Mark turned to the doctor who shook his head, answering the unasked question. Mark then went over to the table beside his father’s bed, wound up and started playing his music box. He then turned to his father and said, “Sorry Father, I wish I could have Miss Emily here to play for you again, but this will have to do to send you to your just reward.” He turned to his grandmother. “Is there anything I can do for you? Anything youneed?”
She shook her head, obviously trying desperately to hold herselftogether.
Mark went to his father’s desk and wrote a short note to Sophie telling her of his father’s imminent passing and suggested she might want to come as soon as possible. He turned to a footman standing nearby and handed him the note. “Please see this is delivered to Miss Sophie as soon aspossible.”
“Yes, Your Grace.” And he left theroom.
Mark pulled up a chair next to his grandmother, and he took her hand. “Now,” he said, “There is nothing to do butwait.”
* * *
The Savoy carriage arrived at Linfield Hall. Alice and Emily quickly stepped out and went up to the entranceway. They were not expected, so there was no one to greet them. But Wesley, having been informed that someone had arrived, came scurrying out of the back, while still putting on hiscoat.
“Mrs. Alice, Miss Emily, welcome on this sad occasion,” hesaid.
“Has Father passed?” sheasked.
“Not yet, the family is holding a vigil at his bedside. Do you wish to jointhem?”
“I do. And Miss Emily has come with me to pay herrespects.”
“Of course, is there anything you require, Mrs.Savoy?”
“Not at themoment.”
“I should like some water,” Emilysaid.
“There is a tray with water in the room. You may partake there or I can fetch you somenow.”
“We should go up now,” Alicesaid.
Emily nodded and they went up to the ex-Duke’sroom.
Mark broke into a grin when he saw the two women enter. Alice went directly to her father’s bedside as Emily held back in respect. Mark made way for Alice and went over to see Emily, taking her hands inhis.
“I am sorry to ask at such a time, but how did the meeting with Silas go?” heasked.
“I will give you the details later, but we accomplished ourgoal.”
“I am happy to hear that. You must be greatlyrelieved.”
“I do not know how I am. So much has happened since I arose this morning, I only feel numb rightnow.”
“I can well understand,” Marksaid.
Emily looked up at Mark and asked, “Is there anything I can do?” She heard the music box playing, and offered, “Would it be an imposition if I were to play for him? I see the piano is still in theroom.”
“Oh, Emily, that would be wonderful. But something soft and soothing,” he said shutting off the musicbox.
“Ofcourse.”
She first took a glass of water from the sideboard and then went to the piano, lifted the lid off the keys and began to play the children’s songs the old Duke had responded to so happily when she had played for himpreviously.
Mark took Alice in his arms and held her as they listened to the music. It was a lovely moment for the two of them and they felt comforted when the music finallyended.
The doctor came over to Mark, and said, “Your Grace, your father isgone.”
Alice turned to Mark and buried her head in his shoulder, as the Duchess stood, with the nurse’s help, and went over to the bed, and took her son’s hand and kissedit.
