Page 27 of A Dashing Duke for Emily

Alice bounded up from her desk, where she was working on a composition, when she saw her brother. She rushed to him and they threw their arms around eachother.

Alice was younger than Mark but definitely had the family traits. She had the same refined features that ran in the family, only her blonde hair was darker than her brother’s and curly. She had beautiful long slim hands and she used them expressively as she talked. But her greatest feature was her eyes, a cross between green and grey but intelligent andpiercing.

“Did I interrupt yourcomposing?”

“You did, but what better excuse to avoid having to make a hard decision that I had been dreading. I am not sure if I want this new piece to be a concerto or a sonata. I am afraid, I am still mostly scribbling at thisstage.”

“Ah, the workings of the famed composer, Mister Reginald Blake,” Mark said laughing. “Why ever did you take on a man’s name tocompose?”

Alice swatted playfully at his arm. “You know very well why. The stigma of a woman composer. I would never have my work performed if those in charge knew who I reallywas.”

“Poppycock! The world is changing. In fact I only just recently discovered a quite charming trio of female musicians performing right in the heart ofLondon.”

“I had not heard. I should love to hear themperform.”

“And perhaps youshall.”

“And what an unexpected and pleasant surprise to see you this morning,” she said as she took her brother’s hands. “Are you passing by or are you staying intown?”

“No, my dear sister, I am here expressly to seeyou.”

“How lovely. Will you stay forlunch?”

“Of course. And how are thetwins?”

Alice broke free from Mark and rang the servant’s bell. “Oh, you do not want to know. Can you imagine having two three-year-olds at the same time? Poor nanny cannot keep up and I have to spell her from time totime.”

Mark went over to the fireplace and looked at a painting hanging above the mantel. “Is thisnew?”

“Do you like it?” Aliceasked.

Mark waggled his hand. “Somewhat. I am not sure about these new painters. I think I am much happier with the classics. But nothing stays the same for very long, does it?” He turned back to face her. “Do you have time for achat?”

Just then the maid responded to the bell. “Yes,Miss?”

“My brother will be staying for luncheon, will you inform Cook,please.”

The maid curtsied andleft.

Alice went over to the love seat and sat with her legs tucked under, her arm stretched along the back. “Come sit with me, Mark. Ask me whatever you like. I am all yours for the entire morning, unless there is a tantrum in the nursery, ofcourse.”

Mark went over and sat next to his sister. “I need to talk to you about Sophie. Do you rememberher?”

“The Baron’s daughter? Of course, she has been your friend since childhood. Although she was never close or interested in being friendly withme.”

“Yes, thatone.”

“Have you come to announce your engagement?” Alice asked with a largegrin.

“Notyet.”

“I thought everything was arranged and decided. Has there been a development?” she asked taking hishand.

“It is true there has been an ‘understanding’ between the families, but I am not certain. I am still seriously considering marrying her for the family’s sake,but…”

“But what, Mark? What are yourreservations?”

“They are not just mine but Grandmamma’s aswell.”