Heart Strings (Music of the Heart Book 1) Read Free Page A

passion for music with others filled her with exhilaration. Still her confidence wavered. What if she wasn’t good enough? Playing in a drawing room was one thing; playing as a professional was an entirely different matter.
    Martha touched her hand. “The other musicians will recognize you as a member of the gentry and may not welcome you into their circles.”
    Susanna grappled with the information. Martha’s words made sense. From what little she knew of the world, those who were raised as a lady but worked amid the working class were often outcasts no matter where they went. A governess was almost always shunned by servants, yet not treated like members of the family or guests by employers; she existed in a world in between worlds.
    Did such a fate await Susanna in London?
    More importantly, could she do this? What would people think of her? Would she face the same scrutiny as she did from her aunt? She couldn’t bear it if someone were to criticize the one thing left that she loved so dearly. What if she weren’t good enough?
    She folded her arms and leaned over, “If I go, I may not find a position and then what would I do? If I find a position, I may not belong anywhere.”
    Gravely Martha said, “Also, I feel I must warn you that professional musicians and actors are highly competitive. Jealousy is very strong. Some understudies have poisoned stars in order to take their place.”
    Perfect. She might not get a position either because of her gender or her lack of talent. If she did, she might be poisoned by another musician. Could it get any more uncertain and dangerous?
    Susanna weighed her choices. “But staying with my aunt…that would be worse. I’d be forced to marry Algernon or continue to fend off Percy.” She shook her head. “At least in London, I have a chance.”
    Martha nodded. “From what I understand, theatrical productions and operas always have premiers early in the Season. If you are to obtain a position with one of them before the Season begins, you may need to hurry.”
    Susanna’s thoughts raced. “Then I must audition now or all the positions will be filled.”
    Yes, Susanna would leave. Now—before the banns were posted and before Percy renewed his offer more forcefully. More importantly, she’d leave before she lost her chances at making a living as a musician. London beckoned to her, promising a brighter future than any she’d imaged in years. Even if it meant isolation, she must take this chance. After all, a great deal of her life had been spent in solitude since her aunt and uncle became her guardians. Whether she could get a position before she starved was another matter. She was willing to take the risk.

Chapter Two
     
    Excitement bubbled up inside Susanna at the possibilities that lay before her. “Oh, Martha, I do want to go to London to find work as a harpist. How would I get there?”
    How would she get there? Susanna froze. She must travel alone, unprotected, and in the company of strangers. Still, remaining here seemed infinitely worse.
    Martha frowned. “It doesn’t seem right, a gently bred lady like yourself traveling all alone.”
    “Other people manage somehow,” Susanna said, trying to be brave.
    The maid-turned-confident paused. “That’s true. I came here from London on the mail coach. It took three days. It is an uncomfortable way to travel because it only stops to change horses and drivers. That’s when we stretched our legs and bought food at the posting inns. I didn’t have to worry about paying for a bedchamber. But I’m used to being on my own.”
    Susanna considered. “I know where the nearest posting inn is. But once I reach London, I wouldn’t know where to begin. I don’t know all the theatres, nor how to go about getting a position, nor even where I’d stay.” The unknowns all loomed before her like an endlessly high wall.
    “I can’t help you with getting a position, but I know the theatres.” Martha started counting off on her