Chapter 4
"Good evening, Madame Provence." I curtsied smiling at her. Madame Provence was a stout woman with a powerful and beautiful voice. Her blonde hair was always pulled into a tight bun, that by the end of the day had lose hairs poking out every which way.
She looked me over smiling then spoke, "And why are you so dressed up tonight? Is a gentleman calling upon you this evening?" Her smile broadened.
I shook my head and explained that we were having guests for dinner that night. However, I didn't mention that one of them was only a year older than me, otherwise she'd want to know everything about him.
"Oh! I almost forgot." I said changing the subject. I took out a small coin purse and emptied its contents into my hand, then gave it to Madame Provence. "For this weeks lessons." I smiled at her. She counted out half of it, then gave me the other half, I gave her a questioning gaze.
"I won't be here on Thursday, actually I will be gone for the next two months. I must go to Espana, that's Spain you know, for important matters. I hope you don't mind the short notice, I was only sure of it myself this morning!" She explained.
At first I was disappointed, I'd have no lessons for two whole months, but then I realized I could have lessons. Not from Madame Provence, or course, but from the Phantom! I smiled at her, "That's fine. I hope you have a nice trip."
"Why, thank you, Emily. Now, shall we begin?" I nodded and we went into her parlor, Madame Provence at her piano and I at the center of the room.
The lesson went very well, despite the fact I had to stop a few times due to how tight my corset was that evening. "Wretched things!" Madame Provence called them. I left thanking her and hoping her a safe trip once more, then waited for the carriage, which soon came.