“Graham Butler,” the older gentlemen offered, bowing slightly. “Of Butler, Goodwin and Winter, agents for musical artists. It is apleasure.”
“And I am Colin Harris,” the younger man said. “My father is Sir Daniel Harris, conductor of the LondonSinfonietta.”
“Of course,” Emily said. “I am fully cognizant of his finework.”
Mark then introduced Emily to several of the wives and two of the daughters of the assembled guests. Emily could not help but note the two young ladies’ eyes were constantly studying Mark. They had, no doubt, been informed of his eligibility for marriage and were being pushed forward by their parents. Emily smiled as she remembered her assignment from The Duchess. However, she found none of these young ladies to be suitable candidates to be the next duchess. And she was fairly certain there would be no others the entireweekend.
* * *
It was then that Wesley appeared with three footmen to serve the tea from the table that had been prepared forservice.
Several tea tables had been laid for the guests, and Mark directed the gentlemen he particularly wanted to speak with about Emily to his table. He felt that she should not be present so that they might speak frankly, and he directed her to a table with several of thewives.
After some polite conversation with the gentlemen, Mark moved the conversation toward his objective, which was to find someone who might arrange the European tour forEmily.
“Gentlemen, it should be no surprise to you that I have invited you to Linfield this weekend, partially to speak about the career of my protégé, MissDunn.”
“Thought as much, old chap,” Mr. Butler said. “I heard about her audition for Andre Bellieu. That must have been a surprise andshock.”
“Indeed it was. And uncalled for, I alsobelieve.”
“Yes, I, too, heard about that,” Mr. Harris added. “He was overheard bragging about it at the Café Royal. It appears he was rather deep into his cups at the time and was heard to say that, although he thought the young lady was quite talented, he was not interested in taking her on as a client, because he already had a young lady on his books that was very much likeher.”
Mark was astonished and said, “I was unaware that there were any other female solo performers outthere.”
“Apparently he has a young lady from Brussels undercontract.”
Now Mark was angry. “Then he should have told us that. He was both cruel and unfair to just dismiss her as he did. She was devastated by his rejection. I would like to thrash hishide.”
“Apparently you are not the only one, Doctor Smith said, “I understand he has a rather sour reputation in Europe, although he seems to remain unblemished here inEngland.”
“Until now,” Mark said. “And I shall make it my task to make sure that his unblemished reputation shall becometarnished.”
“And the young lady will be performing for us this evening?” the agent, Mr. Butlerasked.
“Indeed she shall. And I urge any of you who might be able to help her with setting up a tour throughout Europe to, please, step up if you feel her work warrants yoursupport.”
They all expressed willingness to help if they could—depending on her performance, ofcourse.
* * *
After the tea was over, several of the guests left the library, but several more stayed to study the books and fine paintings, wandering and admiring the beautiful room. The tall ceiling was topped with a glass cupola that lit the library. On the ceiling, surrounding the dome, there were a variety of classical style paintings of frolicking putti, gods, and goddesses. Many of the intricate moldings were gilt, and red velvet draperies hung from the windows, held back in swags by gold braided ropes. Besides the many shelves of leather-bound books, family portraits filled all the free spaces on thewalls.
The mothers with eligible daughters hovered nearby hoping to catch a word with the Duke to introduce theiroffspring.
However, Mark sought out Emily and pulled her aside. He told her about the Monsieur’s behavior at the Café Royal and what had been learned about his true reasons for not acceptingher.
“Then why did he agree to audition me if he was not looking for a new client?” she very reasonablyasked.
Mark shrugged. “Heaven only knows. But he was rude to you and to me the way he dismissed your performance, and I intend to make sure the London music set knows of his disgracefulbehavior.”
Emily put her hand on Mark’s arm. “Please, that is not necessary. I have survived and would prefer to just move forward. There is no need to make enemies of those in our business who may one day be of service. And what I need to do right now is prepare for my performance thisevening.”
“The music room is prepared for you and you shall not be interruptedthere.”
Emily smiled. “Thank you. Then if you will excuse me, I should like to work there the rest of theafternoon.”
“Ofcourse.”
