As Jo anticipated, her sisters were in awe of the Laurences' impressive estate.
Even Mother paused to admire the elegant designs on the rugs as well as contemplate the splendid display of antiques in each room.
"We are grateful for your hospitality," Mother thanked Mr. Laurence.
The Marches were served an eight-course meal, of which they now enjoyed the final portion: a decadent chocolate cake with tea exported from India.
Meg and Amy ate petite bites of the light, fluffy dessert, making sure not to show their teeth when they pulled the silver fork away from their mouth.
With straight lady-like posture, they delicately patted the corners of their mouths after each nibble.
Beth, who usually did not favor desserts, seemed to savor this particular one.
Jo, unlike her more refined sisters, could not resist groaning in delight after each bite, causing Laurie to roll his eyes and make monkey faces at her.
She returned the gesture, resulting in blasts of laughter from both parties.
Shaking his head at Laurie but smiling, Mr. Laurence replied to Mother, "I am the one who is grateful.
Friendship with your daughters has changed my grandson immensely."
To Mother, Laurie had become the son she never had.
"He is a sweet, dear boy. You must be proud of him," she said.
Perhaps it was Mother's sincerity and kindness that moved Mr. Laurence to speak openly about his most devastating losses in life.
"Theodore, or Laurie, as he likes to be called, reminds me of his father.
They both have the same mischievous attitude, the same rebellious streak, and the same talent for the arts.
I also had a little girl—the mildest, most adorable daughter parents could hope for.
Your Beth reminds me of her so.
My darling girl had a love for music, especially the piano, and she would play for my wife and me every evening.
How I would look forward to returning home to the sounds of music coming from the conservatory.
My son, after he became a young man, went against my wishes, and followed his heart to Italy where he fell in love with a beautiful young woman.
She was also an artist. They traveled across Europe with their small child, Laurie, living like gypsies—no permanent home, no decent food or clothing.
I was furious, of course, and refused to support them financially unless they returned here and lived like normal folks.
Tragically, they died in an accident, leaving Laurie an orphan entrusted to my care."
"You've raised a wonderful boy, Mr. Laurence," said Mother comfortingly.
Mr. Laurence smiled sadly and said, "Although I may not say it to him enough, I am proud of my grandson."
"What happened to your sweet daughter?" Mother gently inquired.
Mr. Laurence's face was masked in pain.
"She developed an illness when she was young and died of it."
Mother remained silent as she looked at her girls, grateful that they were all in good health.
"Grandfather?" Laurie broke the awkward silence.
"Jo tells me that one of her sisters here has magic fingers.
Apparently they glide effortlessly across the piano, creating the most beautiful melodies to the ears. Ouch!"
Jo had just given Laurie a good strong kick to let him know how she felt about his unauthorized comment.
As for Beth, she flushed pink as she slid lower into her chair and avoided eye contact with everyone.
Mr. Laurence, already detecting Beth's shyness and reluctance to be in the spotlight, discreetly remarked,
"I'm sure each young lady has a special talent of her own.
Whether she chooses to show off that ability is her choice entirely.
Now, I suggest we all go to the conservatory to relax."
Everyone stood up and followed the master of the estate to his most beloved room.
The conservatory room offered delights for everyone according to individual tastes.
For Meg and Amy, a most exotic arrangement of flowers and plants greeted them.
"What an exquisite piece of creation!" exclaimed Amy, bending down to smell a lavender flower.
Meg and Amy strolled around the room, whispering, and nodding their heads in approval at the enchanting display.
For Jo, a shelf full of books prompted her to squeal like a little girl.
"Have you ever seen anything so glorious?"
"What's so glorious about an old bookshelf with smelly books?" Laurie asked humorously.
"It's what is inside them that makes them special!" said Jo as she ran her hand across the books' spines.
However, it was Beth who felt the greatest pleasure of all.
In one corner of the conservatory stood a stately grand piano, its lid rolled back as if to invite someone to touch its polished keys.
As much as Beth's heart yearned to sit on the plush velvet stool and feel the ivory keys, she was too timid to act upon her desire.
Her eyes never leaving the magical instrument that called to her, Beth inched away to the opposite side of the room.
"This is my favorite room of the house," Mr. Laurence began in an unusually loud voice.
"Unfortunately, during the day, nobody is around to enjoy it.
Even the servants don't come in here unless I give them permission.
Everything here, especially that piano, is longing for some company.
Too bad no one can give it the proper attention it deserves."
Mr. Laurence shook his head regrettably. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Beth moving out slowly from behind a large armchair.
"Could I perhaps impose on the kindness of your family?"
Mr. Laurence continued, pretending that he didn't notice Beth's obvious interest.
"Of course, Mr. Laurence," replied Mother, already discerning what the wise old man was about to suggest.
"Would one of you be so kind as to come here once a day to make sure everything is in order?
And perhaps, play on the piano keys so they don't get stuck or dusty?"
Mr. Laurence pleaded, his eyes lingering on Beth.
"Would you allow one to play the piano?" Jo asked innocently.
"You could do as you like," the old man replied with a wink, "because when the conservatory door is closed, no one can hear anything.
No one will be around to watch or bother you in any way. You will be completely alone."
"Well, I would love to help you, Mr. Laurence," Jo replied heroically, "but I am working during the day, as is Meg. And Amy attends school."
"Maybe I could help, sir," Beth spoke so softly no one heard her at first.
Then she repeated it in a slightly louder voice.
"Oh, would you, Beth, dear? Are you sure?"
Mr. Laurence intentionally walked over to the piano and tapped his fingers on the keys.
"Look at the sly fox," Laurie muttered to Jo.
Jo nudged Laurie in agreement but kept her focus on Beth, whose footsteps directed her to the piano, as if a strong magnetic force was pulling her.
Her trembling fingers reached out and lightly tapped the piano.
Then with more boldness, she brushed it much like stroking a cat.
"It would be my pleasure, sir," Beth replied honestly, giving the old man a soft, grateful smile.