“Of course,” Alice said and went back to theballroom.
In a few moments, Giles appeared and stood next to Linton, putting his arm around Linton’s shoulders. And the gesture started Linton sobbingagain.
“Son, let me help you. Come with me. No need to disturb these fine folks anylonger.”
And Giles led Linton away, casting a glance at Emily over his shoulder as he escorted the young man down thehallway.
As Emily stood and watched them go, Mark came out of the room and stood next toher.
“Are youalright?”
“I am now,” she said taking his arm and holding on tightly to him. “And please forgive him. He was in a great deal ofpain.”
“I understand you were friends. I believe he was your ‘Sophie’ so there is no harm done, as we have both let go of thepast.”
Epilogue
The morning of the wedding, Mark took his horse out just after dawn and rode her as fast as he could across the park toward the farthest reach of his estate. He had so much emotion bubbling inside him, it felt good to feel the steed stretching and straining beneath him. The ride exhilarated him and, to some extent, also calmedhim.
Emily was in the capable hands of his sister and his grandmother. Both would take good care of her and he would see her next at the altar in the Linfieldchapel.
Most of the wedding guests were still asleep at this hour, but many more would arrive before theceremony.
His personal valet would see that he was properly dressed for the wedding, but he longed for a close friend to share the anxious moments leading up to the ceremony. As he rested the horse before returning to the Hall, he thought of his departed father and realized he had still not completed his grieving process. He would have been the perfect companion, but that was not tobe.
He regretted the fact that he had so few male friends. As the young duke presumptive, his father kept him relatively secluded from outside influences. He had been schooled at home, and the few playmates, he had been allowed when a child, were mostly from other aristocratic families and were too far away to visit withfrequently.
And so, this morning, he would have to content himself with the advice and restrained companionship of hisvalet.
He rode back to the Hall as fiercely as he had ridden away from it, and reached the stables in time to leave his horse and return to the house for an early breakfast—after which, he retired to his study to sign some papers his solicitor had sent him regarding the marriage and theestate.
The marriage ceremony was to be at eleven o’clock and, as it was nine-thirty, he thought it best to retire to his rooms toprepare.
As he left his study, he came across Wesley crossing the entrancehall.
“Good morning, Sir,” Wesleygreeted.
“Good morning. And how are the ladies this morning? Are all the preparations proceeding onschedule?”
“Yes, Your Grace. The Duchess-to-Be is with the Duchess and Mrs. Savoy as we speak. One understands a great deal of careful preparation is called for in thesematters.”
“Yes, I imagine that isso.”
“And the new Duchess’s belongings? When will they be transferred to the ducalsuite?”
“During the ceremony, Your Grace. All is well inhand.”
“Excellent. And the staff are managing with our large number of weddingguests? “
“They are mostcompetent.”
“Thank you,Wesley.”
“YourGrace.”
Mark then went to his rooms and was surprised to find Silas standing and gazing out of hiswindows.
“Uncle? I am surprised to seeyou.”
