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Why have they followed the invitation to spend the summer weeks at Konstanze´s house on the Elbe?
He curses the day they have arrived. He could go back to the city and suffer the unbearable heat of the narrow streets of St. Pauli. However, the advantages of the comfortable accommodation in the garden house and the good food upon arrival at this noble place make him change his mind. Albeit the real reason for his inner urge to stay and endure the tiring small talk of the Achtmann family is sitting in the vestibule right now, playing the piano under the open window. The lovely music of Sophie Achtmann's fingers swiftly flying across the piano keys makes the young abbot lean against the cool brick wall of the summer house, which Sophie's cousin proudly presents as her little kingdom of wealth and hospitality.
Just for now, the honorable young wife of Henrik Achtermann is the last person he wants to think about when he´s listening to Sophie´s play. He never wants to hurt Sophie or cause her suffering, but he does crave telling her how much he likes her. Just… not now – too early the risk of her shock and probably telling her mother. HIs heart beats wildly at the mere imagination of the scandalous outcome if his feelings for the girl were detected. Not to think of Konstanze´s wrath if she finds out that he never cares for her as she´s believed he does.
The girl who thinks that complete Hamburg is rolling out the red carpet for her. Leander shudders. He does not like to think of the moments he must spend with the unhappy merchant´s wife only to secure her silence about his secret relationship with the Comtesse. He can´t risk a false step now.
The music has gone quiet, and he can hear Sophie closing the piano lid. When she steps outside through the veranda door, she stops short upon noticing her single audience.
“You could have sat in the armchair. It´s quite cool inside.”
“I know, but I didn´t mean to disturb your lovely play. You appeared deep in thought.”
Sophie rolls her eyes and cups her face to hide her blush. “Oh, it´s terrible. Konstanze always says that I should smile coquettishly and look like it doesn´t cost me any concentration at all. But I can´t help it. That´s how I look when I play.” She sighs. “But you are right, I am always deep in thought. It´s my alone time where I can escape into my dreamworld where I don´t need to explain myself to nobody. Is that silly?”
Leander shoves his hands deep into the wide sleeves of his frock, or he might forget himself and pull the girl into a deep kiss... she´s too adorable for him.
“No, it´s not. It makes perfect sense to me. And I can´t see you smiling coquettishly like your cousin.”
Sophie´s face clouds and she lowers her eyes. “Of course not. I am never as pretty as Konstanze.”
“That´s not what I said.” Leander waits for her to look at him before he checks their surroundings. They are alone and certainly have no cousin in ears reach. “You are pretty in your natural look and ways. Never assume that you must be like her. I beg you. Never!”
“But...”
“Don´t believe everything that she pretends to be.”
“You´re talking of my cousin, and your host.”
“Do you mind my blunt speech? I got the notion that you preferred honest words. And don´t tell me that you are fond of her advice?”
Now, the girl blinks and she can´t help but wonder why he speaks to her like that. He´s risking his sacred reputation – which is quite wobbly already as far as she can make out from the whispers between her mother and the aunt.
“That´s true. Why are you always there to make sure I don´t get rolled over by everyone?”
“Because I care for you, Sophie.”
“Why?” She can´t understand why this mysterious abbot could care for her...
“Because I... you are...” Leander fails the smooth explanation, but his hand now reaches out and takes hers, his fingers stroking over her tender knuckles. Before he can think twice, he lifts her hand and presses his lips to her fingers, lingering a few seconds longer than it is appropriate for a cordial public hand kiss.
It´s the next second that he might apologise, but Sophie´s silent gasp sends goosebumps down his spine and the next second, he looks at her – his hand still holding hers and he can see the confusion in her glance. But there is no horrid shock nor repulsed exasperation in her eyes. His voice is stuck in his throat, and he can´t bear the radiant gentleness that meets his gaze.
Five seconds of disaster. If he turns within the moment, no harm was done, right?
He rushes down the garden path, reasoning that it was only a gesture of kindness because he cares for the youngest daughter of the house. There is nothing wrong with it... right? When he reaches the garden house, he looks at his hand – the feel of Sophie´s fingers still blazing in his palm. And he wishes he´d never arrived here in the first place...