1. The grand duchess’ offer   THE GRAND DUCHESS STOOD STILL, her head tilted to one side, listening.  “Who is that, Maria?  Who is that playing the piano?”  She paused, listening intently.  “Not since Mr. Chopin visited us have I heard such music.  The notes are like drops of water falling into a still pool – so clear they are crystal like.” “I believe, Your Grace, it is the younger daughter of Colonel Johann Gerhardt, Wilhelmina,” her companion replied. “A … Continue reading Wilhelmina by Daphne Saxby Taylor