“Stunning. And what a gorgeous deep burgundy color with just that spot of yellow in the center. I do not see how you cannot win first prize in both categories,” Emily said, even though she did not know much about growingflowers.
The Duchess turned back to the young man. “Protect the violet similarly, and then be very careful as you take them to the fair pavilion. There must be no jostling as you drive thetrap.”
“We shall barely crawl along the road,” the man said with a biggrin.
The Duchess nodded and turned back to Emily. She took her arm, and asked, “Will you please escort me back to the house? The floor is rather uneven and I am always fearful offalling.”
“It would be my pleasure, YourGrace.”
“Come, then,” she said, leaning on Emily’s arm forsupport.
As they headed for the house, the Duchess would stop now and then to pinch a faded flower or snap off a deadbranch.
She sighed before saying, “I do not have the energy I used to have to care for all of my babies. Of course, we have staff that cares for the plants, but I always took a personal interest in everything here. But, alas, it is no longerpossible.”
“However, your entries for the fair are lovely. You should be very proud ofthose.”
The Duchess cast Emily a brief glance. “Alice tells me you have become fastfriends.”
“Oh, yes, we have. I feel we are likesisters.”
“She told me about your disappointment with the French concert promoter. I was truly sorry to hear aboutthat.”
Emily gave a wan smile. “His Grace assures me it is but a temporary setback. In fact, much of this weekend is about me meeting notables in the music world who may be able to accomplish what we areseeking.”
They had arrived back in the main section of the house. As they passed through the entry hall, they saw the bustle of arriving guests, servants carrying luggage, or other staff whisking linens from the laundry, or carrying snacks, tea, or coffee from the kitchen to serve the guests who had already arrived and settledin.
“Would you like me to escort you to your rooms, Your Grace?” Emily asked as the Duchess took a firmer grip on herarm.
“Yes,please.”
As they ascended the staircase, Emily saw Miss Sophie coming down, dressed in her riding costume. Emily nodded to her but Sophie ignoredher.
Finally, back in her rooms, the Duchess greeted Baggs and said to Emily, “Thank you, my dear, for your kind assistance, will you stay fortea?”
“I should like that very much, but I promised tea with the Duke as he wants to introduce me to some of his honoredguests.”
“Of course, I understand,” she said as she sat down in her favorite chair with a comfortable sigh. “But before you go, just aword.”
“Of course,” Emily said going over and standing before theDuchess.
“I am a little concerned about your growing attachment to mygrandson.”
“But I assure you it is quite innocent and purelyprofessional.”
“Hmm. I trust that might be so. However, the way he talks about you concernsme.”
Emily felt a blush rising in her cheeks and she lowered her eyes and felt a tremble in her hands, which she clasped together tosteady.
“Are he and Miss Sophie engaged yet?” Emily asked. “I know his father wishes it. But he has said nothing to me aboutit.”
“No, they are not. And I have spoken to you before about my concerns about her. But, as of yet, no other suitable young lady has presented herself. I was somewhat hoping that he might meet such a lady this weekend. We have such a crowd and I know several families have come with eligible young daughters—His Grace is such a catch. Perhaps he might find a suitable younglady.
“And I want you to keep an eye open for me. Let me know if you see or meet any young person you think might be a good match and I shall make sure my grandson is apprised of thefact.”
Emily’s heart sank at the assignment, but she graciously said, “Of course, Your Grace, I should be pleased to help however Imay.”
“Oh, and if you wish, I am heading over to the flower show tomorrow morning, if you would like to accompany me,” the Duchessoffered.
