“Keep at it. The Duke and Alice have arranged a country weekend at Linfield where there is to be an impressive guest list of musical notables. After all, one failure is not the end of theroad.”
“How very brave you are,” Trent said, leaning forward in his chair and reaching out hishand.
Emily took his hand and shook it, “Thank you.” But he was reluctant to letgo.
“Is there anything we can do?” heasked.
“Not really. Unless you are wizards at arranging a Europeantour.”
Fanny threw her hands up in the air. “I can barely organize my stocking drawer, let along a musicaltour.”
Trent, unable to engage Emily physically any further, sat back in his chair. “By the way, what in deuces has happened to yoursister?”
“Ruth?”
“No, the other one—the mousy Teresa. I saw her on our street the other evening and I did not recognize her until she spoke tome.”
Emily chuckled. “It was time to take her in hand. She has taken an interest in the new pianist for the trio, but she was hopelessly plain and needed some intervention. So I helped relieve her of her dowdymanner.”
“But that new pianist—is he not the young man who took you to that café where you both performed?” Fannyasked.
“Heis.”
“And I thought the two of you were becoming more than justfriends?”
Trent appeared to not like the direction this conversation was heading, and he folded his arms andpouted.
“He is charming and very attentive, but we are just friends right now. I cannot think of any serious romance while I am struggling with mycareer.”
“Then you are brightening up Teresa to be your substitute?” Trent askedhopefully.
“Not at all. He shows no interest in her. But she needs for him to at least like her, and she certainly needs a more professional appearance for the trio.” Emily turned to Trent. “And you thought Teresa looked better thanbefore?”
He waggled his head. “Somewhat, but she still has those monstrousspectacles.”
“She is getting new ones. They will be much better.” Then Emily teased Trent by saying, “And I thought she might just be the perfect match for you,Trent.”
He looked at her aghast. “Emily, you know you are my only, enduring and true, lifetime love. How could you evensuggest….”
She chuckled. “It was just athought.”
Each sat back in their chairs in silence for a moment as the firepurred.
Fanny suddenly sprang out of her chair, “Oh, Emily, come. Father has installed the most ingenious new gadget in the kitchen. Comesee.”
She reached out her hand to Emily’s and pulled her out of herchair.
Trent groaned. “You are not still going on about that meat grinder areyou?”
“It is a miracle of modern science,” Fanny shoutedback.
“And what was wrong with the knife?” Trentgrouched.
Chapter 18
Chester Savoy held the carriage door as, first his wife, Alice, and then Emily descended from the carriage at the entrance to LinfieldHall.
Wesley, the butler, hobbled down the steps with two footmen to take charge of the luggage. The Duke burst through the door and called out, “Welcome. So happy you all could make it. Chester…” he said, addressing the husband. “Miss Emily, welcome.” And then his sister rushed to him and theyembraced.
