Sonata for a Scoundrel Read Online Free PDF Page A

Becker’s ears turned pink. “Thank you.”
    “In fact, it brings me to the purpose of my call today. I’d like to engage your services as a composer. You have enormous talent, Mr. Becker. If your work had greater exposure, there would be a piece by Nicholas Becker on every piano in England—the Continent, even.” Dare leaned forward, allowing time for the words to sink in, and captured the young man’s gaze. “I can provide that exposure. You must come on tour with me.”
    The composer’s eyes widened. Clearly he’d no notion of what Dare had been going to say. Beside him, his sister gripped the wooden arms of her chair until her knuckles turned white.
    For a moment Nicholas Becker’s mouth gaped, and then he collected himself. “That is most unexpected… and generous of you.”
    “Generous, but unnecessary.” The elder Mr. Becker shook his head, his expression severe. “We thank you for the offer of patronage. Nicholas would be happy to write as many pieces as you’d like and send them along—”
    “Send them along?” Dare’s hands tightened on his knees. “Mr. Becker, I don’t think you understand. I do not merely want to play your son’s works, I want to build my performances around them. My agent here,” he gestured to Peter, “has contacts with reputable publishers of sheet music throughout Europe. They will be eager for the compositions of Nicholas Becker, once they learn that I’m featuring them. The Rondo has been tremendously well received. There will be a ready market for his new works, too, as the public becomes familiar with the music through my performances. Our performances, for your son is a talented pianist as well.” He focused back on the composer. “Think of what we could accomplish.”
    Dare could not keep the enthusiasm from his voice. Surely they would see how crucial it was that Becker himself be an integral part of the performance? It would be a perfect circle of creative effort. Nicholas Becker heard the notes and set them down, Dare transformed them back into music for the world to hear. Two masters of their craft, working together.
    Too, there was the impending specter of the musical duel to be held that spring—but to speak of it now would complicate matters far too much. No, he would master each problem as he came to it. He must add the composer to his tour before proposing more.
    Becker flushed and he glanced first at his father, then his sister. A curious expression crossed his face; not the elation Dare had expected to see, but something more troubled.
    Whatever the composer’s reluctance, Dare was not going to fail now. He nodded to Peter.
    “Ahem.” His agent opened his satchel and pulled out a sheaf of papers. “Mr. Reynard is prepared to compensate you fairly in exchange for premier performing rights to anything you compose while in his employ. The parties will split publishing royalties for contracts, which I will arrange upon your joint approval.” He flipped through the pages. “You will agree to accompany Mr. Reynard on his tour of England and Scotland, with the option to continue, terms to be negotiated, to the Continent, presupposing all parties are satisfied with the initial tour. In addition, all expenses of travel will be paid and you will be fed and housed…” He glanced at the pitifully small huddle of coals on the grate, “…appropriately.”
    Dare was not so subtle. “With the stipend I pay, you’ll be able to move your family out of this house. Think of the comforts you could provide your father and sister. Think how your prospects would change.” He paused as a girl carrying a tray entered the room.
    “I shall pour out,” the sister said, rising to take a cup from the tray. She poured with a steady hand. “Do you take sugar, Mr. Reynard?”
    Dare glanced at the chipped bowl holding a few forlorn lumps. “No, thank you.”
    Despite her calm expression, the surface of the liquid trembled as she handed him his cup.
    “Well then,