Free In the Eye of a Storm by Mary Mageau Page A

confided to her companion. ‘Even
though this was my first performance for a great salon in a chateau, I hope to
enjoy many more in the years to come. Yes, I love to play and especially when I
can do so on such a fine harpsichord.’
    ‘O ui, Laneve, you have always worked so diligently for your
musical art. Both Mama and Papa will be proud of you today.’
     And as the marquise and her guests retired to the drawing room,
to enjoy her post-concert refreshments, many approached her with their thanks
and appreciation.
    The Count de Charnade caught her attention and expressed his total
admiration for young Laneve. ‘And to think that even Voltaire remained awake
throughout her entire program! You know how often he nods off to sleep during
concerts.’
    Laughing the marquise said to all present, ‘I believe we will hear
again from this young performer - this Laneve de Nervode. She is so sweet, so
beautiful, and yet serious and mature for her tender years. A talent such as
this one has, will not remain hidden. All of you, my dear friends, mark my
words today. In times to come this young Laneve de Nervode shall indeed be
noticed.’

II .
     
    ‘Now play this final section again for me, Laneve. Do not slow the
tempo before the end but keep the excitement flowing until the very last
chords.’
    ‘Very well, Monsieur Dussek.’ Laneve turned back to the keyboard, took
a deep breath and launched into the music’s finale. Now at twenty one years of
age she was approaching the height of her performance powers. Under the
tutelage of this fine Bohemian composer, pianist and teacher, Laneve was
growing more confident and her own talents were slowly gaining recognition.
    ‘Was it better this time, Monsieur - more convincing perhaps?’
    ‘Laneve, you can play this work anywhere now and in any place. Well
done! And before you leave this afternoon I have a surprise for you.’
    Jan Ladislav Dussek had arrived in Paris that very year and had taken
the city by storm.  He had already become well known in the Netherlands,
Germany and Russia through a series of concerts that featured him performing
his own piano concertos. Recently he had found favour with Queen Marie
Antoinette and he had developed a studio that produced a number of fine
pianists.
    ‘Now I hear a carriage outside and want you to meet another of my prize
students, Marie Duval. You have heard of her perhaps? Her father is one of the
architects advising King Louis XVI.’
    ‘Yes I have. So many others tell me that she is very talented and plays
so well.’
    ‘I know you will enjoy one another’s company and who knows – today you
may even find a new friend.’
    Moments later a lovely young woman was ushered into Dussek’s large
music room. ‘ Bonjour, Monsieur Dussek.’
    ‘ Bonjour , Marie. And may I finally introduce Laneve de Nervode
to you.’
    ‘ Enchante , Laneve, and what a delight it is to make your
acquaintance. I have heard so many wonderful comments about you and your fine
talent for music. I have always hoped that one day we would meet.’
    ‘And I too, Marie, am so pleased to finally meet you.’
    Laneve felt an immediate affection for Marie Duval, for her warmth, her
sense of style and for the elegance of her flowered summer dress. But it was
her hat, that remarkable hat that caught her eye. Laneve loved hats, especially
the new casual and wide brimmed straw hats that were beautifully trimmed with
flowers and feathers.  Marie was also dressed in the current and less
formal English fashion. Her hair was rolled at the sides but flowed freely in long
curls that cascaded down her back and over one of her shoulders. Her lace
trimmed dress was of a light muslin fabric with a floral toile print.
Its full skirt ended above the floor in the new polonaise style, allowing
occasional glimpses of her slim ankles. Even her shoes were lovely, featuring
little curved heels and satin bows decorating the front, each set off by a
small rosette. Marie Duval was kind,