“Yes, he set up a meeting with the trio, my father, and Giles. He offered to help set up a British tour for the trio. When I asked him about your proposal for a solo tour of Europe, he said that had been delayed, stressing the fact that my father forbade breaking the trio up. From what he said I presumed he had spoken to you about this and you hadagreed.”
Mark was aghast. “He never spoke to me about anything. And certainly not about delaying the idea of a solotour.”
Emily was greatly perturbed. “Then I do not understand. What is he trying todo?”
It was then the waitress brought the tea cart and started serving them a pot of tea, cakes, scones and small sandwiches. Both Emily and Mark stopped their conversation and sat back in their chairs as the waitress served. Emily was unable to speak until the waitress left, but she could see that Mark was equallyagitated.
When the waitress left, Mark stood up and threw his napkin on thetable.
“This is totally unacceptable. I must find Silas and see exactly what he is trying todo.”
Emily was startled by his reaction, but reached out and took hold of Mark’ssleeve.
“Not just yet. Sit. Have your tea. Nothing is thaturgent.”
Mark laughed and sat down. “You are entirely correct. I am sorry. I got carried away by Silas’s audacity. How dare he change plans without consultingme.”
“Try the currant scones. They are quite marvelous,” Emily said, scooting the plate of scones toward him. And then she playedmotherand poured them bothtea.
Mark seemed to settle down as he drank his tea and put clotted cream and raspberry jam on his scone which he had cut inhalf.
He put the scone on his plate and stopped for a moment, shook his head and said, “I realize I am entirely missing this wonderful moment with you because of my agitation. Thank you for bringing me here. And you are right. This is not an urgent matter, but one which I shall address as soon as possible. Please excuse me for beingupset.”
Emily smiled. How kind he was to be championing her withSilas.
“There is no need for an apology. I was as shocked as you were to find that Silas was not being entirely honest with us. And I have to admit that I am still greatly conflicted myself about this whole situation. I desperately want to accept your offer of a solo tour, but I am also equally obligated to my sisters. Unless we can work something out whereby they will be taken care of, I cannot accept solowork.”
Mark seemed troubled. “I think I understand, but I just cannot believe you would pass up this great opportunity to tour, just because your far less talented sisters will not be provided for. It is grossly unfair to you and your talent. I hope you understandthat.”
“I may, but my father doesnot.”
“Might it help if I were to speak to him, do you think?” Mark asked. “I could lay out the proposed tour in detail and he could see the great opportunity this would afford you. And the potential for the magnitude of your success would be far greater than the fame of your less than stellar trio. Would that not help persuadehim?”
Emily considered that, sighed, and shook her head. “I wish it were that simple. You are talking about a man’s dream. My father wanted to be a great musician, but he did not have the talent. So he imbued his children with his dream and put all of his hopes and dreams on us. We are not dealing with a rational man open to rational thinking. You are welcome to try, but I doubt you will be able to change hismind.”
Mark nodded. “Perhaps you are right. I think what I shall do first is speak with Silas. I need to find out what he is up to and then we might be able to reconcile this whole mess and work out a solution that will satisfy everyone. Will you let me trythat?”
“That sounds most reasonable. But I suggest you speak with me before you would approach myfather.”
“I would certainly do that, MissEmily.”
Emily smiled. “Oh, please, if I am to call you Mark, you must certainly call me just plainEmily.”
Mark laughed. “You will never be just plain Emily—at least tome.”
“You flatter me and are tookind.”
“Never, Emily. Believe me, I am mostsincere.”
Emily was thrilled by Mark’s kind words and lowered her eyes and calmed her racing heart by buttering her scone and pouring them both a second cup oftea.
“And how is your dear Grandmother? I hope she is well?” Emily asked, to take the conversation in anotherdirection.
“She is in good health and you shall have the pleasure of seeing her again at my sister’sluncheon.”
“I do look forward to that—and to meeting your sister as well. Do you have othersiblings?”
“There are just the two of us. And I am theelder.”
