“What an excellent idea,” Silas said, picking up the painting and taking it to the window to study it in thedaylight.
“And I should like to meet with Miss Emily as soon as possible to discuss the arrangements for hertour.”
“Then why not attend the meeting with the trio and the father—when he is to be introduced to the new pianist. You can discuss your plans with her at thattime.”
“Very well. Only this time keep me apprised of the meeting. No moresecrets.”
“Of course, Mark. How could you thinkotherwise?”
* * *
Emily’s first impression of Spencer Trilby was that he was an earnest-looking young man. He dressed soberly—as would befit an accountant—dark suit, a slightly too tight collar, but he burst forth in exuberant self-expression with a polka dot, navy blue and white cravat. He parted his dark hair down the middle which made him look more like a schoolboy than a serious professional. And it did not help that his round baby face sproutedfreckles.
Ruth rushed over and embraced her young beau and turned back toEmily.
“This is my dear Spencer. I am so happy you are finallymeeting.”
Emily smiled and went over to shake Spencer’shand.
“Mr. Trilby,” shesaid.
“Such a pleasure,” he said, “But you may call me Spence as my Ruthie does. And she tells me how very talented you are, but she did not say you were so enchanting aswell.”
“Thankyou.”
Ruth had brought Emily to meet Spencer in his cramped, modest rooms in Holborn near the London School of Accountancy and Finance where he was studying. Ruth had decided it was best for Emily to meet him there as Teresa might become suspicious if they were to meet Spencer after arehearsal.
“I am afraid I do not have any way to make tea in my room, but I could ask thelandlady…”
“Please, do not trouble yourself. It is enough of a treat just to meetyou.”
It looked as though Spencer actually blushed, and he busied his hands by arranging the pencils and pens on hisdesk.
Ruth stepped over to Spencer and put her arm through his, as she said, “Come sit with us, Spence. I should like you and Emily to get to know one another. We are going to need a strong ally when we go to meet Mother andPapa.”
They went over to the only place in the room to sit—a square table with four chairs. After sitting, there was an awkward silence as neither Ruth nor Spencer seemed to know how to move forward with theconversation.
Finally, Emily spoke up. “Are you officiallyengaged?”
The couple glanced at each other, and then Spencer said, “Not officially. But we have made plans. I have not yet broken the news to my parents. And, of course, Ruth has been reluctant to speak tohers.”
“And what are these plans you havemade?”
Ruth reached over and placed her hand on Spencer’s on the tabletop. “He wishes for us to return to Bristol after his graduation and then we want to be married in his localchurch.”
“And when do you graduate?” Emilyasked.
“At the end of the summer,” heanswered.
“And you plan to go with him at that time?” Emily askedRuth.
She nodded. “We are just so happy and want to be together as soon aspossible.”
“And you are set on giving up your musical ambitions?” she askedRuth.
“Papa’s ambitions, youmean.”
Emily had to smile. “Yes…” She addressed the young man, “And will you be living with your family when you returnhome?”
