Why Lorie? Part I

Chapter 9: A Duet With Peter

"Thank you. I loved playing the role of Violetta... even though she tragically died at the end," Josette said wistfully. "It's strange... but so many of the lead roles I play end up dying... it's rather dismal." She gazed into the distance, not noticing the look her guests exchanged. "I hope it isn't a bad omen," she gave a short, unamused laughter.

An uncomfortable silence settled over the room. Fortunately, Lorie was completely unaware of the aura of doom surrounding her. She gave her rattle a hard shake and started to babble. It broke the spell, and things seemed to return to normal after that. The conversation turned to more mundane things for a while. Eventually, Viktor inquired about Josette's plans for the future.

"Have you made any decisions about Vienna?"

"Yes. I have," she answered. She looked at him pointedly before saying: "I want to remain in Paris until Lorelei is old enough to form some solid memories of this place. I don't want her to miss the opportunity of knowing her grandparents well."

Josette watched closely for Viktor's reaction, but his face was hard to read. Peter, on the other hand, looked quite disappointed.

"So, I guess Vienna will miss out on hearing your exceptional voice," Peter sighed.

"No. Not exactly," Josette replied. "As soon as Lorelei is ready to move on, I will be too."

Viktor looked up. "That is wonderful news, Josette," he murmured. "I hope it will be sooner rather than later."

"And... while I plan to live in Paris for the next couple of years, I could make a few guest appearances in Vienna..." Josette continued.

"I am sure Herr Schiller would be delighted," Peter quickly answered. "I can speak to him next week if you'd like. And if you come to Vienna, you can meet my brothers too," he said excitedly.

"Hold on, Peter," Viktor told him firmly. "I think Josette will contact Herr Schiller herself... when she is ready." He turned his eyes toward her. "Isn't that right?"

"Yes. I would like a bit more time with my baby," Josette agreed. "But I will write to him soon."

She noticed that Peter was openly gazing at the upright piano that occupied one of the walls of the parlor.

"Would you like to play something for us?" Josette asked him. "I'm afraid it doesn't get used very often."

Peter stood up and walked over to the piano. He lifted the lid and ran his fingers lightly over the keys, without pressing them.

"To be honest, I can't resist," he answered over his shoulder.

"Then, please... feel free. I would love to hear you play," Josette encouraged him.

Peter didn't need to be urged any further. He sat on the bench and started playing Fur Elise by Beethoven.

"It has a lovely sound," he remarked. "And it's still in tune."

After he finished, Josette clapped enthusiastically. "You are very talented, Peter. I love Fur Elise. Could you play some more?"

"How about some of Schubert's lieder?" Peter turned toward Josette. "I could accompany you, if you wish. Do you know Gretchen am Spinnrade?"

"Of course I do," Josette responded slightly amused.

She picked Lorie up and handed her over to Viktor. At first, he looked completely taken aback, but the little girl beamed up at him and happily shook her rattle. She settled quite comfortably on his lap and proceeded to play with his silk cravat, to his amazement. Josette obviously trusted him with her child. She walked over to the piano and stood by its side, resting one hand on it. She nodded to Peter who started playing the piano part of Schubert's famous lied.

Josette sang the piece beautifully. Afterward, she asked Peter to accompany her in Schubert's Die Junge Nonne. They finished with the composer's Ave Maria.

Viktor sat as though under a spell throughout their impromptu performance. Lorie was listening to the music while quietly sucking her thumb, still settled on his lap. When Josette finished singing, she noticed that her parents and Simone had joined them in the parlor. They clapped when the mini concert ended. Josette smiled at Peter:

"Well now... I think we did quite a nice job together."

Peter returned her smile. "You honor me." He then turned toward Viktor and said:

"Wasn't I right, Father? Isn't she perfect?" Josette didn't understand what he then quickly added in Romanian, but she thought she heard the word 'family' at one point.

Viktor nodded. "Yes. You were absolutely right, Peter." He patted Lorie's head gently. "It seems the little one likes me," Viktor told Josette: "I usually don't get this kind of response from most children. Not that I'm often around many..."

"I think Lorelei simply adores you," Josette said, as she bent down and retrieved her daughter, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Don't you ma cherie?"

The two men exchanged a meaningful glance before standing up.

"We mustn't take up any more of your time," Viktor said. "Thank you for singing for me," he whispered as he took her hand in his. "It has truly touched me."

Peter also professed his gratitude. "I have enjoyed our duet. I hope we will have the chance to collaborate more in the near future."

"I would very much like that," Josette smiled at Viktor's son. "It was wonderful meeting you, Peter."

While Maman and Papa made small talk with their guests, Josette handed Lorie over to Simone. "Please take her upstairs and get her ready for bed. I will be there shortly."

She then pulled Viktor to the side and asked him quietly: "Will I see you again before you leave for Vienna?"

"I'm afraid I won't have the opportunity for a very long visit," Viktor answered. "My day is filled with business meetings tomorrow, and we plan to leave early the next morning. But I will try to stop by on the way to the train station."

"I will write to you. More often. I promise," Josette murmured. "I wish..." she didn't finish her sentence, but conveyed her feelings with her eyes.

"My dear, I will try to come to Paris again as soon as I am able to," Viktor said, holding her hand and pressing his lips lightly against it. "I shall miss you and the little one. It will be a great joy to see both of you finally settled in Vienna."

Josette nodded. "It will be a wonderful adventure, for both of us."

"For all of us," Viktor corrected her, giving Josette another reason beside her career to want to make that change.