“I am most supportive. Both of my sisters are mediocre musicians and performers. They were both chafing under our father’s control and I feel it was the right thing for them to do. I feel badly for Linton, the young man, who replaced me, but he is talented and will rebound, without adoubt.”
By then, the dinner had finished, and Emily could see that Chester was restless to leave the table, so she asked, “Will coffee be served in the sittingroom?”
“Certainly. Shall weadjourn?”
They rose from the table and Mark came over to Emily before they left the diningroom.
“When might we discuss the news I have foryou?”
“Whenever you like. Did you want to do that thisevening?”
“I do not want to bore Alice and Chester with our businessdetails.”
Alice overheard that comment and said, “Oh, please, do not refrain on our account. Chester is bound to fall asleep in his chair momentarily, and I am most interested in hearing about the progress of Emily’s career, as I feel I am a part ofit.”
“As you wish,Sister.”
In the sitting room, Chester took his accustomed chair and his eyes were already flickering. Alice directed Mark and Emily to join her at the far end of the sitting room where there was a comfortable sitting area for them to chat without disturbingChester.
Mark leaned forward in his chair, his forearms resting on his legs and began, “There was quite a flurry of activity after you left. The three gentlemen, who are to help you, met with me separately and expressed their sincere interest in moving forward as quickly as possible, as we are near the end of the time when most bookings are already concluded for the yearahead.”
“Oh, dear. I hope I have not missed out,” Emily plaintivelyreplied.
“Not at all. However, it does demand some immediate attention. Mr. Butler wishes you to come in to his office the day after tomorrow to sign the necessary agency papers. He realized that to wait any longer might lose you the opportunity to take advantage of a UK tour where there are some open spots foryou.”
“Mr. Butler on Thursday?” Emily asked, a little flustered by the suddenness of therequest.
“I shall still be in town and would be happy to escort you to his office. Would eleven o’clock work foryou?”
Emily needed to think for a moment if she had any obligations, but, other than working to assemble her European tour program, she hadnothing.”
“No, I shall be freethen.”
“Excellent, then you can sign the agency papers and he promised to have your British tour schedule ready for you toreview.”
“Do you think I need to see if Giles is free to accompanyus?”
“You may ask, but it is not necessary, as it does not entail any programming or rehearsal scheduling at thispoint.”
“Then let it be just you andme.”
“And the other news is that Mr. Smith wants to ask you to speak to several of the music classes about being a ‘woman in the contemporary world of music.’ Is that something that would interestyou?”
“To speak? Oh, that sounds daunting. I will need to think about that before I cananswer.”
“Not to concern yourself about it. But he would like a yea or a nay as soon as possible. And, in any case, he still wants to book you for several performances. But he will not be able to do that for a week or two, as he needs to confer with several colleaguesfirst.”
Emily let out a sigh. “What a whirlwind this hasbecome.”
“Ah, but there is one more thing I wish to tell you. Another gentleman, whom you did not meet, came forward after you left. He was most disappointed that you were not available. He is a journalist from theGuardianand wishes to interview you. But I put him off until your European and UK concert schedules are arranged. Then you will have a marvelous forum from which to announce yourtours.”
“It is really starting, is it not, Mark? I cannot believe all that is happening. And to think. but a few days ago, I sat at that piano dejected at the thought that I might never have the career I dreamedof.”
“And another thing…” Mark said as he reached into his waistcoat pocket. “Here is a list of the documents I need from you to secure your travel papers. Provide these when you can, and I shall make thearrangements.”
Emily was overcome with gratitude for all Mark was doing for her, and she shook her head. “You are too kind to me. However do I deserve suchtreatment?”
“Because of your talent. It is something I greatly admire, but do not possess myself. And I feel incumbent to use my wealth and power to assist others who have that talent but may not have the resources that I have to achieve theirdreams.”
