Free The Music Box by Andrea Kane

his expression became guarded. “What is it you’d like to know?”
    “Everything. Your experiences at school, in court, in society—everything but the secrets you clearly choose not to discuss.”
    To her surprise, he began to laugh. “I’ve never met anyone quite as direct as you, Gabrielle.”
    “Does my candor offend you?”
    “Not in the least. I find it incredibly refreshing. Very well, I’ll accept your terms. Your revelations in exchange for mine. Now, who shall begin?”
    “I shall,” Gaby said at once. “After all, my answers to your questions are far more essential than yours to mine. I’m suffering only from an excessive bout of curiosity, while you’re suffering from a lack of information that will obviously affect your life, given the inner peace you’re seeking.” She folded her hands in her lap. “Therefore, Mr. Lyndley, what would you like to know?”
    An odd light flickered in his eyes. “You’re very insightful. And before we begin, please call me Bryce. After all, we’re practically related, if only through our love for Hermione.”
    “I’d like that … Bryce.” Gaby rather enjoyed the sound of his name as she spoke it. “Shall I begin by explaining the makeup of our little family?”
    “That would be ideal. It’s unmistakable that Hermione cares deeply for everyone at Nevon Manor. It’s also clear that …” He broke off, seeking a subtle choice of words.
    “That everyone is in some way impaired?” Gaby supplied. “That’s equally true, although I don’t think any of us notices the others’ limitations anymore. We simply see the person within.”
    “That’s as it should be.” Bryce frowned. “I don’t want you to misunderstand my concerns. It’s not an issue of judgment; if anything I was extremely impressed by the loyalty and unity I witnessed in the library this morning. I’m simply trying to assess the situation. Suffice it to say I have a decision to make—a decision that will affect not only me but all the residents of Nevon Manor. In order to make the right determination, I need to know all I can about the staff. Their limitations—and my abilities to handle them correctly—will have a direct impact on what I decide.”
    “Aunt Hermione wants to leave Nevon Manor to you,” Gaby realized aloud. “Of course. It makes perfect sense. You have just the right combination of strength, insight, compassion, and, of course, humor, without which life, here or anywhere else, would be unbearable. Bequeathing Nevon Manor to you is the only way for Aunt Hermione to ensure that things stay as they are.”
    Bryce didn’t even attempt to deny it. “Why? Why is it the only way to ensure things stay as they are?”
    “The very fact that you’re asking me that is answer enough.” Gaby watched his brows knit in puzzlement. “Mr. Lynd … Bryce,” she amended, “how many people do you know who would keep on a stable manager who can scarcely walk? A maid who’s too unsteady to carry a tray? A footman who can scarcely hear or scarcely see? A gardener who views his shovel as a dear friend? Not to mention children who are far too skinny and weak to do a significant number of chores?”
    “Only one,” Bryce replied. “Hermione Nevon.”
    “Two,” Gaby corrected. “Aunt Hermione—and you.” She leaned forward, unconsciously gripping Bryce’s forearm. “Here, those fine people are accepted, loved, given a sense of purpose and belonging. Out there, in the real world, they’d be scorned, discarded like broken playthings. Aunt Hermione won’t allow that to happen. Neither will you.”
    “Nevon Manor seems to be running very smoothly, limitations or not.” A gentle note crept into Bryce’s tone. “Then again, I have a feeling you, Chaunce, and Hermione are always on hand to smooth out any wrinkles that might occur.”
    “They don’t occur that often. It’s amazing how effective people become when someone believes in them. Just look at Peter. His limp was all