Page 57 of A Dashing Duke for Emily

“And you mentioned the possibility of needing to meet others. Are they additional promotors or colleagues of MonsieurBellieu?”

“I am not certain. He will meet you on Thursday, hear you play, and then decide if another audition on Friday iswarranted.”

“I see. Then I must do my very best, must Inot?”

“I have no doubt you will impress him as much as you have impressedme.”

Emily took a paper out of her pocket. “Here are some suggestions for the audition I have been preparing. How many do you think I will need? I do not want to overwhelm him. Nor do I want to underrepresentmyself.”

“Let mesee.”

Mark took the list from her and studiedit.

“Excellent selections. But maybe a few more contemporary pieces as well, to show that you areaucourant.

Emily smiled conspiratorially, “I could add the Reginald Blakepiece.”

He smiled and nodded. “Excellentchoice.”

“And should I use the same playlist on Friday for the second audition or should I use newpieces?”

“Keep a few of your strongest pieces from the first audition and add a few new ones, would be mysuggestion.”

Emily fingered a ribbon from the belt of her dress as she realized her dreams were on their way to becoming a reality. She was both nervous and excited—enhanced by her closeness to Mark whose warmth she could feel which surprisingly excitedher.

“And have you had an opportunity to speak to Mr. Skeffington about some local tours for this upcomingseason?”

“I wanted to wait until you met Monsieur Bellieu. If he is to take you on, I do not want to intrude upon his plans. Who knows, he might be able to schedule you a few European assignments for this newseason.”

“Of course. That makes a great deal ofsense.”

Emily was quiet for a moment as she thought through her playlist to see if she might want to make any changes, and studied which pieces might need the most practice before her audition onThursday.

Mark placed a hand on hers which was resting on herlap.

“Are you nervous about theaudition?”

She looked up at him pleased with his concern for her. “Not at all. Well… perhaps a little. But I am also thinking about how much practicing I must do before then. I should perhaps get to work as soon as youleave.”

“Then I shall not keep you,” he saidrising.

Emily was surprised to feel a twinge of regret and clasped her hands as he prepared toleave.

He added, “And do not forget, you also have a sister needing your immediate attention. What a busyhousehold!”

Emily stood. “Nary a dull moment at the Dunnresidence.”

“I shall call for you at nine o’clock on Thursday to take you to the Savoy’s. The audition will be at ten and I want you to have time to warm up and prepare yourself to meet MonsieurBellieu.”

Emily smiled. “How you pamper me,” she saidlightly.

“And no one deserves itmore.”

They retreated to the house where he took his leave at the frontdoor.

Emily watched him walk to his carriage, then sighed and headed to Teresa’s room to help finish hertransformation.

Emily knocked on the door. “Teresa, are you ready tocontinue?”