The chair isn't worth his changing his mind so she lets it go, turning back to the tea and pouring them each a cup. It's a delicate tea so she forgoes the sugar in his and hands him the cup and saucer.

She, too, opts to stand, blowing lightly on the surface of her drink. Earlier, this had seemed the perfect way to get to know her maestro but now she finds herself at a loss for words. It had been much easier to communicate in writing. No wonder he uses notes to deal with the managers.

"Thank you again for agreeing to meet for a lesson today. I feel much more comfortable with the score." She smiles and takes a sip of her tea. "Have you seen any of the rehearsals? What do you think of the production so far?"