“If you like, why not bring Emily here after your meeting? You could stay for lunch and then the two of you could discuss the tour without interruption. I will need to get back to my composing afterlunch.”
“Hmm. That is a lovely offer, but I have no idea how this meeting is going to go. If I may leave that open as a possibility, I should be happy to ask her and see whattranspires.”
“That would be fine. I am going to be here and working all day, now that Nanny is back in charge of theboys.”
“Excellent. Then wish us luck,” he said, retrieving his walkingstick.
“Oh, much more than good luck—I bestow a rhapsody of singing stars upon your endeavor. And please give Emily my fondestregards.
Mark smiled and headed for the front door where his carriage waswaiting.
* * *
Mark directed the carriage to Knightsbridge and the Dunn residence, tranquil along this quiet backwater street. Alighting from the carriage, he saw Silas descending from his carriage ahead ofhim.
“Silas, big day, is it not?” Markgreeted.
“Indeed it is. Monumental for the entire family.” Silas turned to the young man coming out of the carriage behind him. “Mark, this is the new trio pianist, Linton Hawthorn. Linton, His Grace, the Duke ofEdgerton.
“Your Grace,” Linton said bowing slightly. Linton was dressed more fashionably today. His cravat was neatly tied and his shirt newly laundered by his caringmother.
“Mr. Hawthorn, I look forward to hearing you perform. You are following a very talented young lady in the name of EmilyDunn.”
“I am well aware of that. I am humbled and honored to be stepping into her very largeshoes.”
Mark had to laugh at the odd image. “Shall we goinside?”
As they entered the sitting room, they found the piano prepared and the chairs and music stands for the two sisters set up ready for aperformance.
Mark searched the room for Emily, but saw only Ruth and Teresa, their mother and father, and Giles holding his baton and looking quite nervous. He also noticed that the young man had not followed them into the sittingroom.
Mark and Silas greeted the parents, the sisters, andGiles.
Owen Dunn stood and asked, “Mr. Carter, I should like the mystery of this meeting solved. Do you mind telling me what this is allabout?”
Silas stepped forward, and nodding toward Mr. Dunn, said, “I believe we have some joyous news for you and yourfamily.”
“Oh, and what might thatbe?”
“Please sit, make yourself comfortable, and I shall explain in goodtime.”
It was then that Emily appeared with the music and accompanied by Linton. They went over to the piano and sat down together on thebench.
“What is this?” Mr. Dunnasked.
“We have a little surprise performance for you,” Giles said as the two sisters sat in their chairs and prepared toplay.
“I do not understand,” Mr. Dunn said, looking around the room as if expecting an explanation hidden in thebookshelves.
“Be patient. Sit back and enjoy the performance,” Silassaid.
Giles stood in front of the musicians, and raising his baton, began the performance with Linton on the piano and Emily turning the musicpages.
When the performance had ended, there was polite applause from all but Mr. Dunn, who stood and asked. “What is the meaning of this outrage? Why is this young man playing the piano and not myEmily?”
Silas came over, and taking Mr. Dunn gently by the arm, led him back to hischair.
“Please sit, Mr. Dunn, and I will explaineverything.”
