Page 6 of A Dashing Duke for Emily

“And the other youngladies?”

“Her sisters—but less than promising. It is the pianist who stands out, I am told.” Silas leaned in with a twinkle in his eye, “And a very handsome woman too, it isreported.”

Mark sat back in his carriage seat and tapped his walking stick absentmindedly against the side of the carriage keeping time to some inner melody. Finally, he asked Silas, “What do you know about this Cape Colony tradebusiness?”

“Not a damn thing. I have all of my investments in gilt-edge securities. But I have heard good things about the newly emerging railways. I might try some modest investments in those and see if there is anything tothem.”

“Hmm. Yes, I have heard about those, but it seems like a pipe dream to me. How can something as simple as steam ever drive a carriage large enough to haul numerous people, as well as pigs, sheep, and bales of hay—what will these engineer types think upnext?”

Silas laughed. “You may be right. Best we keep focused on the world of music. It has been around as long as civilization and is bound to remain long after we aregone.”

“It certainly is lasting even if it is not always profitable,” Mark said with asmile.”

“And your Grandmamma is attending the concert withus?”

“We are to meet at the London house for tea and then we shall travel together to the concerthall.”

“And no supperfirst?”

“The concert is early, so I suggested we dineafter.”

“Then I shall load up on teacakes before. Never enjoyed music on an empty stomach,” Silas said with achuckle.

Chapter 3

The concert hall was modest in size. It served not only for the presentations of musical evenings, but it also served as a lecture hall and was known for its fine acoustics. The stage was small, with burgundy-colored, velvet drapes lining the back andsides.

Grandmamma, however, found their box to be stifling and she aggressively fanned herself with the program. She was seated at the front of the box, dressed in a deep purple dress with maroon lace and a large diamond brooch and atiara.

“Remind me not to attend concerts in the summer. Mark, my love, might you enquire at the concession bar if they have any iced barley water? I do not think I shall be able to make it through the concert without somerefreshment.”

Mark leaned in and whispered. “Grandmamma, the program is about to start. Might you make it to the first interval? Then I shall promptly fetch you whatever youlike.”

Grandmother adjusted herself in the too small chair. “If I must.” And she began to fan herself more vigorously and ruffled in her handbag to make sure she had her smelling salts—just incase.

Mark and Silas looked up as the applause began and the performers appeared on stage. The sisters bowed and took their places—Emily at the piano and Ruth and Teresa in the chairs before their music stands just to the right of thepiano.

“My God, what a looker that pianist is,” Silas said with a biggrin.

“Ah, but can she play?” Mark responded, but having to admit to himself shewasa very handsomewoman.

The program consisted of several solo piano pieces including the flawless MozartFantasia.The pieces with the sisters’ accompanying were competent, but the other two sisters’ performances weretepid.

However, by the first interval, the audience showed their deep appreciation when Emily stepped forward to take her brief solobow.

Silas turned to Mark and suggested, “We must go backstage and meet that lovelylady.”

“I expect you mean Emily Dunn,” Markreplied.

“Ido.”

“Let me fetch some refreshment for Grandmamma, and then I shall go with you. I have to admit she is a brillianttalent.”

“And not to forget, a stunning looking woman, as well,” Silasadded.

Mark smiled shyly, “Agreed.”

They walked to the only dressing room in this small concert hall. Silas knocked and slowly opened the door to a small crowded room, cluttered with objects the management had nowhere else tostore.