Page 11 of A Dashing Duke for Emily

Papa seemed irritated, “Ruth, you can truly be such a lazy young woman. I would think it would interest you to hear what the Duke has to say. It would give you the opportunity to ask questions and respond to what he offers. Do you have so little interest in your owncareer?”

Ruth sighed. “All this talk bores me. Giles is our manager. He has our best interests at heart. He can do the management and we can do the performing. That is quite sufficient forme.”

Papa stood up. “Ruth, Teresa, sometimes you truly anger me. I have always had your best interests in mind, but if you care so little about your own lives, I really do not know what is going to happen toyou.”

Teresa looked up from her knitting. “Oh, Papa, what difference does it make? We are just going to get married someday soon, and our careers will be over in anycase.”

Papa was visibly upset. “Teresa, is that what you trulybelieve?”

“I certainly hope so. A career is no substitute for a husband,” sheinsisted.

“But a career inmusicis certainly greater than ordinary comforts of domesticity. Can you not seethat?”

Teresa just stared at him like he had just grown a thirdeye.

Emily stepped in and said, “Papa, Teresa is expressing her wish to have a family. There need not be a conflict with having a musical career as well. I am certain with Giles’s skills and expertise he can manage both for her, or any of us, can henot?”

He seemed to be placated by her suggestion. “You may beright.”

Giles now stepped forward and asked, “How is this meeting to bearranged?”

“Send him a note proposing the time and he will make sure he can meet us. We can take our carriage to Linfield, may we not,Papa?”

“Of course. I am just sorry I cannot accompany you.” He turned to Giles, “And you make sure to be mindful of our bestinterests.”

“It will be my great pleasure, Mr. Dunn. I will always do my very best—asusual.”

Chapter 5

It was a lovely, late spring day when Emily and Giles set out from London in the Dunn’s carriage. Many of the fruit trees were still in bloom as they traversed the countryside headed toward Linfield Hall. Emily wore one of her most comfortable, but stylish cotton dresses. And even though it was spring, there was a chill early in the morning and she wore a smart, shortjacket.

Both Giles and Emily were pensive in the carriage. They had already talked through the points they wanted to make to the Duke when they met and now each silently stared out the carriagewindows.

The drive leading up to Linfield Hall rambled, at first through a grove of oak and beech. But then the trees gave way to a wide expansive lawn with classical statues lining either side of the drive. The carriage pulled up at theentrance.

Broad stairs led up to the large arched entryway where the Duke was standing with Wesley and a beautiful young lady at his side ready to welcomethem.

As the carriage came to a stop, Mark walked down the steps and opened the carriagedoor.

“Welcome to Linfield.” He offered his hand to Emily who took it and stepped gracefully out of thecarriage.

“What a beautiful house, Your Grace,” shesaid.

“Thank you, but you may call me Mark if you like. It will facilitate a smootherconversation.”

“Thank you,Mark.”

He turned his attention to Giles, “Mr. Carter, I am happy you replied so promptly to my invitation. It is a pleasure to have youhere.”

“No, thankyou.It was an unexpected surprise to have you make such a surprisingoffer.”

Mark, having already told Sophie the guests’ names, stretched out his hand toward his lady companion. “Please, let me introduce you to a dear friend of mine, the Lady Sophie Crauford, daughter of a close-by neighbor. She also has an intense interest in music and is joining us thismorning.”

Sophie extended her hand limply—more as a gesture than as a handshake and nodded slightly. “Pleasure.”

Emily was surprised to see that Sophie, although certainly fashionable, appeared somewhat overdressed while at the same time, making sure to emphasize her perfectfigure.

“Well then, shall we go inside?” Markasked.