“My dears, I know everything is going to work out for you,” shesaid.
When Ruth hugged Emily, she whispered, “And what happens when I getmarried?”
Emily whispered back, “One thing at a time, Ruth. Finish the tour and then see where thingslie.”
“But I am going to be married and leave the group—eventually.”
Emily nodded. “I understand. But let poor Papa absorb one shock before we present him withanother.”
“And when do you think we should talk to him? He has to meet Spencesoon.”
“Please Ruth, just savor the moment. I promise we will deal with your engagement in goodtime.”
Linton came over to join thesisters.
“Are you all as excited as I am?” he asked as he handed Emily a glass ofchampagne.
Teresa took Ruth’s arm and said, “How could we not be? You played very beautifully this morning. I just know we are going to be wildly successful.” Then she lit up with a large smile as she beamed atLinton.
But he turned to Emily. “Do you think you might have some time to tutor me some more on the trio’s portfolio? I feel like I could certainly use your help before we launch thetour.”
“Perhaps. But remember, I am going to be having my own tour and I will need to learn new pieces and rehearse a greatdeal.”
He leaned in close to her and whispered, “I hope you will leave some time to enjoy yourself. I should very much like to take you out to dinner oneevening.”
She smiled. “We shall see,” was all she wouldsay.
* * *
Mark had been watching this exchange, and as Emily turned from her sisters, he went over to her at exactly the same time as Silasdid.
“Miss Emily…” both men said at the sametime.
Emily laughed. “Hello, you two. Thank you both for making my dream become a reality.” She reached over and with her free hand and touched a hand of eachman.
Then each man took one of her arms. However, she laughed, disengaged from them, and took a step backward, without spilling a drop of herchampagne.
“Gentlemen, one at a time,please.”
Mark laughed, Silas didnot.
“I cede the honor of your conversation to my Uncle Silas. Age always takes precedence,” he said with a wink. “All I ask is a word with you when you are free to discuss thetour.”
Emily nodded as Mark withdrew and went to speak to Giles. But as he headed for Mr. Carter, he kept his eye on Emily andSilas.
“Miss Emily,” Silas began, as he took Emily’s free hand and kissed it. “Free atlast.”
Emily withdrew her hand, which Silas was still holding onto and said, “I am most grateful for your and His Grace’sassistance.”
“I am happy to hear that. And perhaps you might show your gratitude by having supper with me this evening. I have a wonderful cook who makes the most delightfulboeuf en daube. A fine bottle of claret. A Scottish smoked salmon to begin, and one of her delicious gateaux to finish. We shall make a jolly evening of it,no?”
Emily smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Skeffington, but I have plans with my family for thisevening.”
“I see,” he said coolly and took a step forward. “Another timesoon?”
Emily seemed to consider before she spoke quite firmly, “I think not, Mr. Skeffington. I am loosely seeing someone at the moment and I think a dinner alone with you would not be appropriate. Of course, you have my gratitude, and I look forward to many social encounters with you in the company of others. I hope youunderstand.”
Silas was not to be deterred and asked, “And who is this person you are loosely seeing, might Iask?”
