Meg didn’t turn her head to see which people had coughed at that last statement. She didn’t want to know.
Meg decided that maybe even a sensitive topic might be a better one than her and Sam’s relationship. “Yes, we’ve been having a grand time. Mrs. Allen took us to the theater last night, a vaudeville show, and it was outstanding.”
“Vaudeville?” Meg’s father said, his eyes wide.
“Yes, Papa, and it was wonderful. Sam plays the piano and has an interest in and appreciation for music, and I do, too. We really enjoyed it.”
“Is that so, Sam? I didn’t know that about you.”
Meg took a quick glance at Mrs. Allen, who was glancing around at the people in the room, her eyebrows raised. Meg realized that information was likely something her family would have known if they’d been married for a while, but it was too late now.
“As we have time before supper, why don’t you play for us? The piano is right inside, in the parlor.” Mr. Archer stood and gestured at the piano, and Sam turned his head quickly, turning a little pale, Meg thought.
“Oh, sir, no, I couldn’t. I haven’t played in a very long time.”
Mrs. Allen laughed and said, “That isn’t true. You played just last night, Sam. It would be lovely to hear. Could you play something from the show last night? It appears that it would be a new experience for the Archers and they would enjoy it, I’m sure.”
Meg watched as Sam made his decision after looking at all the hopeful eyes staring at him and turned toward the piano. Her heart swelled that her family would get to hear what she had, and would understand yet one more thing about him that was so special.
They all crowded into the parlor, finding seats at various places, with some leaning against the wall. As Sam began the lively tune, Meg looked around and saw delight on everyone’s faces—including her father. Music was music in her family, and good music was just that—good music.
By the end of his rendition, toes and fingers were tapping, and he received a full round of applause.
“Well, Sam, that was wonderful.” Mr. Archer rose and shook his hand. Meg glanced at Mrs. Allen, who looked puzzled, and she had a sinking feeling that this might be their undoing.
She was almost sure of it when Mrs. Allen said, “Sam, why don’t you play something that Meg can sing to.
Sam frowned as he looked at Meg, and she realized that they’d been so busy, he hadn’t even heard her sing.
She cringed as her father said, “I don’t believe you’ve heard my girls sing, Sam. Do you know anything from The Pirates of Penzance? Their mother and I saw it in New York and Katie brought back the music and taught the girls. She used to play it while they sang, and I’d be honored if you’d do so.”
“In fact I do, Mr. Archer and would be happy to. I wasn’t aware that you all—sing.”
Meg stood and joined her sisters in the customary line and was pleased that Mrs. Archer smiled as she watched.
Meg closed her eyes as Sam started to play, this particular song holding a space in her heart like none other. In fact, it was one in which she had a solo part and she was anxious to sing it, hoping that Sam would like it.
As the girls began to sing, Mrs. Allen’s eyes grew wide, then soft as she swayed to the music and looked at each girl down the row.
As Meg’s solo began, Clara held her hand over her chest and Meg noticed that even Maria had come out of the kitchen to listen. As she continued, eyes closed, she was vaguely aware that the music had stopped, but she continued. They had sung this song many times a cappella, with no music, and there was no reason to stop now.
As the girls all sang the final chorus together, she saw Sam stand and Mrs. Allen dab at her eyes with a handkerchief she’d pulled form her sleeve. Even her father was brushing his eyes with the back of his hand.
Meg smiled as they ended, knowing in her heart that it had been one of their better renditions, and smiled and nodded down the line at her sisters as, after a brief silence, applause erupted from the room.
Pepper giggled and the twins blushed. Tara and Rose stood stock still as if a bit shocked but Meg smiled the biggest smile she thought she ever had as she looked over at Sam.
She lost her voice as her eyes met his. She took a step back at the look of utter amazement she saw on Sam’s face as he stood and stiffened, his mouth open. He looked from Meg to the piano, then back again.
Beau Archer cleared his throat, breaking the spell for everyone in the room but Sam. He continued to stare at Meg until heat began to rise under her collar. He’d said nothing, and she broke his gaze, now unsure of what he might be feeling.
Maria took a deep breath and announced, “Supper is ready. Please, this way.” She gestured to Mrs. Allen, urging her to enter first as the rest followed.