Page 40 of A Dashing Duke for Emily

Ruth appeared to understand her meaning andsmiled.

Then Giles stepped up. “Then shall we begin the rehearsal? I have given Mr. Hawthorn all of your music and he has been studying it. If you are all now in agreement, then I suggest we begin torehearse.”

“But what about Papa? What is he going to say about this?” Teresa, very sensibly,asked.

Giles answered, “Mr. Skeffington, who has been setting up the tour, wishes to meet with your father quite soon to discuss this new proposal. We will introduce Mr. Hawthorn to him at that time and I might suggest the three of you practice a piece this afternoon to present to him so that he might see how accomplished the trio shall be on thetour.”

“And how long is this tour to be?” Ruth asked, obviously concerned about the timing of hermarriage.

“It is to be concluded by Christmas. We do not want you ladies… and gentleman missing Christmas with yourfamilies.”

This seemed to satisfy Ruth who nodded and began tuning hercello.

While this was welcome news, Emily was ruminating on the implications of this new development. She went over to Giles, pulling him aside, and asked, “What does this mean for me and the European tour? How is this to bearranged?”

“Mr. Skeffington has apprised me that the Duke plans to attend the meeting with your father and will discuss the next steps with you regarding the arrangements for your tour.” He smiled as she stroked her arm. “Are you pleased with thissolution?”

Emily needed to consider that for a moment. “I am certainly surprised. How pleased… I am not sure just yet. I think it will somewhat depend on Papa’s reaction to thesedevelopments.”

“When His Grace has the opportunity to discuss it with you, I am sure you will beexcited.”

“Apprehensive and excited. This is going to take me some time to assimilate. It is just that Mark—The Duke—promised to consult with me before he approached Papa. But I can see plans have moved forward rapidly and perhaps he was not able to informme.”

“That is because Mr. Skeffington took the lead on arranging the tour for the trio and His Grace did not know of these developments untilrecently.”

“Ah. Isee.”

Linton came over and asked Emily, “Will you sit with me at the piano? I would value your comments as we work on the selections we will be rehearsing for thetour.”

She turned to Giles with a questioning look. He nodded hisagreement.

She said, “I would be happy to help however Ican.”

Giles went to the sisters who were seated and ready to start the rehearsal. He stood looking at them for a moment before asking, “Are you dear ladies excited about the prospect of an extended tour of thetrio?”

Teresa gave a big smile and said, “I think it is marvelous. It is nice to have a gentleman be part of our group. It might stop some of the criticism we have been getting about being an all-femalegroup.”

“Excellent observation. And you, Ruth? Are you pleased by the newprospect?”

Ruth shifted in her chair as she tuned a cello string. “I have to say, I am somewhat skeptical. I will just have to wait and see. And remember we still have the obstacle of our father. I am not certain he will be as easily assuaged as youare.”

“I will give that my consideration? And now shall we begin the first piece—theHaydn.”

He turned to Linton who was already seated at the piano with Emily who was prepared to turn pages forhim.

“And now…” He raised his baton and on the downbeat the trio began toplay.

After the rehearsal was over, the two sisters came to where Linton and Emily were seated at thepiano.

Teresa said to Linton, “Oh, my, that was thrilling. You played every bit as well asEmily.”

“Oh, I am not certain about that,” he said, taking a quick glance atEmily.

She put her hand on his arm. “You did splendidly. I have a few comments but they are minor, and I am sure Giles will have some comments for you aswell.”

“Might you come out to tea with us?” Teresa asked. “It would be lovely if we got to know each otherbetter?”

Ruth spoke up. “Count me out this afternoon. I must get home. I have some pressingcorrespondence.”