“Perhaps, if and when I begin touring and I shall be out of the country, he will forget about me and… find someone more sympathetic to hisdesires.”
“I shudder to think who might put up with his grossbehavior.”
One of the footmen returned and announced. “Your Grace, Mr. Skeffington just left and said… well, he said something that I cannot repeat in front of alady.”
Mark laughed. “That is exactly what I might expect from him. Thank you,George.”
After the footman left, Mark lit several candles in the room, and went to the window, drew the draperies and turned to Emily. “Are you alright to sleep now? Do you want someone to attend to you? Do you needanything?”
Emily shook her head. “No Mark, I am not that delicate. It was an unexpected intrusion, and there was a moment or two of concern, but I am not easilyfrightened.”
Mark smiled broadly as he went over and took her hands in his. “You are a fine lady, but also a strong and independent woman. I have not known many like you. You are very dear tome.”
Emily glanced down shyly before lifting her eyes to his. They gazed into each other’s eyes, both now fully acknowledging the mutual lack ofshyness.
“Thank you, Mark,” she said, squeezing hishands.
Mark looked at her and seemed to be struggling with what to say, but responded. “Emily, my Emily… I can resist this nolonger.”
“Resist what,Mark?”
“The certain fact that it is you I love,Emily.”
Shocked, yet delighted—as if struck by a bolt of pure joy, Emily questioned Mark, “But Miss Sophie… what ofher?”
“I have been playing out my assigned role with her, but with no conviction or enthusiasm. I shall end any of her expectationsimmediately.”
“But will she not bedevastated?”
“We were friends long before we were courting, and I believe that friendship will remain. Unless youobject.”
“Not I. Lifelong friendships are invaluable and must bepreserved.”
Kneeling, Mark took her hand, asking, “Then Emily, will you be my wife and become the new Duchess ofEdgerton?”
At first, she felt unspeakable joy, then it hit her—her career—what would become of that? Her lifelong dream?Shattered?”
Looking confused, she stammered, “Ah… Mark… I… my… what about mypiano?”
Mark pulled her into an embrace. “Emily, my Emily, do you think for one moment that I, the one who has worked so diligently for your success, would ever ask you to abandon your most preciousdream?”
As she disengaged from Mark, Emily’s face lit with a radiant smile. “Do you mean that? You would support mycareer?”
“Most certainly. Not only support it, but actively work to make ithappen.”
“But if I was theDuchess…?”
“Then you shall become known as the Duchess ofMusic.”
She felt such relief that she grabbed hold of Mark, looking adoringly up at him. He leaned forward and kissed her. Gently holding her at arm’s length, Mark declared “But you have not accepted me yet. Will you marry me, Emily Dunn?” his eyestwinkling.
Emily coyly placed her finger to her cheek, as though she was considering the proposal and might just refuse. “Mark Linfield, yes, I will marryyou.”
Chapter 32
Mark’s first duty the next morning was to visit Grandmamma. He was concerned that she might not approve of the engagement, especially as it was immediately on the heels of his father’s death. She absolutely had to be the first person he informed—even before his belovedsister.
He had made Emily promise not to reveal the engagement until he had notified his family first. Since she was staying with them, it was not an issue. Her family and friends could wait to be informed until the proper ducal protocols had beenfollowed.
