“But Papa,” Ruth spoke up, “Then where? All the places I have investigated have been booked, or are too small ordisgusting.”
Emily then suggested, “I could speak to Fanny. Harrods has several fine rooms they let out for receptions that most people are not aware of. I am certain she could arrange it. And they are even capable of doing thecatering.”
“What a splendid idea,” Ruth said, lightingup.
Mother nodded in reluctant agreement and Papa asked, “How much isthatgoing tocost?”
“I will speak to Fanny and get all the details so you can decide, but remember, the wedding date is coming up shortly and there is not a lot of time to ditherabout.”
“Can you speak to her today?” Ruthasked.
“Not today. I have the funeral atLinfield.”
“Then I shall speak to her myself,” Ruth said. “As you say, we do not have a lot oftime.”
Mother tutted. “Poor old Duke. He was not that old, washe?”
“Mother said you were there when he died,” Ruthcommented.
“I was playing for him at the time. And I would like to think he passed serenely to the music heloved.”
No one responded to that delicate moment, so Emily rose, picked up the newspaper, tucked it under her arm, and excused herself. It was time to get ready for thefuneral.
* * *
Mercifully, Alice and Chester had left the twins to Nanny’s care athome.
The mood in the carriage was somber, Alice, undoubtedly, thinking of her father. Chester, while supportive of his wife, seemed to be preoccupied with other matters—perhaps businessrelated.
After a time, Emily asked Alice, “Did you see Silas’s notice inThe Timesthismorning?”
Alice snapped out of her inner thoughts and replied. “No, I did not. So, the old reprobate came through, didhe?”
Emily had cut out the notice and she now dug it out of herbag.
“Here,” she said, handing it toAlice.
Alice read it and looked up, quizzically. “What a strangenotice.”
“Yes, I thought so too,” Emilyreplied.
“It is as though he was totally uninvolved and he is taking on your redemption as afavor.”
Emily laughed. “Yes, that is exactly it.” Then she had another thought. “Is he likely to be at thefuneral?”
“I would expect so, unless Mark has banished him for some reason. And I feel certain he would have informed us, if that was thecase.”
“I have to say, I am somewhat apprehensive about seeing himagain.”
Alice made a fist and shook it. “Just let him tryanythingand I shall be yourprotector.”
Emily chuckled. “That is mostreassuring.”
Eventually, the carriage arrived at Linfield and Emily was surprised to see the large number of people attending the funeral. The old Duke must have been muchbeloved.
As they left the carriage, Alice and Chester were directed to the library where the immediate family was gathering, and Emily was escorted to the room where she had given her recital—where the other guests werewaiting.
Refreshments were offered and Emily wandered the room nodding to several people she recognized. And a few even spoke to her, recognizing her from therecital.
