Page 118 of A Dashing Duke for Emily

Emily stood and said to her parents, “Mother, Papa, I want to introduce you to Mark’s sister, Mrs. Alice Savoy. You have heard me speak of her often. She has been greatly instrumental in helping launch my newcareer.”

“Mrs. Savoy,” Papa said, bowing to Alice, as Mothercurtsied.

Emily was delighted to be showing off her fiancé and his sister to her family and the many guests who were admiring the aristocratic couple from the dance floor or from theirtables.

Suddenly her heart raced and she had to catch her breath as she saw Linton come into the ballroom, looking disheveled and with a fierce look in his eyes. He scanned the room and seeing Emily started towards theirtable.

Emily took a strong hold of Mark’s arm, which caused him to look ather.

“Mark, I think we are about to have some trouble,” she saidquietly.

Mark looked to where she waslooking.

Emily broke free of Mark and left the table marching directly to where Linton was charging toward her. Linton stopped once he reachedher.

“What are you doing here, Linton, looking like you just rolled out of bed? You haven’t evenshaved.”

Linton looked over her shoulder toward Mark andAlice.

“I wanted to see my competition. I wanted to see the man who stole mybeloved.”

Mark came over and stood next toher.

“Is there a problem, Emily?” Markasked.

It was then that Giles came over having witnessed theevent.

“Linton, why not come with me?” he asked, taking Linton by thearm.

“No. I am not going anywhere until I have a private word with Emily,” he said pullingaway.

“She is Miss Emily to you, young man,” Gilesinsisted.

Mark went up to him. “Young man, you are upsetting my fiancée and are disrupting this very happy event. Will you pleaseleave?”

Linton seemed to be somewhat intimidated, as Mark was taller than he was and with a very commandingpresence.

“Not until I talk to her.” Linton then pleaded with Emily, “Please, just a word. I have been somiserable.”

Emily took pity on him, and turned to Mark and said. “Mark, let me handle this. I will not belong.”

“Very well,” Marksaid.

Emily led Linton out of the ballroom as a stunned wedding party lookedon.

As they reached the hallway where they were alone, Linton bursts into tears. Emily put her hand on hisshoulder.

“Linton, please. Why are you behaving like this? It is so out of character for you. You were always so polite and thoughtful. And now you appear at my sister’s wedding looking and behaving like afool.”

Alice appeared in the doorway behind Emily. She came over and stood next to her to offer support but did not say anything, and let Emily handle thesituation.

Linton took several deep breaths to try and control his outburst and finally said, “I have been so lost without you. I cannot sleep. My piano practicing has fallen away and I have no income. I am wretched and I know not what to do. And I thought if I sawyou…”

“What Linton? What did you think that wouldaccomplish?”

“I thought perhaps you would take pity on me and change yourmind.”

Emily sighed. “Oh, dear friend, that is never going to happen. But let me speak to Giles. I know he will want to help you get back on your feet.” She turned to Alice and said, “Can you please fetch Mr. Carter for me? He is the one who came over when Lintonappeared.”