Mark laughed. “As you wish. I assure you, you are well cared for in thiscontract.”
Then Mark threw up his hands. “And that is enough of the business side of things.” He stood and came around his desk, taking her hands and lifting her from the chair. “And now I should like to discuss a few details about our futuretogether.”
He led her over to the window with the best view of the park and they stood looking out—he standing behind her with his arms wrapped around her waist. They stood for a moment in silence, studying the beautiful summer landscape. He leaned down and nuzzled her ear with hisnose.
She laughed. “That tickles,” she said, shaking herhead.
Mark squeezed her tighter giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Is thatbetter?”
Shenodded.
Mark leaned in and whispered. “I hope you approve, but I have booked us a small but comfortable chateau in the south of France for our honeymoon. And I made certain there would be a top-quality piano for your use, as I am certain you will need to keeppracticing.”
Emily turned to him and gave him a kiss. “That sounds delightful. For how long shall we bethere?”
“A month, but we can extend the lease if we likeit.”
“As long as possible, as far as I am concerned—at least until just before my UKtour.”
After a moment Mark said, “And now we need to talk about when you want to move to Linfield. You may have the room you stayed in before, up until the wedding. And I have dedicated the music room completely for youruse.”
“Oh, that is lovely,” she said, turning to look athim.
“And how is the piano there? Do we need to get a new one for your rehearsals? You must have the verybest.”
“Oh, Mark, the one there is just perfect. But I am not sure when to move here. My sister, Ruth’s, wedding is coming up, and I should like to be there to help however I can.” Then she thought, “But I must say they have been doing quite well without me. I have been so busy with my career and my wedding plans, they have given up on me.” Then she had a further thought. “Might you and Grandmamma like to attend Ruth’s wedding? After all, they will soon be your family,too.”
Mark thought about that. “I am afraid Grandmamma would not be up to it—the travel—the unfamiliar people, and she is still inmourning.”
“Of course. Iunderstand.”
Mark laughed, “Well, then, perhaps you should move here soon after your sister’s wedding. Grandmamma will fuss over you, and I can gaze into your eyes, and you can practice on your own very fine piano. What do yousay?”
Emily’s heart leapt at the thought, but her mind bid her to be cautious. “I am a little concerned about my family. There is a lot of change going on all of a sudden—the loss of the trio—Ruth’s wedding and move to Bristol, and, of course, me—my career—the wedding—becoming a Duchess. It is a lot of change for them to absorb all at once.” Then she laughed. “And poor Papa… he has been complaining about the fact that he has promised Ruth and Spencer they may use the family carriage to move to Bristol. But he does nothing but complain about how old the horses and coachman are, and how dilapidated the coach itself is. And I seem to be the only one who can console him and talk him down from his rants. But perhaps you are right. I think it will be possible to move here right after Ruth’swedding.”
“And when isthat?”
“The last week ofAugust.”
“And then you would consider moving toLinfield?”
“Not consider, I would. I should like to become settled in and become used to my new environment before my touringstarts.”
“And it would be nice to be close to me as well?” Markteased.
“That goes without saying,” Emily said, turning to him, as theykissed.
Chapter 35
The wedding was scheduled for one o’clock at the family church, just down the block. The reception was at two-thirty. Mother was fussing in the kitchen as Molly was repairing a last-minute tear to the dress Mother was to wear. Teresa no longer needed Emily’s assistance or advice on her toilette. She had bloomed into a handsome woman—no doubt aided by the admiration of her new beau,Trent.
Papa was in the sitting room with Spencer who had come early to confer with him about the bride and groom’s transportation to Bristol early tomorrow morning in the family carriage. Emily came into the sitting room during theirconversation.
“You understand what I am saying?” Papaasked.
“Yes, sir. The left rear wheel is wobbly, and the harness is worn for bothhorses.”
“Exactly.” Papa signed. “Now Daniels is a fine coachman, but he is getting on. It would not do to tire him, so I suggest you stop every ten miles or so. Give him abreak.”
