Page 32 of A Dashing Duke for Emily

“Yes. I said we were to discuss trio business and wanted to enjoy the lovely morning in the park,” Ruthsaid.

“And is that what you want todiscuss?”

Ruth regarded Emily and her right eye twitched. “Not really. It is somethingpersonal.”

They entered Kensington Gardens via Hyde Park Gate and headed toward the Serpentine, a long narrow body of water in the middle of the park. It was a favorite spot for strolling couples. Linking arms, they began to follow the shore walk in silence. Emily opened her handbag and pulled out a tin of mint pastilles, opened it, and offered one toRuth.

“Have amint?”

“Thank you,” she said taking one out of the tin and giving Emily another of her pleadingglances.

Emily stopped, took out a pastille and closed the tin, putting it back in her bag, and then took Ruth by theshoulders.

“Very well, Ruth. It is time to start telling me what this is all about. I want to hear you out, but I also need to get home to my practicing. What is it you want to tellme?”

“Oh, Emily, I am in love,” Ruth blurtedout.

That did surprise Emily. “And who is the young man? Someone we mightknow?”

Ruth shook her head. “No. We met at the library, of all places. He is from Bristol and is in London studying for a certificate in accounting. He is to be finished in just a few months and must return home. And he wants me to return with him… as his wife, ofcourse.”

This was shocking news, indeed. This had huge implications for the whole family’s future. Most importantly it might mean the dissolution of the trio and give Emily the opportunity to follow her solo career. But she dared not give that thought free rein. She must focus on her sister’s needs for themoment.

“And have you spoken to Mother or Papa about thisdevelopment?”

Ruth looked startled. “Oh, not at all! It would cause the most absoluteuproar.”

Emily could not help but laugh. “Yes, that it would. But Mother would be sympathetic, do you notthink?”

“Perhaps, but if I told her, you know she would immediately blabber to Papa about it, and then I would be the subject of his eternalrage.”

Emily nodded as Ruth took a piece of stale bread out of her pocket and began breaking it up and tossing it to the ducks swimming along the lake’sbanks.

“But what about the trio, Ruth? You know, if you leave, it will break Papa’sheart.”

Ruth looked up. “Whatheart?”

Emily tsked. “Now Ruth, you know that is unfair. He cares a great deal for all ofus.”

“As long as we are his good and obedient little girls. Do you really think he sees us as grown women with our own lives tolead?”

Emily had to agree that seemed to be a fair assessment. “I believe you have a point, but what of your career? And what of thetrio?”

Ruth linked her arm with Emily again and they continued walking. “Oh, my dear sister, do you really believe we have any chance of successful careers, besides yourself, of course? I would think you would welcome this as a grand escape from our paltry little trio. I truly think that without you we would disappear within a few months. Our audiences come mostly to see you or out of curiosity to see thefemalemusicians.”

Emily had to acknowledge the truth of what Ruth said. She could not have said it better herself, and she quietly rejoiced at the truth of her sister’sobservation.

“And have you spoken to Teresa about your new beau and your feelings about thetrio?”

Ruth chuckled. “Oh, sister, please be serious. Poor dear Teresa is so self-absorbed she barely notices anything of consequence all day long. She shuffles about in a near trance, her nose in a book, pushing her eyeglasses up her nose when she is not blowingit.”

Emily let out a guilty laugh. “Ruth, do not be so cruel. Remember she is the youngest and is… perhaps a little lacking in certain socialskills.”

“Now,youare beingtookind.”

“So, when do you plan to introduce your young man to the family? And does he have aname?”

“Spencer Trilby. And as for introducing him, that is exactly my dilemma. How can I introduce him without the whole subject of the trio coming up? What should Ido?”