The next moment, her fingers descended upon the instrument. The first chord blossomed gently through the room like silk slipping across water. It came out rich, elegant, and unhurried, and conversations ceased almost immediately.
The melody unfolded with effortless grace, neither ostentatious nor timid, but warm enough to draw every wandering ear toward it. Notes danced beneath Francesca's hands with astonishing ease, rising and falling like sunlight over water.
Penelope watched the tension disappear from her sister's shoulders. Her posture relaxed, and her hands steadied, until the melody deepened beautifully, creating a rich, elegant, and emotional mood in the room.
The music swelled through the ballroom arches beyond the music room until even dancers began slowing faintly upon the floor outside.
