victoria laughing while Edward caught her in a corner, "She's a lot like me, really."
         "Really? In what way?" Andrew asked as he too watched the children play.
         "I've always been more reserved, but I see the same spirit in her."
         "Ah. Well, Charles and I are looking forward to hearing you, aren't we, Charles?"
         I smiled as Elizabeth blushed once more, "Well, I certainly hope I don't disappoint you. My sister tends to exagerate."
         "Well, I'm sure it will be beautiful."
         Elizabeth turned to me and smiled, "Oh, I almost forgot about the pond. It's behind the house. Although it's not very large, it is beautiful." She then took us all to the pond where we talked for awhile and she later played and sang for us when we went back inside.
         "That was extraordinary, Miss Dashwood. I do hope we'll hear more during our stay."
         "Thank you, Mr. Hastings. Can either you or Mr. Ffoulkes play?"
         "I'm afraid I never learned, but I believe Charles can play. Can't you, Charles?"
         I answered him timidly, "A little, yes."
         "Nonsense. Play for us. Miss Dashwood was so kind as to do so, the least you could do is return the favor." Andrew smiled.
         "Oh yes, Mr. Ffoulkes, please!" Victoria begged me as she leaned on the arm of my seat.
         I looked at her for a minute and then walked over to the instrument. As I passed Elizabeth, I quietly complimented her and sat down. It had been so long since I had played, I wasn't sure if I could remember anything. I placed my fingertips on the keys and just sat still thinking for a minute or two.
         "Andrew, is he alright?" Edward whispered only to be answered by a quiet, but sharp shush.
         I began to hit a few random notes and then the notes formed into a familiar tune. Eventually that tune became a surprisingly eloquent interpretation of Beethoven's 'Fur Elise'.
         I later learned from Andrew that everyone's faces had transfigured from expressing an unspoken sympathy to a quiet stroke of awe. I would be lying if I said I myself did not feel it. Not one of us had ever heard anything quite like this, at least not from an amateur of my age. It was not my skill on the piano-forte that was so extraordinary, for I did make quite a few mistakes. No, it was the passion with which I was playing. I did not realize this at the time, but I believe this was my way of breaking away from my polite reserve and through this instrument, express my deepest emotions, sorrows, and even my inmost being. When I finally stopped, I looked up to find everyone staring back at me, as if they expected me to go on. To break the silence, Elizabeth was so kind to begin to clap. The others soon joined her and I smiled while awknowledging their applause with a small nod.