Reverend Conyers answered at the first ring. “Amanda! So good of you to return my call. Sheila Cameron filled me in on what transpired after we met and I wanted to learn how things are going for you.”

      I smiled out loud, tingly from the sound of his rich, unmistakable voice. “They’re going in every conceivable direction. My car’s still in the shop, but I have the use of a much fancier one. I’m essentially homeless, except for the fact that Sheila moved me into a beautiful apartment. I’m working for a man who flares hot and cold, so I have no idea how to behave in his presence. And as of today, I must appease strangers who say they want one thing then go after another.”

      A gentle laugh, and then, “Amanda, I’m confident that you have the grace and wisdom to handle both the man who vexes you and the strangers who expect you to turn cartwheels for them.”

      “You flatter me. In truth, I start each day feeling as if I’ve been shot out of a cannon. Sheila talked me into this temporary situation against my better judgment. Even though much of it fascinates me, nothing can ever be the same as…”

      “As sitting at a piano and making beautiful music?”

      I sighed. “That’s what I really miss. I guess you sensed that when we met. Still, I love my job on the Hill and the people I work with, and as soon as my clearance arrives, I’ll be back on the payroll. My only loss is that the accident prevented me from visiting my friend in Florida, but there’ll be other opportunities. In the meantime, the Cameron Agency allows me to explore the Virginia countryside, and for someone intrigued by history, that’s a huge bonus.”

      “I admire your positive attitude. That’s what impressed me at our brief meeting. I was especially touched by your personal sacrifice, giving up music to benefit another, and I was about to make you an offer when you ran out to see about your car.”

      I shifted uneasily against the pillows. “An offer?”

      “You sound suspicious. No need. Let’s say that I know a practical way to get you back into the world of music and, at the same time, take some of the stiffness out of the piano I bought as a wedding gift for my wife.”

      I nearly dropped the phone. “Your…wife?”

      “My wife-to-be, that is. I’m still single, but when I saw a fine piano at a price I couldn’t refuse, I bought her wedding present. It seemed like the perfect gift because she loves to play. It was delivered earlier this week. I’d really appreciate your opinion about the action, tone, and other qualities.”

      “I’ll be happy to evaluate it for you.”

      “Then that’s settled. It’s not just a matter of evaluation, though.”

      “No?”

      “What I’d really like is for you to regard it as your practice piano. You’re welcome to come by any time and play for as long as your heart desires.”

      I hesitated. “But what about your fiance? She should be the one to decide if a stranger has access to it.”

      “That’s not a problem. She doesn’t know about it yet. I bought it as a surprise. In the meantime, you can do both of us a favor by breaking it in. It would give me great pleasure to see you return to your former skill level.”

      My heart beat faster. “There’s nothing I’d like better than to turn back the clock”

      “Do you mean that, Amanda? Wouldn’t it make more sense to move into the future?”

      I thought for a moment. “You’ve called my bluff. The desire is there. All I need is someone to urge me on.”
He chuckled. “Then consider me your task master. I recently bought a house. There’s very little in it except the piano and recessed lighting to help you see the keyboard after dark.  Since nobody lives there yet, you’re welcome to visit any time.  You’ll find a house key under the front door mat. Hang onto it.”

      “I simply don’t know what to say, or how to thank you, Reverend Conyers.”

      “To begin with, call me Henry. The thanks are all mine. After you’ve tried out the piano, will you give me your evaluation?”

      “By all means, Henry.” I jotted down the address he dictated to me. Its location in an upscale suburban neighborhood astonished me somewhat. Traditionally, clergymen have little option except church housing. Only those with inherited money or working wives purchase their own homes. Henry, I concluded, must be among the minority.

      “Then that’s settled, Amanda. Please try the piano soon. I look forward to your appraisal.”

      “No more than I look forward to playing once again, Henry. Thank you. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”

      “My pleasure, Amanda. Goodnight, now.”

      “Goodnight, Henry.”

      Long afterward, I clutched the address to my heart. The promise of a temporary practice piano was a dream come true, but there was more baggage to Henry’s offer than I dared admit. He was far different than the celestial and distant clergymen I knew. His presence, even across the telephone wires, was overwhelming, and his kindness shone through every word with all the grace and sympathy one might expect from a man of the cloth. But although I had only a fleeting glimpse of the face obscured by the cowl, the cassock could not disguise the virility and sensual appeal of the man whose voice sent shivers cascading up and down my spine at our initial meeting. Even then, I was fully aware that a woman could fall for him at first encounter. I fell asleep wondering about the one he had chosen to marry.

© 2004 Emily Pritchard Cary. All Rights Reserved. Contact Emily Cary at