“This should have been me, not him,” she said quietly. “The world is turned upsidedown.”
* * *
Before leaving London, Emily had sent a note to her parents saying she would be going to Linfield and was unsure when she mightreturn.
It was now late afternoon after the old Duke had died and it looked as though Alice was not planning to return home rightaway.
The family was gathered in the library where tea was being served. Alice was seated with her grandmother, attempting to console her. Mark was standing by one of the windows looking out over the park, lost in thought. And Emily sat on the other side of the tea table, not quite certain how she could besthelp.
The Duchess rested her head on Alice’s shoulder and said, “I should like to return to my rooms now. Can you helpme?”
“Certainly, Grandmamma.” And Alice assisted her grandmother to stand and they left the librarytogether.
Mark did not acknowledge their leaving and was still standing at the window when Wesley came in and handed Mark a note. He turned from the window, opened the envelope and read the enclosed letter. When he was finished he dropped the hand holding the note and lookedupset.
“Mark, how may I help you?” Emilyasked.
Mark said softly, “I invited Miss Sophie to come say goodbye to Father, but she has declined to come, citing her aversion tounpleasantness.”
“Oh, Mark…” she said, rising from her chair and going over tohim.
As she neared, he dropped the note on the floor and took Emily in his arms as he began to cry, almost uncontrollably, resting his head on her shoulder. And as she held him she felt his warmth and his strength seeping into her, yet she was the one supporting him at thismoment.
His crying did not last long, and when he was finished, he continued to hold on to her, and she tohim.
Emily could feel his heart beating and the sound resonated within her like the very music which she played—a low piano note humming through her wholebody.
Suddenly, he broke free from her embrace and leaned forward and kissed her. Not a kiss on the forehead or the cheek, but a deep passionate kiss that both fully participatedin.
Then, just as abruptly, Mark stopped kissing and pulled back, a look of stricken terror on hisface.
“Miss Emily, I am so sorry. I do not know what came overme.”
“I do,” she said, “You just lost your father and you are not yourself.” But she was still vibrating and even shakingoutwardly.
Mark put his hands on her shoulders and kept her at arm’s length as he looked at her in confusion. “I… I do not… Please forgive me,” he stammered. “This is not likeme.”
But she had not controlled herself either and she now stepped away, overcome with guilt and remorse. But at the same time thrilled andexcited.
“If you feel you must leave, I understand,” he said turning from her and pacing. “I shall make my carriage at yourdisposal.”
“I hope you do not think I was acting as Silas suggested I did,” she said suddenlyafraid.
Mark turned to her, horror-stricken. “Never, Miss Emily. It was entirely my fault. My loss of control—triggered by mygrief.”
Emily said meekly, “Then, yes, perhaps it is best if I leave. My family was not expecting my absence today and I should return. There is such a lot of change all at once in thehousehold.”
“Very well.” Mark went to the bell pull and rang forassistance.
Wesley appeared. “YourGrace?”
“Call the carriage for Miss Emily and see that she gets safelyhome.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” Wesley said andleft.
Mark began to get himself under control and asked, “Perhaps you can tell me the outcome of your meeting with Silas. You said there was a satisfactoryconclusion?”
“There was, but Alice will give you all the details, as it was she who conducted themeeting.”
