Page 14 of A Dashing Duke for Emily

Grandmother came over and took Emily’s hand in hers. “I was not at my best the evening of your concert, but I wanted to apologize and stress how much I did enjoy yourplaying.”

“You are so kind, but I had no idea it was a bad evening for you, as you seemed to be so wonderfullygracious.”

Grandmother laughed. “That was because I was mostly silent. If I had spoken, as I mostly do, you would have found me to be boorish andobnoxious.”

Laughing, Emily said, “Oh, I do doubtthat.”

Grandmother reached over and took hold of Emily’s arm. “Do you playcards?”

“Occasionally, in the evening with my sisters. We enjoy a game or two of whist on a snowy winter’snight.”

“Then perhaps you might join me in a game beforelunch?”

Emily turned to Mark for confirmation. He shrugged and extended his hand with his palmup.

“No need to ask him,” Grandmother giggled. “He has absolutely no choice in the matter. And we shall not ask him to play with us as we are to play a two-handedgame.”

“Then I shall leave you two ladies. Lunch is at one. Please be prompt,Grandmamma.”

“Am I notalways?”

Grandmother led the way to the card table as Mark left. Emily was in somewhat of a whirlwind from the events of the morning and she was inwardly wresting with the whole issue of breaking from her sisters to follow a solo career. But she thought a game of cards might help settleher.

As they sat at the table, the Duchess said, “Please Miss Emily, call me Hester. I feel that we shall be fast friends and we can certainly be on a first name basis, Ibelieve.”

“Thank you, Hester, and I amEmily.”

“You know Bezique?” Hesterasked.

“Ido.”

“Excellent.”

They began to play and were silent except for commenting on the game for a few moments. Then Hester asked, “Perhaps I should not ask this, but I believe Miss Sophie is visiting Mark this morning, is that notso?”

“Yes, sheis.”

“And have you formed an opinion ofher?”

Emily was surprised by the question but answered. “We have not spoken privately, but she seems to be an educated and charming younglady.”

“Hmm. Now tell me what you really feel about her,” Hesterinsisted.

Emily paused in her playing. “I do not feel I am one to judge such a fine lady on short acquaintance, and one who is obviously devoted toMark.”

“And that is exactly why I am asking for your opinion. You are talented, intelligent, and I have observed, very discerning and sophisticated. And not one to give an opinionlightly.”

“Thank you. Yes. And that is why I am hesitant to make an observation after knowing her so briefly.Iwould not like to be judged under suchcircumstances.”

Hester inclined her head. “Yes, I can appreciate that, but my grandson’s future is at stake and I have concerns. It is quite clear to me that she has set her sights on Mark for a husband. And I am not certain she is the right person for him. What do you think? Honestly. Please tell me yourthoughts.”

Emily fully considered what she wanted to say before speaking. “My very first impression of the lady was that she was handsome and certainly intelligent, but a bitstandoffish.”

“That is because she sees you as athreat.”

“And how could that possibly be? She is an aristocrat and I am but a strolling musician,” she saidlightly.

“I think you underestimate your charms and influence, MissEmily.”