Giles came over. “How much time can you giveus?”
“No more than a week or so. It is already late, as it is. But there is still a littletime.”
Silas joined them. “Miss Emily, Mark is certainly correct. You have a stunning talent and it would be almost a monumental shame if you squandered your talent by continuing to play with your tepid sisters. I urge you to break away and start your owncareer.”
Emily was resigned to the breakup of the trio. She took a deep breath, nodded and said, “Yes, Iunderstand.”
“And please do not make any hasty decisions to reject Mark’s offer,” Silas continued. “I have a few thoughts about how this could work for everyone. Let me make some inquiries and I shall visit your family in a fewdays.”
“That sounds most reasonable,” Giles said, “Thankyou.”
“Well, then…” Mark said rubbing his hands. “I think that concludes our business for the timebeing.”
At that, Sophie came forward, smiling, and reclaimed Mark by, once again, taking hisarm.
But Mark disengaged from her and turned to Emily and said, “If you like, I would be happy to show you our house and point out some of our finest artpieces.”
“I should like that a great deal,” Emily said, now calmer as Mark offered her hisarm.
Emily noticed that Sophie was not at all happy, but Emily found she was delighted to have the Duke’sattention.
As they were leaving the parlor, Mark said, “Grandmother was most taken with you at dinner the evening of your concert. She has not stopped talking about you and urged me to bring you to her after our business meeting. Would youmind?”
“Not at all. That would belovely.”
Mark then led Emily and the party around the public rooms of Linfield Hall. Mark and Silas made comments on the various works of art while Sophie trailed behind, her arms clenched tightly across herchest.
The tour ended in the gallery and Mark turned to Emily and Giles and asked, “If we go to visit Grandmother, it will take us to nearly lunchtime. Might I invite the two of you to join us? Our cook is quite marvelous and we can easily accommodate a few more guests.” He turned to Sophie, “And might you join us aswell?”
Sophie did not look at all like she wanted to accept theinvitation.
“I was only riding by and did not intend to stay long. I shall decline your invitation as my family is expecting me at home forlunch.”
“I would be happy to send a messenger to let them know you are staying here if you like,” Marksuggested.
Emily watched as Sophie’s face registered a flash of different emotions, but she said, “I think not. You obviously have a lot to talk about with your guests. I would hate tointrude.”
Mark calmly answered. “Very well, as you wish.” And he turned from her, but Emily could see that Sophie had expected Mark to plead with her to stay, which he hadnot.
Then Emily spoke up, “Oh, please stay, Miss Sophie. It would be so lovely to get better acquainted with you. And I know His Grace would be so pleased to have you sit next to him at the luncheontable.”
Sophie stared at her and Emily could see Sophie’s features soften. “Yes, I think that would be lovely.” She turned to Mark. “Then, if you would send your messenger, I shall accept theinvitation.”
Mark had an enigmatic smile as he first looked at Sophie and then at Emily and said to her, “You are most gracious.” He then turned to Silas. “Uncle, would you be so kind as to entertain Lady Crauford while I take Miss Emily to visit withGrandmother?”
“It would be my pleasure,” Silas said, offering Sophie hisarm.
* * *
Baggs opened the door to Grandmother’s rooms allowing Mark and Emily toenter.
“Grandmamma, greetings,” Mark calledout.
Grandmother was seated at her desk working on hercorrespondence.
“Oh, hello, Mark… Miss Emily. I am so glad you stopped by,” she said as she stoodup.
“I have asked Emily and her manager to stay for lunch, but I thought it might be nice to have a private wordbeforehand.”
