Page 18 of A Dashing Duke for Emily

Emilynodded.

“Now… as concerns the business at hand, I have done a number of inquiries and I have developed interest from several key promoters for tours for the trio throughout GreatBritain.”

“Oh my, that is excellent news,” Papa saidexcitedly.

Silas went over to Emily and stood before her. “Miss Emily, you may or may not know, but many music promotors have heard of your stellar playing and are most interested to meet you,” he paused, “and your charming sisters too, ofcourse.”

Papa asked, “And what are the details of thesetours?”

Silas turned back to their father, “It is far too early to have details. I was thinking that you, Mr. Carter, as their manager, might accompany me to several meetings to discuss the tours in greater detail. Might that bepossible?”

“Most certainly,” Gilesanswered.

Emily was surprised that Silas did not mention the Duke’s proposal for her solo career. Had the Duke given up on that idea, she wondered? But she could not ask him directly as she had not told her family of thatproposal.

“Mr. Skeffington, might I have a private word with you before you leave?” Emilyasked.

Silas smiled broadly. “Ofcourse.”

“Well, I believe this calls for a toast,” Papa said. He stood up and poured and passed around glasses of sherry, and then raising a glass, said, “To the future glorious success of the Dunn Trio.Cheers.”

“Cheers,” the othersechoed.

Papa then went over and took Ruth and Teresa’s hands. “You must be very proud. Did I not say success was just around thecorner?”

Emily went over to Silas and pulled him aside to a far corner of theroom.

“Mr.Skeffington…”

“Please call me Silas,” he said, placing his hand on herarm.

“Silas, has the Duke given up the idea of a solo career forme?”

“Not at all. But it is my opinion we need to ease into that where your father is concerned. It may take some more time before we broach the idea of a solo career tohim.”

“But His Grace said time was of the essence,” Emily said with someconcern.

Silas smiled and said, “He is less knowledgeable about how the music business works than I am. And, as I say, let us organize the trio’s tour and then we can address the solo work later on, if that still interestsyou.”

Emily was troubled by this. “I do notunderstand.”

Silas took her arm and leaned in closer. “I can certainly help you more efficiently than Mark can. If you and I were to become closer… then almost anything couldhappen.”

Emily was shocked. Silas was definitely propositioning her. He was making his help conditional on her favorable response to him as a suitor. She was about to respond angrily when Giles cameover.

“Mr. Skeffington, I am confused. Has His Grace changed his mind about developing Emily’s solo work? I thought you were coming to announce progress on herbehalf.”

“Miss Emily made it perfectly clear at that meeting that she believed she would remain with the trio—according to her father’s wishes. Is that not so, MissEmily?”

Emily stammered, “I… I did say that, but was persuaded to consider another path later in that meeting. I thought you understoodthat.”

“Well…” Silasprevaricated.

“His Grace made it clear to me it was my choice to separate myself from the trio and to let him know that I was free, so he could move forward in organizing a Europeantour.”

“And have you separated yourself from the trio yet?” Silas askedpointedly.

“Ah…well…no. I havenot.”