Page 41 of A Dashing Duke for Emily

Teresa looked at her with gravedisappointment.

“Perhaps another time,” Linton said, “I would like to spend some time now with Giles to get his comments while everything is fresh in mymind.”

“Happy to help,” Gilessaid.

Ruth put her cello in the case and turned to Teresa, “You coming or are you going to moon over our newpianist?”

Teresa’s cheeks blushed and she turned and left the studio with tearsforming.

Emily got up from the bench and went to Ruth, and snapped, “That was cruel. You should not have said that. And you of all people should know better. Have a little sympathy for your sister. Especially since you have your own youngman.”

Ruth’s lips tightened and she said softly, “I amsorry.”

“Do not tell me, tell your sister,” Emily scowled and turned from hersister.

Ruth left the studio without saying anotherword.

Linton came over and stood close to Emily. “I think the rehearsal went well. And your sisters are sweet. I think we will get along well once they get used to the newarrangement.”

“I certainly hope so.” She gazed at the door where her sisters had just left. “It may take a little getting usedto.”

“Tell me about them. The more I know the more able I shall be to helpthem.”

“That is very thoughtful of you to ask. Ruth is the better musician of the two, but she can be acerbic and impatient. Teresa is the youngest and not very outgoing. Until today, that is. It seems she has taken an interest inyou.”

“I could not help but notice. However, I have my sight set on anothersister.”

This was no surprise to Emily and she smiled shyly. “It has not escaped myattention.”

“Then might I invite you to tea again at our little shopnearby?”

“Not today. You need to spend some time with Giles and I need to attend to some urgent familybusiness.”

Linton looked disappointed as he ran his hand down her arm. “Another time,perhaps.”

“I would like that,” she said as she took a step back and let her hand slip gently throughhis.

* * *

Emily had received a lovely note from Alice inviting her to go shopping with her this morning. Emily needed some gloves and was considering a new hat. There were also thoughts about what more she might need if she was to tour the capitals of Europe. But it was far too early to make any such purchases, as there was nothing concrete set up yet. Emily was also hoping Alice might have some news from Mark about his plans for setting up hertour.

Emily was smartly dressed for a day on the town as she arrived at the Savoy family front door. It was answered by a harried-looking youngmaid.

“Miss Emily Dunn for Mrs. Savoy,” shesaid.

“This way please,” the young girlsaid.

Emily was expecting to be taken to the sitting room but was, instead, led upstairs, down a hallway, and to a room at the back of thehouse.

“The nursery, ma’am,” the maid said as she ushered Emilyinside.

The nursery was cluttered with toys, books, and discarded children’sclothing.

Alice was sprawled out on the floor with the twins, and obviously not dressed for going out. She looked up as Emily stood at thedoor.

“Oh, Emily. Look at me. I am so sorry there is no way I can go shopping this morning. Nanny left in a huff over a squabble and I am left to tend to these twotyrants.”

Emily could not help but laugh. “Oh, Alice, how might Ihelp?”