“Mr. Hawthorn and I have been meetingsocially.”
Silas cast a look at the handsome youth still chatting with the sisters. “I see. Well, when you tire of a light spring wine you might want to consider a mature and mellow cognac.” He turned and went to speak to the other twosisters.
It was then that Linton left them and came over toEmily.
“You must be very happy,” hesaid.
“Pleased, yes. But not happy, just yet. There is a lot of work to be done before I have accomplished my goals. And I have learned already, in my short life, that plans often go awry and there may be surprises, pleasant or unpleasant, along theway.”
Linton had the most charming smile and he knew how to use it. “Then let me cheer you up. There is a café that has entertainment each evening. Some very promising artists are discovered there. Would you go with me someevening?”
“Yes, I should likethat.”
Linton’s smile widened. “Excellent. Let me know when you are free to go before I leave this morning and I shall book us atable.”
Giles came over and interrupted, “Linton, might I have a word with you and the sisters? We need to set our rehearsalschedule.”
“Of course,” he said, and followedGiles.
Emily glanced up and met Mark’s eyes as he had been watching her intently. He smiled and went toher.
“Well… this has certainly been a momentous morning for you. And you and I have a lot to talk about concerning thetour.”
“We do. And I should like to know what has been done so far as concernsbookings.”
“I stopped by to see Alice this morning, and she sent her best wishes, and suggests you might like to come for lunch. Then afterward, we could sit quietly in her sitting room and discuss the steps forward for thetour.”
Emily appeared to like that. “That sounds splendid. I do adore your sister, and anytime I can find an excuse to visit her, I shall. But let me speak to Mother and Papa so that they know where I amgoing.”
“Ofcourse.”
Mark watched Emily go to confer with Giles and her father, as the celebration was winding down and the parents were beginning to looktired.
Mark was very pleased with the way the meeting had gone, and went to retrieve his walking stick prior to leaving with Emily. But he was waylaid by hisuncle.
“Mark, my boy, leaving sosoon?”
“Miss Emily and I are to have lunch with Alice and then begin planning for hertour.”
Silas gave a weak smile. “And how is your darling sister? I have not seen her for atime.”
“Busy with her twins.” He did not know if Silas knew of Alice’s secret composing life, so said nothing aboutthat.
Silas had his walking stick and tapped it against Mark’s chest. “And do not forget about our little chat previously. When things settle down and Miss Emily is more secure in her career, I plan to court her, please rememberthat.”
“Again, Uncle, that has nothing to do with me. Miss Emily is quite capable of managing her own engagementcalendar.”
Silas gave a crooked smile and stepped backward, wagging his walking stick inwarning.
Mark could see Linton go over to Emily, talk for a moment, then give her a kiss on the cheek, and prepare to leave right behind Silas, who had already gone to thecarriage.
Emily came over and said, “I am ready to leave when youare.”
“My carriage is out front. We can leave now if you like,” he said, offering hisarm.
* * *
Alice opened her arms out wide as she welcomed Emily into her sitting room. They embraced and began chatting about theboys.
