“Of course, you do. You are a man with littlepatience.”
Mark laughed. “As are all men, Iexpect.”
“In matters of the heart, that is most certainlytrue.”
* * *
“Were you able to tell Alice about our engagement before she and Chester left?” Emilyasked.
Mark smiled. “I did, and I was only sorry you were not there to receive her generous hug. She was so disappointed you were up with Grandmamma, but they needed to get back to the twins. She said, if they did not get back soon, they would lose yet anothernanny.”
“I will visit her when I return,” Emilysaid.
“I want to go back to London with you. We should announce the engagement together to your family,” Mark said, as he held Emily’s hand in his while strolling along the lakepath.
A couple of swallows seemed to be playing overhead in the clear summer’s early-afternoon sky. A bank of fluffy clouds was piling high above them, but threatening no rain. However, Mark’s attention was momentarily distracted as a fish jumped in the pond and Emily suspected he wanted to try and catch it. However, he immediately returned his attention to his fiancé, saying, “After all, it is my duty to ask your father for your hand inmarriage.”
“You would do that? So soon after your father’s passing?” Emilyasked.
“I can mourn my father while equally rejoicing in the happiness of ournuptials.”
“But is that proper?” Emilyasked.
“Well, look at you… suddenly the expert on socialcustoms.”
“Well, after my meeting with your grandmother, I am now keenly aware of my new responsibilities. And I want to be the best wife and Duchess that I can possiblybe.”
“Did she overwhelm you with all of her ‘must dos’ and ‘must don’ts’?” Markasked.
“No, it was more like guidelines. But with access to her if I have any questions on specific points of protocol or other related matters. I am certain all will runsmoothly.”
Mark seemed to hesitate a moment, turning to her with a questioning look. “But before we return to London, there is a very delicate and important task I mustperform.”
“Sophie?” Emilyasked.
Mark nodded. “I must tell her of our engagement. If she should hear it from someoneelse…”
“I understand,” Emily said squeezing Mark’shand.
“I shall go to see her immediately after lunch. Are you all right withthat?”
“Do you want me to go withyou?”
“Oh no, I must do thisalone.”
Emily nodded, “Of course. It was insensitive for me to even suggestthat.”
Now he squeezed her hand. “I know. It is difficult for me to be separated from you for even a moment. I paced nervously when you went to sit with Grandmamma. I could not wait until youreturned.”
Emily laughed, “However are we to manage as a successful couple if we can never be separated? With my family and my music, and your estate and responsibilities at the House of Lords, we cannot always be together. We are going to have to get used tothat.”
“How wise youare.”
“But that is not to say I shall be happy being separated,” sheadded.
“Then you must excuse me while I leave you to inform Sophie of ourengagement.”
“And you areexcused.”
