* * *
Neither parent was at home when Emily returned with Linton. So he excused himself and said he would contact her again soon, hoping that they might meetagain.
Emily watched him leave from the parlor window, then immediately scurried over to see Fanny, knowing she would be home from work bynow.
Emily scurried down and across the street to Fanny’s parents’house.
Fanny had seen her from the front window and answered the front door when sheknocked.
“I am so glad to see you, I have such news,” Fannyexclaimed.
“Me too,” Emilyannounced.
“Come in. Can I get youtea?”
“No, thank you. I have just now come from tea with a charming youngman.”
“Really? I think your news trumps mine. Come. I am sorting receipts from work. I much rather do it at home than in my dingy office so I bring work home withme.”
They went into the sitting room and sat at a card table where the receipts were laidout.
“Do not mind me. I can work and listen. So, who is this youngman?”
Emily proceeded to tell her all about their meeting at the studio and teaafter.
“What a difference from the usual chaps who pursue you,no?”
“Without a doubt. But, quite honestly, I am not sure how much time I will have with this gentleman, with all I have going on right now, with the trio and my own solopractice.”
“But Emily, certainly you must want a private life as well as a public one. You are certainly at an age to seriously think about, at least, gettingengaged.”
Emily sat with her hands in her lap and a slightly pained expression on her face. “I do want that. But at the same time, I have chosen an uncommon life. If I am to reach the pinnacle of musical excellence that I seek, there must besacrifices.”
Emily then told her about Mr. Skeffington’s visit, his proposal, and his smarmy, unwantedinsinuations.
“Oh, Emily. That is horrific! What a rotter. What are you going todo?”
“Right now everything is in Giles Carter’s hands. He is going to try and see what can be done to separate me from the trio so that I might solo. Hopefully, I shall have nothing more to do with Mr. Skeffington. But everything is still very muchunsettled.”
Emily reached over and took Fanny’s hand. “And what, pray, is your goodnews?”
“Oh, it is nothing like yours. It is just that I am getting a small raise and some added duties atwork.”
“That is wonderful. You must be verypleased?”
Fanny wagged her head and made a grimace. “It is just work. Nothing like your splendid life. And, oh, Emily, I do hope you can work out all of this nonsense over the trio. It would be so wonderful if you could have a solo career and travel all over Europe. I shall miss you if you leave and you will probably never talk to me again, but I could point to your concert posters and say, ‘I knew this musical star backwhen’.”
Emily growled and swatted at Fanny’s hand. “You know I would never abandon my bestfriend.”
“I am glad to hear that. You are very dear tome.”
* * *
Giles Carter had sent a note to Silas asking for a meeting to discuss Emily’s career. Silas had replied and they were to meet thisafternoon.
Giles arrived promptly at Mr. Skeffington’s townhouse where the meeting was to take place. He rapped on the large front door’s brass knocker and a short, plump woman answered thedoor.”
“Mister Giles Carter. I have an appointment with Mr. Skeffington,” Giles said, taking off his hat as he entered thehouse.
