Page 51 of A Dashing Duke for Emily

“I do, but not with me. I can mail a copy to you atLinfield.”

“Yes, please do that. But there is another factor. If, for example, we were able to book you as a solo artist with an orchestra—for a Mozart or Beethoven piano concerto, for example, would you be able to accommodate that? I know your work up to now has been primarily solo works, but there might be a great opportunity if you could be a solo guest artist for a majororchestra.”

“I have, of course, studied most of the most popular performing works of the great composers. But I would need to study and practice any particularpiece.”

“And Mr. Carter could help youprepare?”

“Of course. He is the maestro, afterall.”

“Excellent. And I assume you will want to be traveling throughout Europe with a companion. You will need someone to attend to your needs and to aid in the packing and unpacking, as you will be staying in many differenthotels.”

“Oh, I had not thought of that? We have no one at home that can be spared. And where might I find such acompanion?”

“I could assign one of my household staff to you for the tour, or we could interview and select someone who is experienced in this sort ofduty.”

“I should prefer the latter. I do not want to impose upon yourstaff.”

“As youwish.”

“But how much would thatcost?”

“You do not need to concern yourself with that. That will be provided to you as part of your travel expenses, paid for by the tour management. It is customary andexpected.”

“Oh, my. This is all so new to me. I feel quite incompetent in all of this touringbusiness.”

Mark smiled, patting her hand with reassurance. “It is to be expected when you are just starting out. But I am here to help and guide you. You shall want for nothing, and I will make certain that you are comfortably providedfor.”

“I see I have yet a lot to learn,” she said with a sigh ofrelief.

“But it is nothing to be concerned about. As with any new venture, there will be a period of adjustment, but I know you will manage quitewell.”

“And when might I expect the tour tostart?”

“I was thinking for the start of the musical season in the autumn of nextyear.”

Emily was disappointed. “Oh, that is a long way away. That is over a year fromnow.”

“But bookings are always made far inadvance.”

“And there is no way to at least get started thisautumn.”

“But that is only a few months from now. I hardly think that ispossible.”

This upset Emily enough to where she needed to stand. She crossed over to the front window and gazed out at the street before turning back to Mark. He could tell she wasagitated.

Her voice was quivering as she said, “I do understand what you are saying, and I accept that. But is there no way, whatsoever, to book some performing venues anywhere this coming season? I made such an issue of leaving the trio and, now, not to be performing, I fear, would not only hurt my father, but also dull myskills.”

Mark stood and went over to her. “There might be a way. Silas is more knowledgeable than I am about UK bookings. Perhaps there might be some slots open, or there may be cancellations which come up. I shall speak to him aboutthat.”

“That could actually be useful,” Emily said, the worry lifting from her face. “It would allow me to get some experience as a solo performer before I am thrust upon the European circuit a year fromnow.”

Mark took her hand and looked at her with a smile. “Fear not, Emily, and take some time to enjoy what you are about to enterinto.”

She returned his smile, happy to have her hand in his. “Yes, I shall try to do that. And other than preparing my performances, what else do you need from me?” she asked with still somehesitation.

“Do you have traveldocuments?”

“I donot.”