Page 23 of A Dashing Duke for Emily

Mark nodded. “Most interesting. It gives my father a different dimension, but it is notdisillusioning.”

Grandmother smiled. “I am glad to hear that. Now, young man, you have your job cut out for you. Both your father and your grandmamma need an heir, and it is up to you to do something aboutit.”

Chapter 8

Emily arrived at Giles’s studio a little early as she had been doing some errands for her mother beforehand. As she waited outside his studio studying the music she would be practicing, she heard the most delightful, delicate rendition of a Chopin nocturne that she, herself, had been thinking of performing. She stopped her studying and listened.Most delightful, shethought.

When the playing had finished, Giles opened his door and spoke to the unseen student. “Caro,you must still work for a lighter touch on the keys. Like a bird that walks on the beach but leaves no footprints—half walking and halfflying.”

“Thank you, Professor Carter, I shall do my best,” a male voice said before appearing behind Giles at thedoor.

“Oh, hello,” the young man said when he saw Emily. “Emily Dunn, I have seen you play many times,” he said offering hishand.

“Oh, hello,” Emily said, struck by the gracious beauty of the young man. “And youare?”

“Excuse me, I am Linton Hawthorn. I have just started studying with Professor Giles. After hearing how lovely you played, I sought him out to make me as good as youare.”

Emily blushed. “Oh, Mr. Hawthorn, you are far toogenerous.”

“Not atall.”

The two stared at each other for a moment. Emily found him to be very attractive, with his finely chiseled features, long flowing black hair and surprising blue eyes. He dressed simply, as was the fashion with humble students with littleincome.

“If you like, might we have tea after your lesson? I live close by and know of a charming tea shop. I could come back when you finish,” he said with a widesmile

Emily gave a quick glance at Giles, who wassmiling.

“That would be lovely. I usually finish by three-thirty. But we sometimes discuss the lesson for a few moments longer. If you do not mindwaiting.”

“I should be happyto.”

Giles spoke up. “Mr. Hawthorn, if Miss Dunn does not object, why not stay and observe her class. I believe you might learn something valuable if you watchher.”

Linton turned to her. “If you do not object, I should likethat.”

“It is fine with me,” Emily said, secretly pleased he wouldstay.

“Excellent. Shall we start your lesson now?” Giles asked, ushering the two back into hisstudio.

With her most attractive audience of one, Emily played particularly well. After the lesson was over, Giles came over to her and said, “Cara, mia,you should have someone observe more often. You played at your very best. It was almost like a polished performance. However…” And he proceeded to go over a few points he wanted to make about herplaying.

“Thank you, Giles. I felt inspired today. Do not be too harsh with me next time if I am not up to today’slesson.”

Giles laughed. “Not to worry,mia piccola principessa.You always manage to surprise me in some way or other, even on one of your offdays.”

“Thank you,maestro.”

“Might I have just a quick word with you privately?” he asked. He turned to Linton. “If you would excuse us for just a moment, Miss Emily will join youshortly.”

“Of course,” Linton said and left the studio to waitoutside.

Giles took hold of Emily’s hands and looked at her with a very seriousexpression.

“Cara,I am greatly concerned about what Mr. Skeffington offered the other day when he visited your family. What he is suggesting is not at all what the Duke proposed. I do not know if Silas is trying to take over from the Duke, or if the Duke has changed his mind, but continuing with the trio as he suggested will do nothing for yourcareer.

“The only way to move forward is to aggressively establish yourself as a solo artist. Do you not understandthat?”

She took Giles by the arm. “Yes, I do. And that is what I want. But what do you suggest? I am at my wit's end. I cannot leave my sisters without some form of a living forthem.”