Page 31 of A Dashing Duke for Emily

“And she ismarried?”

“With two children—twinboys.”

“Howcharming.”

“She might argue that, as they appear to be ahandful.”

“And what is the purpose of thisluncheon?”

“I wish my sister to meet you. I have spoken highly of your fine talent and she expressed a wish to meet you.” Mark leaned forward and whispered, “I should not be telling you this but my sister is the composer Reginald Blake. You may have heard of him…her.”

“I certainly have, and I never knew he was ashe.”

“Nor does anyone. It is hernom de plume. She would not be performed if the musical world knew who she really was. And you must promise to tell noone.”

“Most shocking, but I promise. And am I expected to perform after thislunch?”

“Not at all. You are not a performing seal. You are a guest and that is all.” He seemed a little upset that she would suggestotherwise.

“But if I choose to play? Would that delight or appallyou?”

“It would, of course, delight. But that is not the purpose of theluncheon.”

Emily smiled wryly and touched her napkin to her lips. “Then we will just have to see, shall wenot?”

Chapter 10

It was a lovely early June morning and Emily had not started her morning practicing. She definitely had spring fever and was sitting in the back garden on the wrought iron bench under the beech proudly displaying its new leaves. She had a book on her lap and she really had intended to read it, but she was so enchanted with the passing clouds, she had not yetstarted.

But Emily was interrupted in her reverie by Ruth’sapproach.

“Dearest sister,” Ruth greeted, “Might I sit besideyou?”

“Of course,” she answered, scooting from the middle of the bench to the leftside.

Now Ruth was not the warmest person that Emily knew, but the concerned look on Ruth’s face revealed a new vulnerability that Emily had never seenbefore.

Ruth did not speak up but sat still with her head lowered. Emily placed her hand on top ofRuth’s.

“Sister, you look troubled. Is there something you wish to share withme?”

Ruth regarded her with a look of pleading in her eyes. “Oh, yes, Emily if we might speak…” But she then cast a stressful glance toward the house, before continuing. “Can we go somewhere? It is something I wish no one else tooverhear.”

“We are quite private here,” Emily said, “And we can see if anyone were toapproach.”

“I know, but I was hoping we might take a stroll in thepark.”

Emily smiled, surprised to see this side of her sister, who was always so composed and in control. “Of course, we can. And what a lovely day it is for such astroll.”

Ruth stood first and turned to Emily. “I shall go and fetch our shawls and meet you in theentryway.”

“Very well,” Emily said as shestood.

Ruth scurried off and Emily followed, somewhat relieved not to read or, for the moment,practice.

The sisters met at the front door and left thehouse.

“Have you told Mother we wereleaving?”