Mark was running late for his meeting with Andre at his sister’s. His father had taken a turn for the worse overnight and he had been delayed leaving Linfield Hall after having to wait for thedoctor.
But now, he was almost at the Savoy home. He was surprised to find that he was a little nervous. And why would that be? This was for and about Emily, not him. Yet he found the palms of his hands were moist. He realized that he had invested a lot of his interest in this fine woman and now might well be a moment of truth for her—and forhim.
His sister welcomed him inside and led him to her study where he found, whom he assumed to be, AndreBellieu.
“Monsieur Bellieu, je présume, bonjour, et bienvenue,” Mark greeted the seated man who had stood when heentered.
“Your Grace, no need for French. I was raised in a bilingual family. My mother is British—fromSheffield.”
“Ah,excellent.”
Alice had them both sit and ordered tea. “Fresh out of croissants, I am afraid,” she said with a chuckle. “However, my cook does do a lovely cream tart that might interestyou.”
“Madame,” he said patting his stomach. “I am afraid I tend to gain weight—inherited from my father, alas—so I must decline any sweets, but tea soundsperfect.”
Monsieur Bellieu was a short man, with a receding hairline, delicate features and a quick and attentive gaze. He had a habit of twisting the ends of his thin mustache when he becameexcited.
“It is a great honor to meet you, Andre… I may call you Andre, may Inot?”
“Ofcourse.”
“And I am Mark. I am so grateful Alice has brought us together. Did she tell you what my interest is in meetingyou?”
“Yes, it seems you have a protégé whom you wish topromote.”
“Exactly. A most charming young lady by the name of EmilyDunn.”
“Ah, yes… I have heard of her. But I believe she is part of a trio, is that notso?”
“Recently separated from them and looking for a solocareer.”
“I see. And is she signed with anymanagement?”
“Her maestro has been managing the trio, but that is not his focus. He has no connections to the continent and I am looking to launch the young lady for a solo European tour. And that is where you come in. Is that something that might interestyou?”
Alice cut in, “She is really quite remarkable. And I say this with no personal interest in her career other than I believe she is a rare jewel—suitable as the centerpiece for anycrown.”
Andre assumed a sly look, “If she is as lovely as you are Mrs. Savoy, she shall be a treatindeed.”
Alice was immune to his Gallic charms, and replied, “Ah, I am but a cloudy amethyst compared to her bright and flawless diamondbrilliance.”
“I see. And when might I meet this flawlessdiamond?”
“Whenever you are available. She resides in London, not far from here, and we can set up a meeting at your convenience,” Marksaid.
“I would need to hear her play. However charming and dazzling, the proof is in theplaying.”
“We expectthat.”
“And her repertoire? Is it sufficient for a solotour?”
“I have recently received a list of her performance pieces and they are extensive. She is also familiar with many of the classic solo parts in often-performed concertos and lesser works. I can provide you with a list which I have had copied and brought with me.” He reached into his coat pocket and withdrew anenvelope.
“Might I see?” Andreasked.
Mark handed him the list which Andre thenstudied.
“Yes, most impressive. A sound basis for a tour. And is she a quick study? I am often asked for an artist to perform certain pieces by those booking the artist, and they expect to have their wisheshonored.”
