Chapter 22

#22 “Why not Let Her Try.”

Biting her bottom lip, Sophia turns to Benjamin with a worried expression. You know, I think I am going to text him. Find out if something has happened.”

“Good idea,” Benjamin answers, concern also apparent on his face. Sophia quickly takes out her phone and sends a text to the violinist. Moments later, she receives a reply, and a quiet laugh escapes her lips before she turns to Benjamin.

“What did he say?” Benjamin asks, eager to know why the musician is absent and Sophia’s laughter.

Reading the text, Sophia says, “Well, it seems that he has run into a completely unpredictable circumstance. He says there is no way he will be able to arrive anytime soon.”

“Oh, no,” Benjamin says, clearly disappointed. “He also says that had he been made aware that I was attending the gala, he would not have wanted to come,” 11 Sophia says, her cheeks blushing.

Benjamin raises an eyebrow in question. Sophia hesitantly blushes even deeper before continuing, “He says he would have been too intimidated by me to perform.”

Benjamin chuckles, “That’s quite the compliment!”

Sophia shrugs, “I am sure he’s just being polite.” A lull descends upon the performance, and the conductor takes the stage, a concerned expression on his face.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I am afraid that our guest violinist has encountered an unforeseen situation and is running a bit behind,” he announces.

The audience lets out an audible murmur of disgruntlement, disappointment spreading through the room like wildfire.

“Please,” the conductor continues, trying to soothe the restless crowd, everyone, he has promised that he should be here shortly, so if everyone will just patiently wait. Enjoy some more champagne. I am sure he will be here momentarily.”

As the time of the musician’s absence stretches on, several audience members begin to leave, expressing their frustration with impatient gestures and hushed complaints. Barbara’s face grows visibly tense, and she looks at her husband. “Do something, Daniel,” she demands As time ticks on, the tension in the room becomes palpable. People glance at their watches, impatiently waiting for any sign of the musician’s arrival. There are several shouts of wanting a refund, and murmurs of boos ripple through the space, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere.

“Should we leave?” Benjamin asks, concerned about the escalating tension in the room. However, Sophia’s attention is immediately diverted as her phone starts ringing.

“Hello,” her voice is edgy as she answers the call. She quickly mouths to Benjamin, “IT’S THE MUSICIAN.”

“I can’t hear you very well; I am going to step away,” Sophia states, walking towards a quiet corner of the room and putting the phone on speaker so she can hear better.

“Sophia, I am so sorry,” the thick English-accented voice asserts, “but there is absolutely no way I am going to be able to make it there tonight.”

“No! Are you sure? The Maestro will be so disappointed,” Sophia says, her heart sinking at the news.

“I know, which is why you must perform it,” the musician responds. “Me? Oh no. You have rehearsed the piece so much more than I have. I am sure Maestro Paus will understand,” Sophia protests.

The British voice laughs softly. “We both know that he will not. But honestly, Sophia, given your connection to Maestro Paus, it would be much more momentous for you to debut the piece.”

Reluctant to take the stage and reveal this side of her, Sophia knows what her friend says is true. She also knows he would help her if the situation were switched.

“Ok, for Maestro Paus and you, I will help out,” Sophia finally agrees, her voice resolved. Returning to the gala, Sophia searches for Barbara. She spots her huddled in the corner of the ballroom with the conductor, their faces etched with concern.

“We have to do something. This is preposterous!” Barbara exclaims, her frustration obvious. Noticing Sophia’s approach, Barbara turns to her, impatience unhidden on her face.

“I think I have a solution for you, Mrs. Williams,” Sophia says, trying to sound confident.

“Really?” Barbara replies incredulously.

“I can play the piece. I know the concerto,” Sophia asserts.

Barbara graciously smiles, but her doubt is noticeable. “While I am sure you are a fine violinist, I doubt you can provide the performance we need. Thank you, though, dear.”

Sophia takes a deep breath, not letting Barbara’s skepticism deter her. “May I speak with the conductor for a moment?” she requests, blatantly ignoring the condescension radiating from Barbara.

Exasperated, Barbara waves her hand at Sophia and steps aside for her and the conductor to talk.

Seeing the conductor up close, Sophia recognizes him from a performance she attended in Vienna.

“Herr Bauer,” Sophia begins, “You might not remember me, but we met at your performance at the Vienna Opera House. I was a guest of Maestro Paus.”

With a look of instant recognition, the conductor replies, “Frau Johnson! Yes, of course, I remember you. How could one ever forget such a Schönheit… um, how do you say… beauty?”

“Thank you. I was just telling Mrs. Williams here that I know Maestro Paus’s piece very well and would be honored to perform it,” Sophia explains.

“Ja! That is wunderbar! You will play!” the conductor beams, leading Sophia back towards Barbara.

At a cocktail table nearby, Barbara, Emily, and Alexander anxiously listen as the conductor shares Sophia’s proposal to perform the piece.

“Oh, I don’t know,” Barbara hesitates.

“Right,” Emily shrieks, looking at her mom, shocked at the possibility that Sophia might show her up again in front of Alexander.

“Really, Sophia, again, thank you, but we need a professional,” Barbara mutters. “I promise I will not disappoint you,” Sophia replies.

“Sophia, you don’t want to get up there in front of all these people and embarrass yourself. I mean, could you imagine? It would be social suicide,” 11 Emily urges, although secretly wishing that would be precisely what happens.

“I assure you that would be the case” Sophia declares calmly. “However, I was only offering my help. If it is not needed, I think I will find Benjamin, and we will head out.”

“Now wait a minute, Barbara,” Alexander interjects, breaking into the conversation with a velvety smile.

“If Sophia is so confident, why not let her try.”