Silas turned toward Mark. “Thank you for inviting me to the wedding. I was not certain I would be welcome… after my bizarre and inappropriate behavior with MissEmily.”
“You are family,Uncle.”
“But even family members may remain unforgiven. Does Miss Emily know I am to be aguest?”
“Shedoes.”
“And she does not resentthat?”
“She told me she has forgiven you. Much more easily than I—I might add. And, as such, I welcome you on herbehalf.”
“Thank you, Mark. And please, if you can, accept my deepest and most sincere apologies—for everything. I behaved like a fool and shall be forever embarrassed by mybehavior.”
Mark nodded but did not offer to accept theapology.
“And why are you here in my rooms? The guests are gathering in the greatroom.”
“Because I wanted to be of service to you,” Silassaid.
“Whatservice?”
“I know your father would be so proud and happy at this event today and I know he would be standing beside you at this moment. And if I might most humbly offer, I should like to be with you and lend my support as a familymember.”
Mark was uncertain. How could he ever trust this man again? But then he realized that if Emily could forgive Silas, he should be able to do so, aswell.
“I would consider that, but first you must go and personally apologize to Emily and to Grandmamma, for you have given them much pain with youractions.”
Mark could see Silas was not expecting this, but he nodded in agreement. “Is Emily with theDuchess?”
“Sheis.”
“Then if you will excuseme?”
Mark nodded and Silas started toward the door, but stopped and turned back to faceMark.
“I want you to understand that I am profoundly sorry for my behavior toward Miss Emily. I do not know what came over me. I was insensitive and cruel and besides my bad behavior the night you caught me in her room, I am also deeply regretful for trying to ruin her career by slandering her with Mr. Butler. Please believe I am most sincere in myapology.”
“Tell Miss Emily that,” Mark said, coolly. “And truthfully report back to me what she tellsyou.
“I promise.” And he turned to leaveagain.
“Uncle…” Mark stoppedhim.
“Yes?”
“What has brought about this change ofheart?”
Silas considered for a moment and then said, “Why, Miss Emily, of course. Her forgiveness made me see that she is far too good for me. I will always be a scallywag at heart and I finally realized I wanted some modicum of respect from my family more than I wanted a dalliance withher.”
* * *
Emily had slept poorly the previous night, as she had been so excited about her wedding day. But now she was with her mother, the Duchess, Alice, and Teresa. But both her mother and Teresa were useless, as they were crying and tripping over themselves as they tried to assist Emily as she was being dressed byBaggs.
The Duchess sat in her comfortable chair with her lorgnette supervising the dressing and making comments and suggestions that were not always very clear orhelpful.
It seemed that only Alice moved forward with the care and consideration necessary to successfully accomplish each stage of the preparation, softly uttering comforting advice, as she guided Emily toward being the perfectbride.
There was a knock at the door and the Duchess demanded, “Who could that be? It had better not be the groom, or I shall tan his hide. He knows better than to visit the bride before the ceremony.” She waved at Baggs. “Go see who itis.”
