Piano
They sat by the fire while Labhaoise informed her new governess a whole manner of stories about the things they did and the things she used to do with her father while Stephen admired Miss O'Donald's fortitude and patience. He'd never seen his niece so animated before. She'd always been a shy child. Was this something that her governess drew out of her?
He also saw every now and again how she looked over in the corner eyeing the piano. Though he wanted Labhaoise to accomplish the piano he hadn't heard anyone play since Shannon rebelliously played banned music in her parents' house. He smiled sadly thinking about her. Though the pain had subsided he found he missed her company and friendship every now and again. Well he hoped she was happy in America with her husband and child.
""Do you play?" she asked.
"Do I play what, sir?" she answered off-guard.
"Do you play the piano? I see you have been eyeing my grand piano. I wish for Labhaoise to learn but I have not started her tuition yet."
"Yes sir I play but not very well."
"Oh I am sure you are being too modest. I bet you play wonderfully."
"Oh no sir you are mistaken."
"Play and I will be the judge. Though I must admit it has been a long time since I heard it played," he answered looking down.
Labhaoise went over to her uncle and placed her hand on his knee knowing he was thinking about Shannon again. She'd been told the story when she first came to live with him but she knew he would find someone who deserved him. Maybe Caoimhne. She wasn't blind to the attraction.
Wishing to make her master happy Caoimhne went over to the piano and started playing the piece she knew best. She smiled inwardly as she saw a smile spread across his face as she carried on playing.
When she finished he said, "You play beautifully and I would make you play again if it was not so late. I will show you to Labhaoise's room and then your own."
She nodded. "Thank you, sir."
He escorted them to his niece's room and waited outside while they changed her into her nightgown. Once the governess was out he went in to see Labhaoise had already fallen asleep so he tenderly kissed her forehead and wished him sweet dreams while she smiled in her sleep. Caoimhne smiled back seeing how gentle her new master was with his niece.
"Come this way, Miss O'Donald," he said coming back to her side with the candle he had used to guide them through the house.
He led her upstairs to the attic and showed her to the attic room. She couldn't believe her eyes when she saw it all beautifully laid out for her and her case already in the corner of the room.
"Goodnight Miss O'Donald. I hope you have a good sleep. I wish for Labhaoise's lessons to start tomorrow," he said about to bow out.
"Goodnight sir. I wish you the same," she answered.
He nodded then left while she changed for bed and climbed into bed thanking God she had found a good family to work for.