65: Wedding Reception
"Maestro, as requested, may I introduce to you my two students, Lord Charlton Daniel and Lady Serena Maxwell. Lady Serena is the composer of the song which you praised earlier." Felix said as they stood in front of a man in his early 70's.
"Ah! It is with great pleasure that I meet the two of you. I am Maestro Von Ligeti, the Duke of Louvre. However, you may just address me as Maesto Ligeti. I take great pride with that title as I am an avid musician. When I heard the first note of your music earlier, I had the sudden urgency to meet the genius composer of such wonderful song. I thought it was a person at least Felix's age. But now, I am surprised to see that it was a young lady who wrote it. My endless praise. If you don't mind me asking, what was your inspiration for the song?"
Serena smiled at the Maestro. He was just like Felix, full of enthusiasm and passion. "Maestro, the pleasure is all mine. Thank you for your praise. I know that I am still but a young sapling in comparison to you. Regarding the inspiration, well, it's just about the feeling of a person that's trying to convey that he/she has fallen in love."
"ah! Yes! The wonderful feeling of love. Love truly manages to make men, and women, out of us that we never even imagined we're capable of."
Charlton felt his eyes widen with that remark. Truly, the Maestro was correct.
Serena chuckled. "Also, Maesto, I should clarify that the credit is not all mine, Charlton here, and my brother, Leonard, helped me with it."
Maestro Ligeti turned to look at Charlton and nodded his head. "I heard about you! Felix told me that you are his protégé. Your playing of the Cello was indeed marvelous. I would also love to meet this Leonard one day."
"thank you, Maestro. But I must correct what Serena said. The credit is fully hers, we just helped polish a little what was already a masterpiece. She is the real music genius."
The Maestro laughed as the two pushed the praise to the other. "No matter, I wanted to talk to you both because…"
Then Felix interrupted. "Maestro, you should listen to the full song first before making any…"
"No, no! I am sure that it would be just as beautiful. So, as I was saying, I would like to make a request from the both of you if you may. My wife and I will be having our golden wedding anniversary on the 16th of December. It would be on a Saturday night. If you two are available, would it be alright to play this song then?"
Charlton and Serena faced each other, then turned to the Maestro and nodded their heads.
"Wonderful! I know that the both of you don't need it but, I would still want to ask regarding the renumeration…"
Serena shook her head. She felt compelled to do it for the Maestro. She can still vaguely recall her parents celebrating theirs and understands just how meaningful this event is. She herself can only dream to have the opportunity to reach such anniversary. "No need Maestro. We would truly be happy and honored to perform for you and your wife then. A golden anniversary is something that not everyone will have the opportunity to celebrate. And if you would permit, I would also wish to gift you a new song then."
Charlton looked at Serena making a wistful smile. She is truly a wonder. How could he not love her? She is truly beautiful, heart, body, and soul.
The Maestro could not contain his smile, his eyes crinkling, and his heart touched. He was old
Serena smiled back. She truly wanted to give them a gift. Although it's just her plagiarizing, she felt that a song would be more appreciated by the couple. Besides, music can touch the heart and can fill the infinite between two souls.
After that, Felix guided them to their seats. The Maestro sat at one of the two tables at the front for he was a principal sponsor. Serena and Charlton sat at the table with Felix and some other family members of the bride.
"Serena, I trust your skills but… don't you think that making a new song in less than two months is a bit…" Felix began. Even he, himself, doubts that he can manage such feat.
"Sir, don't worry. I already have something in mind. However, I would also need your help regarding the practice room." Well, Serena was not sure what music to play yet, but she knew that she has a lot of stockpile in her head. She just needs to see which fits best. Also, she was not completely doing everything for nothing in return. Charlton already surrendered the key to the private music room.
"Alright then. I would have the key delivered to Charlton tomorrow. By the way, will the two of you be heading back to school later?"
Charlton decided to answer, "We decided to stay the night because of the time. I helped Serena book her own room earlier. That was the reason why we were a little late."
Felix nodded in understanding, "I would repay you for the cost."
Charlton shook his head. "No need Sir." Although he didn't think their teacher lacks the fund, he knew that it would still cost him. Then he handed him an envelope.
"What's this? There's no need." Felix felt himself blush. There was no need for his students to give monetary gifts to the couple. Their presence was enough.
Serena decided to take the opportunity to hand hers over too. "Sir, we know that the couple are just beginning to build their lives together, and well, it's embarrassing to come here empty handed. So please…"
Felix reluctantly nodded his head. "Then, I will have to thank you both on their behalf. Also, please send my regards to the Duke and Duchess Maxwell, they also sent a gift."
Serena and Charlton nodded their heads.
--
The wedding was large and there were about 400 guests in attendance. At six thirty, the lights were dimmed for the grand entrance of the bridal entourage and the newly wed couple. After, the host asked everyone to stand for a prayer. Then, dinner was served.
While everyone was having dinner, the program was going simultaneously. They had the cutting of the cake, then the champagne toast. The maid of honor followed by the best man made their speech. Also, some well wishers gave their messages.
After dinner, a man approached Felix, signaling that their turn was next. Felix looked at the two, and they gave him a nod, indicating that they're ready.
--
"Now, before we start the dancing, it is my honor to introduce, two special guests for this evening. If you heard the song when the bride made her entrance in the church, then you will be pleasantly surprised as you will be meeting the composer and will be hearing the song played again tonight. Please Let us give a warm welcome to Lord Charlton Daniel and Lady Serena Maxwell!"
Everyone turned their heads to the two beautiful beings walking to the front. The guests started whispering. They did wonder who the two beautiful youths were since earlier, but they did not expect how special their identities were. Everyone felt honored to be invited to the same event these two deigned to attend. One was their queen-to-be, and the other was the son of the most powerful grand duke who was also a war hero.
"Lord Charlton and Lady Maxwell, do you have a message for the couple before I lead you both to the piano?"
Serena smiled and received the microphone from the host, "I wish to take this opportunity to thank the couple for inviting me to this momentous event. May today be the beginning of a long, happy life together. I hope that this song will make today even more memorable to the both of you." Then she handed the mic to Charlton.
"I also wish to thank the couple for inviting me to this joyful occasion. May the love and happiness you feel today shine through the years." Then handed the mic back to the host.
Serena looked at Charlton while thinking, 'Wow, thanks for the idea Charlton, through the years, a perfect choice for the golden anniversary!'
Everyone clapped their hands as the couple mouthed a thank you to the two.
Then the host guided them beside the stage where a piano with two standing mics prepared was waiting.
During their practice, Serena asked Charlton to play first because, it sounded better.
So, Charlton first sat in front of the piano. He played and sang the first stanza while looking at Serena straight in the eye, "Wise men say…." Then Serena who was also looking at him walked to sit beside him, they played a duet in the piano as she sang the second stanza, "shall I stay…" then they had a duet on the bridge "Like a river flows….", then just like they did in the ducal house, when Charlton sang the next line "Take my hand, take my whole life too…" he raised his left hand for Serena to take as they continued playing the piano and sang the line "for I can't help, falling in love with you" together. Then they let go of each other's hand and continued to sing and play until the song ended.
A moment of silence filled the room as a lot of people start dabbing their eyes. Never have they heard such a touching song with such matching lyrics that went straight to the heart. It was the first of its kind and they were so glad that they attended today's wedding.
The couple were the first to react as they went towards the two to thank them profusely with tears on the bride's eyes.
Then everyone in the room gave a standing ovation. Thinking in their hearts that tonight is a night to be remembered for the rest of their lives.
--
TBC