Victoria stopped by the hallway mirror to straighten her hair feeling a bit apprehensive about Claudia's arrival when the sound of piano music from the parlor caught her attention.
"Hmm," She giggled to herself, "rather like when Victor and I first met... although this tune is quite cheerful. I'm sure Emil hates it."
She came in the room and approached Victor where he sat at the piano. "A new song darling?"
Victor paused in his playing for a moment and smiled at his wife. "Brand new actually. It's called Daisy Bell and is quite big in the music halls. Shall I continue?"
"Please do. I need a bit of cheering right now."
Victor nodded and resumed. The tune had a good many sprightly flourishes that he was particularly good at. Though the song was a short one and over too soon for Victoria's taste.
"Oh do play it one more time, Victor."
"Only if you sing it." Victor teased. Victoria had a pleasant light alto voice and a natural ear for tone despite her mother's attempts to quash it. The piano would perhaps remain a closed book to her but singing was another matter.
"Are there words to the song?" She asked peaking over his shoulder at the sheet music. "Oh yes. Well alright Victor but don't blame me if I slaughter it."
"You won't. It's an easy song and right in your range." He began to play again and at his signal Victoria sang along:
There is a flower within my heart,
Daisy, Daisy!
Planted one day by a glancing dart,
Planted by Daisy Bell!
Whether she loves me or loves me not,
Sometimes it's hard to tell;
Yet I am longing to share the lot
Of beautiful Daisy Bell!
Chorus:
Daisy Daisy,
Give me your answer do!
I'm half crazy,
All for the love of you!
It won't be a stylish marriage,
I can't afford a carriage,
But you'll look sweet on the seat
Of a bicycle built for two!
We will go "tandem" as man and wife,
Daisy, Daisy!
Ped'ling away down the road of life,
I and my Daisy Bell!
When the road's dark we can despise
P'liceman and lamps as well;
There are bright lights in the dazzling eyes
Of beautiful Daisy Bell!
Chorus:
Daisy Daisy,
Give me your answer do!
I'm half crazy,
All for the love of you!
It won't be a stylish marriage,
I can't afford a carriage,
But you'll look sweet on the seat
Of a bicycle built for two !
I will stand by you in "wheel" or woe,
Daisy, Daisy!
You'll be the bell(e) which I'll ring, you know!
Sweet little Daisy Bell!
You'll take the lead in each trip we take,
Then if I don't do well;
I will permit you to use the brake,
My beautiful Daisy Bell!!!
Chorus:
Daisy Daisy,
Give me your answer do!
I'm half crazy,
All for the love of you!
It won't be a stylish marriage,
I can't afford a carriage,
But you'll look sweet on the seat
Of a bicycle built for two !
Victor gracefully finished off the last bars of the song and looked blithely at Victoria's blushing face. "You did that beautifully darling."
Just then Emil stepped into the room followed by a small figure draped in furs. "Lady Claudia Everglot."
"Oh Emil!" A ladylike voice exclaimed as a dainty head emerged from the sea of white, "Did I just hear music?"
"Of a kind, my lady." Emil sniffed haughtily. "Mister Van Dort and his wife were at the piano."
"How charming!" She gushed as Emil took her furs revealing a petite young woman in a very fashionable gown of pale pink silk. Though somewhat thinner than Victoria, Claudia seemed to have her corset laced considerably tighter. Her voice had a breathless quality and her slim shoulders stooped a little from the pressure. Her face was not unlike Victoria's though less round and not so pink in the cheeks. "Victoria darling!" She scurried up and kissed her cheeks. "You are looking almost indecently well considering all you've been through."
Victor and Victoria looked at each other. "You um... know what's happened?" Victoria asked cautiously.
"Well of course dear. It's never easy on one marrying below... oh I beg your pardon, you must be Vin...no...Victor." She suddenly exclaimed as if noticing the slight, neatly attired young man for the first time.
"Lady Claudia." He said gently kissing her delicate hand.
"My word!" She exclaimed. "I'm am quite taken aback. I should not have expected such manners from a cobbler's son!"
"Fishmonger." Victoria put in quietly.
"Oh of course. I am sorry."
"An easy mistake." Victor said with a perfectly charming smile. "Cobbler, fishmonger, practically indistinguishable... especially if father is doing the cooking."
Lady Claudia gave a light laugh and Victoria cast Victor a pleased and grateful look that he would overcome his natural diffidence and help her deal with the company and even manage to be bright and witty while doing it.
"Come, Claudia." Victoria suggested. "I gave the maid the day off so I'll show you to your room and help you get settled in."
"How quaint." Claudia responded and followed Victoria out.
Victor sank down onto the piano bench and dabbed at his forehead with his handkerchief breathing a sigh of relief. That charming little performance had taken some effort to carry off. "I hope she's not staying for more than a week." He muttered. "Still perhaps it will get easier. Funny I should still feel the urge to tremble at a houseguest after all I've been through."