Except for the occasional furtive glances and smiles, Mark felt strange having breakfast with Emily present, without acknowledging the change in their relationship. However, Mark’s concerns were relieved by the fact there were many guests breakfasting and preparing to leave right after the morning meal. That kept Mark occupied, visiting with each guest, and receiving their finalcondolences.
It was not until time for the Duchess’s late morning tea when Mark felt comfortable visitingher.
“Good morning, Grandmamma,” Mark greeted as he entered her chambers. He gave Baggs a discreet nod, indicating he wished to speak to the Duchessprivately.
This gesture did not escape the Duchess and she asked, “Is there a problem,Mark?”
“Not at all,” he said, sitting next to her on her divan. “In fact, I have some splendidnews.”
The Duchess’s face clouded over and she shifted slightly. “What good news can there possibly be so soon after my son’spassing?”
She was still dressed in her mourning attire looking particularly dour. Mark almost thought about delaying the announcement of his engagement, instead deciding against it, even if it pained her, because he knew it would be unfair to Emily asking her to postpone the announcement to herfamily.
“Grandmamma,” he started, placing his arm along the back of the divan behind her. “I know you may think this is an inappropriate time to make this announcement, but I am engaged to bemarried.”
At first his grandmother’s brows knitted in what appeared to be disapproval, but then she beamed asking, “And when did you ask Sophie? It seemed you barely spoke to her at all lastevening.”
“Grandmamma, it is not Sophie whom I have asked.” He let that statement register before heproceeded.
“Is it that youngwoman?”
“Emily Dunn. That is hername.”
Grandmother turned from him and took a moment to collect her thoughts before replying, “What happened? I do not understand. You andSophie…”
“No, Grandmamma, Miss Sophie and I have always been friends, and for me, she was not really a desirable bride, except in your mind. I went along with your wishes until it became obvious to me that Emily Dunn was the one I wanted towed.”
“But as a Duchess?” Grandmother asked, appearing to beappalled.
“Yes, as a Duchess. She may not have the pedigree that you imagined for that position, but she is the kindest, most intelligent, talented, and beautiful creature I have ever encountered. And I have asked her to be mybride.”
The Duchess folded her hands in her lap, giving a long, serious thought to his announcement, finally saying, “I must admit, she is a lovely girl and I like her very much. Not to mention her immense talent.” She seemed to consider a new point. “And what about that? Is she willing to give up her ambitions for a solo musical career to become aduchess?”
“Not at all. And I would not ask it of her. Grandmamma, it isIwho discovered her great talent and proposed expandingit.”
“But as the new Duchess of Edgerton, she will have responsibilities that would preclude her from having such a career outside of LinfieldHall.”
“That might be the conventional way of thinking, but she shall be the ‘new’ Duchess. I believe that she and I together will be able to manage our ducal responsibilitiesandmaintain her career. After all, she will have you to guide and adviseher.”
The Duchess seemed to take comfort in that thought. “That is true—ifshe is susceptible to myguidance.”
“I have no doubt she will eagerly accept your guiding wisdom and you shall become fast friends,” Mark said, standing now and gazing down at his grandmother with a largegrin.
The Duchess studying him, asked, “And you truly love thiswoman?”
“With all my heart, soul, andbeing.”
Grandmother sat quietly for a moment, lost in her own thoughts, and then looking up to him said, “As I did your grandfather.” Nodding, she added, “Send her to me so that we may discuss what her new responsibilities shall be—at herconvenience.”
“Thank you, Grandmamma, I am veryhappy.”
“And have you set a date?” sheasked.
“Not yet. I am relying on your guidance in thatmatter.”
Grandmother considered and said, “An autumn wedding is always nice, I think. Let me see… it is now late June… mid-October seems about right. Does that suityou?”
“Very well, although I wish it weresooner.”
