The next afternoon, Alina went to the east wing through the servant's passage alone. Austin had a meeting and was coming later. She unlocked the door with the key Austin had given her and stepped inside.
Cecily was at the piano, playing a soft melody she had been practicing for weeks. The notes started strong at first but stumbled at the same difficult part. She stopped when the door opened and turned.
"You're early."
"Marguerite sent me away," Alina said, setting down a small basket of honeycakes. "She said I was distracted and should take a break."
Cecily scooted to the side and patted the space beside her.
"Sit. I'll teach you."
"Teach me?" Alina raised her brow.
"Yes."
Alina sat beside her. The bench was small, making their shoulders touch.
"Put your hands here," Cecily said, gently guiding her fingers. "Now press these three keys gently."
Alina pressed. The sound that came out was awful. Cecily winced.
"That's… not right."
"You told me to press those three."
