A few even looked at her askance and she wondered if they had readThe Timesnotice and were reacting tothat.
The funeral ceremony was to be held in the Linfield chapel and the burial was to be held at the family plot in a secluded part of theestate.
As the guests were ushered to the chapel, they were joined by the Linfield family. Mark caught Emily’s gaze and nodded, which she returned. Grandmother was dressed in a great deal of black lace and was dabbing her nose with a handkerchief as she was supported by Baggs and Silas. Alice and Chester were on either side of Mark who was leading theway.
The chapel was not large, and Emily wondered if all the guests would be able to fit inside for the funeral—but all did, although many needed to stand as there were not enoughseats.
The family was in the left front row and Emily had found a seat to the left of the center aisle about halfwayback.
A small organ played a Bach chorale partita. Emily could not help herself and found she was fingering the piece and critiquing the organ player for being far too slow and lugubrious—but it was a funeral, after all, so she forgave themusician.
Silas, who was in the far left front row next to Grandmother, kept turning around and glancing at Emily. But he made no move to contact her. Emily did not know if that was because he was tending to Grandmother, or because he felt restrained by Mark’sinjunction.
Finally, when all were gathered, the funeral started. The chapel was close and hot with all these bodies, but the ritual of the funeral passed Emily by almost unnoticed, as she was distracted by the events of the past fewdays.
When the coffin was carried out by the pallbearers, Emily noticed Mark was leading and, as he passed her row, he gave her a quick, slight smile. And she was shocked to notice, that even that brief acknowledgment sent her heart racing and her palmssweating.
The casket was loaded into the hearse carriage and that was followed by the cortege of carriages assembled to transport the mourners to thegravesite.
The internment was brief and efficient, and the family led the way back to the cortege. Soon all were transported to Linfield Hall. Here was a reception buffet in the room where the guests had assembledpreviously.
The family was gathered at the entrance to the room and many important and powerful looking ladies and gentlemen filed by to offer their condolences. Emily held back and, not being escorted, was generally ignored. She had taken a small plate of food from the buffet table, as she had had little breakfast, and as it was well after noon, she washungry.
Emily caught Alice looking over to her several times, and eventually Alice broke away from the family and came toher.
“How are you holding up?” Aliceasked.
“I am fine, but what about you? This must be a very trying occasion foryou.”
“We all knew Father was fading and would leave us soon, so we were prepared. Of course, one experiences the loss, but at the same time, I was expecting it, so it was not so much of a shock.” Then Alice remembered her task, and said, “Mark asked me to tell you he would like to have a word with you as soon as the condolences arefinished.”
A chill rushed through Emily’s body at that, but she remained calm. “Of course. And when are you and Chester thinking ofleaving?”
“Oh, I haven’t told you. Mark asked us to stay the night. Grandmother is taking this badly. To lose a child is always wrenching. And he feels having the family around her willhelp.”
“Oh,” Emily said, not sure how she would gethome.
“You are welcome to stay here, of course. I believe the room you occupied before is still available to you. But transportation can certainly be arranged if you need to returnhome.”
Emily was definitely conflicted. She would love to stay and be a part of this family, which was becoming increasingly familiar to her. But, at the same time, she had her own family and duties inLondon.
“Let me think about that. But I do not want to be an imposition, so I am not sure it is appropriate for me to stay when your family isgrieving.”
Alice gave Emily a hug. “My dear, you already are a part of this family. Grandmamma adores you, as do Mark andme.”
“And Silas?” Emily asked with a wrysmile.
That sent Alice laughing. “Ah, well… Silas is the black sheep and does notcount.”
“And speak of the devil…” Emily said, nodding toward Silas as he was seen approaching them from across theroom.
But before he could arrive, Mark broke free from the receiving line and headed directly to Silas, interrupting his march toward Emily andAlice.
Mark then had words with Silas that the two ladies could not hear. But, while Mark was speaking to him, Silas kept glancing at them with menacing looks. But they could see Mark physically restrain Silas with his hand and Silas finally backed away and left theroom.
Mark then continued on toward them. He took Alice’s arm and gave her a kiss on thecheek.
“Miss Emily, thank you so much for being here for us. I cannot tell you how much it means to all of us. Grandmamma commented on how welcome you were and what a great honor it was to have youhere.”
