Emily related the disturbing incident with Silas coming to her bedroom, but ended the story with the joyous and unexpected surprise of Mark’sproposal.
“Oh, my dear. Now that is astory.”
“And I have no idea what Mr. Skeffington’s status is right now in the family. Have youheard?”
“Mark has said nothing to me,” Alicesaid.
“All I know is that he was escorted out of the house in the dead of night by a burleyfootman.”
That image set the twolaughing.
Emily then said, “But Silas did recant his story to Mr. Butler. So, he has, at least partially, redeemed himself.” Then she asked, “But did you feel terriblyviolated?”
“It never came to anything. Mark intervened before Silas could make any serious advances. It was more of a surprise than an actualthreat.”
“But it must not have seemed so at the time,” Alicesaid.
Emily tilted her head. “There were a few startling moments. But it passed, and I believe the threat catapulted Mark into asking me to marryhim.”
“And here we are—about to choose your weddinggown.”
“And launch my newcareer.”
* * *
Emily’s day with Alice had been a lot of fun. The meeting with Mr. Butler was most successful, and together they had worked out a schedule of performances that would work around thewedding.
Mr. Butler was most gracious and apologetic and offered her an agency contract. However, she wanted to have Mark review it before shesigned.
Emily’s head was still spinning from viewing the amazing range of wedding gown designs. It was impossible to make an immediate selection, but they took her measurements and she came home with a number of fabric samples to study with her mother andsisters.
But foremost in her mind was that she must meet with Linton. She sent him a note asking him to come visit her at home. She did not mention the engagement, as she wanted to tell him about that in person. She suggested he come for tea and a stroll in the park, as she did not want to embarrass him by announcing the engagement with her family nearby, fearing it might further agitatehim.
It seemed that summer had come on with a vengeance and the weather was hot and dry. There had not been a refreshing rain for nearly threeweeks.
Nonetheless, at the appointed time, which was late afternoon, Linton arrived, bearing a bouquet of flowers and a largesmile.
Emily felt she might be blushing as she accepted the flowers. “Oh, Linton, how very thoughtful. Thank you. Please comeinside.”
Emily escorted him to the sittingroom.
“Let me just give the flowers to Molly to put in water. I shall return in just amoment.”
Linton nodded. “I shall be righthere.”
When Emily returned, she gave Linton a big smile and noticed how hot and close it was in the room. “Shall we go out into the garden? I was thinking we might have a stroll in the park, but it is much too hot. Think younot?”
“As long as I am with you, I am content. But I am happy to accompany you wherever youwish.”
Emily led them across the lawn to her bench under the tree. Here it was secluded and private—and even better than thepark.
“How have you been?” she began by asking. “What are you doing these days since the trio disbanded? That must have been a shock foryou.”
Linton lost his grin and he seemed sobered by thequestion.
“I have to say, it was a shock, indeed,” he said. “I had cleared my schedule to tour and had given up or passed on several opportunities that had come my way foremployment.”
Emily felt a little guilty about that, but it was Ruth and Teresa who finally scuttled the trio. She could not help it, and she put her hand on his out of sympathy. However, he seized on the opportunity to take her hand and holdit.
