“For the time being. But I have my eye on a small cottage overlooking the Bristol gorge. It has a garden and even a stable. But we won’t be able to move in until the first months of nextyear.”
“I see. Then might I make asuggestion?”
“Of course, I would greatly value your opinion,” Spencersaid.
She addressed her sister, “Then let me propose that you not return to Bristol with him at the end of the summer, but wait to marry until he has secured the accommodation. That will give you time to work on Papa. Introduce him to Spencer before he returns home and let the pot boil, so to speak. Continue with the trio for a while longer and perhaps work on finding a replacement for yourself so that it will be easier for him to let you go when you marry and move to the WestCountry.”
Ruth and Spencer looked at each other. “What do you think about that?” Ruthasked.
“It sounds reasonable to me,” heanswered.
But Ruth’s face registered disapproval. “Well, I do not think it is reasonable,” she said pawing at his sleeve. “How will I exist withoutyou?”
It was clear to Emily that Spencer had the clearer head when he answered, “Because we do not want to alienate your parents, I believe a little patience will go a long way in establishing a happy familylife.”
Ruth appeared to pout, but finally nodded, and turned to Emily. “And you will help with Papa? You have such a way withhim.”
“I will do my verybest.”
Chapter 12
Giles was all smiles when the trio of sisters arrived at his studio for theirrehearsal.
“Linton…” Emily said as she was surprised to see the young man seated on the piano bench. “Are you finishing up yourlesson?”
“Are you glad to see me?” he asked, as he stood, smiling, and went over to give her a hug, which she shied away from, thinking it inappropriate in thissituation.
“Of course,” she answered, “But I hope we are not cutting short your lesson time withGiles.”
“Not at all. And I have not been having a lesson. I am here for another reason entirely. And I shall let Gilesexplain.”
After the sisters settled in and were preparing to rehearse, Giles put on a gracious smile and told the trio about the plan of replacing Emily with Linton and the pending autumn tour throughout southernEngland.
At first there was a stunned silence. Emily beamed but the other sisters looked at each other inconfusion.
Ruth and Teresa turned toEmily.
“But why are you being replaced?” Teresa asked. “You are the best ofus?”
“And that is why,” Giles spoke up. “It is by no means arranged yet, but there is an opportunity for Emily to tour Europe as a solo performer. It is a stunning achievement and she wants to take advantage of this greathonor.
“However, my dears, the other bit of news should please you, as well,” he said addressing Ruth and Teresa. “Just think, you are to have a three-month tour of your veryown.”
The sisters then turned to Linton. “And who areyou?”
Linton bowed and said, “I am your new pianist. I have been studying with Giles and am happy to make myself available to be at your service in this newadventure.”
Teresa smiled broadly. “Oh, I like that idea,” appearing to be taken with the handsome youngman.
Ruth, however, scowled. “You said nothing to me about this,” she said accusingly toEmily.
“But I am only just learning of this myself. Of course, I knew about the possibility of touring the continent, but I had no idea Linton had been engaged to replaceme.”
Linton bowed again to Emily. “And I promise not to let any of youdown.”
Emily turned to her sisters. “I happen to know that Mr. Hawthorn is an excellent musician and I am sure you will miss me not onejot.”
Of course, Emily knew about Ruth’s concerns with her pending engagement and wanted to reassure her. “And Ruth, you need not fear that I shall be abandoning either of you with my support for all of yourendeavors.”
