Emily considered that. “Perhaps you and I could go together to talk to Papa. He might be more temperate if there were the two of us supporting yourmarriage?”
“You would do that forme?”
“Ofcourse.”
Ruth thought about that. “Oh, Emily, I know exactly how he will respond if you are there ornot.”
“Then perhaps you might introduce me to your young man first? And after meeting him, I might be able to think of some way of approaching Papa without him exploding. And what do you know of this man’sfamily?”
“His father is a shipping merchant in Bristol. He has two brothers and a sister. That is about all I know, besides the fact that Spencer is to become the head accountant in his father’s firm after he gets hiscertificate.”
Emily glanced over at Ruth. “And this is the kind of life that would suit you after all your years of musicaltraining?”
“Oh, Emily, it would be such a relief. Not to say that I do not enjoy playing, but the pressure has become so intense. When I am in Bristol, I might seek out other musicians and perhaps play for the fun of it. But you know the relentless practice Papa requires ofus.”
“I do. But then, to be honest, I put even more pressure on myself. My music is mylife.”
“Yes, for you that is so. For me, not somuch.”
“Then perhaps you can set up a time for Spencer and me tomeet?”
Ruth gave her first smile since they started walking. “I would be happyto.”
“I know of a charming tea shop near the studio,” Emily said. “Perhaps after a triorehearsal?”
Ruth sighed. “How wonderful of you. Thankyou.”
“But remember, even if I meet him, you are still going to have to face Papaeventually.”
“Please do not remind me. Perhaps it would be best for the two of us to just run off together and get married inBristol.”
“Oh, Ruth… That would devastate both of our parents. Can you imagine Mother being left out of planning a wedding? She would never forgiveyou.”
Ruth wagged her head. “And I would miss planning it withher.”
“Very well, then… let me meet this young man of yours and see what the next step mightbe.”
* * *
Emily was not really nervous about attending the luncheon with Mark’s sister, but she did want to make the best possible impression. After all, she was used to performing in front of large audiences on a regular basis. But there was something about the Duke of Edgerton that both intrigued and frightened her. Not frightened really… more like challenged her. She wanted him to see her in the best possible light. But why? There was no romantic attachment between them. Or was there? She shook off the very thought of such anidea.
She rummaged through her wardrobe looking for what might be a suitable ensemble for the luncheon. Nothing too formal—after all, it was not an evening performance. But something stylish, light, and breezy. She chose a charming, cornflower-blue dress with white cuffed sleeves and a collar that was simple but dignified, while being, at the same time,captivating.
It did not seem appropriate to ask Papa for the carriage, so she took a hansom cab to the address Mark had given her. It was a stylish Georgian house in the Mayfair district—definitely a reflection of a family comfortablyoff.
The door was opened by a beautiful and charming looking younglady.
“And you must be Emily,” the lady said, “I am Alice Savoy, Mark’s sister. Do please come in. So sorry to answer the door myself, but Matilda is up in the nursery helping nanny with a spill emergency.” She laughed as she escorted Emily toward the sitting room. “The emergencies never cease with three-year-old twin boys.” Then she laughed. “And forgive me for rattling on. I have not let you get a single wordin.”
“Yes, I am Emily Dunn. Mark has raved about his baby sister, and now I can see why. You are indeedlovely.”
Alice actually blushed as they entered the drawingroom.
“Everyone, this is Miss Emily Dunn. Perhaps you have heard of her or attended one of her many renownedconcerts.”
Emily surveyed the room and saw Mark standing next to his grandmother. There were two other guests besides Giles, both elderlygentlemen.
“You know Mark, the Duchess, and Giles, and these two gentlemen are periodical music critics. And when I mentioned you were coming for luncheon, they got down on their knees and begged to be invited so they might meet you in person. And how could I refuse them such anhonor?”
