Page 28 of A Dashing Duke for Emily

“That is interesting. She has always been so traditional, and from my understanding, was squarely behind the idea of you twomarrying.”

Mark laid out his reservations as he had with his father andgrandmother.

Alice considered his concerns then asked. “If you feel that Sophie is not right for you, is there anyone else who interestsyou?”

Mark lowered his eyes, smiled and said softly, “There is one finelady.”

Alice’s interest was sparked. “Tell me about her. What is hername?”

“Miss Emily Dunn. A most charming lady and an immensely talentedpianist.”

“How interesting. And is she from a titledfamily?”

“Not atall.”

“Oh, Grandmamma would not like that,” she said with alaugh.

“Most certainly not. However, the young lady is strikingly lovely. One might even say handsome, with her quiet dignified stature and charming demeanor. But aside from the fact that she is not of the blood, she is also seeking a solo career as a concert pianist. I have met with her and have proposed a grand concert tour for her in Europe a year fromnow.”

“She soundsdelightful.”

“But even if she was titled, I would haveconcerns.”

“Yes?”

“If she is successful in her career—which I expect she shall be—there is the problem that she will be traveling a great deal of the year and I do not see how that can lead to a stable family situation. There will certainly be children and what kind of a mother can she be if she is performing all over England and thecontinent?”

“I should very much like to meet her. I would be happy to host a luncheon for her and any other guests you might wish to invite. Perhaps Grandmamma? If she were to meet this charming lady… who knows where that mightlead?”

“Oh, she already has met Miss Emily. She was with us when I discovered her at a concert and we all dined together after theconcert.”

“And she was impressed?” Aliceasked.”

“I think she was impressed with her as a person, but I am not sure music is Grandmamma’s strongest interest, and I saw her nodding off several times during theperformance.”

“Well, I should like to meet her myself. I do not attend concerts often because of the twins, but I might be able to help if I can meet her—provided I fall in love with her as youhave.”

“Oh, I am certain youwill.”

“Then consider it done. If you let me know how I can reach this lovely lady, I will set up a lunch for a week fromWednesday.”

“No, I was thinking of stopping by her studio later this afternoon. I shall invite herthen.”

“Very well, and might you be able to coerce Grandmamma to attend aswell?”

“I feel certain I can. I know she is planning to come to London next week for her hairdresser. I will make certain her appointment coincides with your luncheon. And I can surely entice her to attend with the lure of seeing youagain.”

“Yes, it has been awhile. And I would love to see Grandmamma for her ownsake.”

* * *

After his lunch with Alice, Mark had the urge to see Miss Emily and see how things were progressing for her with the idea of solo performing in Europe. He decided to stop by Giles’s studio to see if she might be practicing. He also thought it would be a good time to invite the two of them to Alice’s luncheon. Mark had Giles’s card with him and directed the cabbie to let him off in front of thestudio.

Mark climbed the dark stairs of the shabby, old building, that did not seem all that welcoming, and stopped at the studio door when he heard the most sublime Beethoven piano sonata coming from inside. He did not want to interrupt, so he took a seat in a chair outside the door and listened. He could not know for certain if it was Emily who was playing, but he suspected it might be. Transfixed by the beauty of the rendition, he waited until it was finished. Then he stood up and knocked on the door with his walkingstick.

Giles answered. “Your Grace, what a surprise. And to what do I have thehonor?”

Mark leaned in and asked quietly, “Was that Miss Emily playing the Beethovensonata?”