From the Heart by Nora Roberts

herself under control. I won’t think about it now. I can’t think about it now. When I opened the door, I knew it was going to shut in my face sooner or later. She felt the pain ebbing. Kasey brushed the drying tears from her cheeks. She turned back just as Beatrice glided into the room.
    â€œJordan, I’ll be leaving now. The Conway party.” Seeing Alison on his lap, she frowned. “Is Alison ill?”
    â€œNo.” He felt the child straighten and kept his arm around her. “Allison’s fine. Enjoy yourself.”
    She lifted a brow. “You should be attending yourself. You shouldn’t neglect your social duties.”
    â€œI’ll have to neglect them awhile longer. Give my best to the Conways.”
    Beatrice sighed. As she turned to leave, she spotted Kasey’s guitar. “What is this?”
    â€œThat’s a guitar, Mrs. Taylor.” Kasey stepped back into the center of the room.
    â€œI’m aware of that, Miss Wyatt.” Beatrice sent her an arched look. “What is it doing here?”
    â€œIt’s Kasey’s,” Alison put in. She felt protected and secure in Jordan’s arms. “She’s going to teach me to play.” She glanced up at Kasey, having taken this for granted.
    â€œIs that so?” Beatrice’s voice was clipped and frosty. “And what possible use would it be for you to learn such an instrument?”
    â€œIt’s essential that a child develop an interest in music at an early age, don’t you agree, Mrs. Taylor?” Kasey smiled and cut off the cold response Jordan had on the tip of his tongue. He saw his mother’s brow crease and relaxed again.
    â€œNaturally.”
    â€œI’m an advocate of introducing children to the classics, and all forms of music, in infancy. There have been some very interesting studies on the subject.”
    â€œI’m quite sure there have.” Beatrice’s eyes swept back to the guitar. “But—”
    â€œThe Spanish guitar, such as this one, was developed from Oriental models during the seventeenth century.” Kasey had on her lecturing voice, and Jordan was struggling with a grin. His mother was definitely outmatched. “During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries a succession of Spanish virtuosos, including, as I’m sure you know, Andrés Segovia, have proven the guitar to be an important artistic instrument. I’m sure you’ll agree that broadening Alison’s musical abilities will be a tremendous asset to her when she takes her place in adult society.”
    Beatrice was still frowning but looked a trifle dazed. Kasey gave her a friendly smile. “That’s a lovely dress, Mrs. Taylor,” she added.
    Beatrice glanced down at the mauve silk. “Thank you.” She brushed absently at the skirt. “I had planned to wear my white voile, but it’s rather cool tonight. One doesn’t wear white when it’s cool.”
    â€œReally?” Kasey’s brows lifted curiously. “That dress doesn’t appear very warm.”
    Beatrice sent her a disparaging glance. “I have a mink to wear over it.” She turned and left the room, not at all certain how she had lost the upper hand.
    â€œMy, my, my,” Kasey muttered. “Aren’t I a fool?”
    â€œA very cagey one,” Jordan remarked. His mother had annoyed her, that was clear enough. But she had kept her temper much more under control than he would have. And there was still a trace of humor in her eyes. He laughed suddenly.
    â€œYour grandmother has just been confused by a master,” he told Alison. “Oriental guitars and seventeenth century.” He shook his head. “Is there anything you don’t carry around in that encyclopedia you have for a brain?”
    Kasey was thoughtful for a moment. “No, I don’t think so. Is there something you’d like to know?”
    He tilted his head, amused at the