Page 66 of A Dashing Duke for Emily

“Oh, yes, I should like that very much—provided His Grace does not need me for something connected with the concerttour.”

“I understand. We can discuss it further at breakfast tomorrow morning. I breakfast ateight.”

Chapter 19

As Emily was leaving the Duchess’s rooms, she saw a gentleman walking down the dark hallway towardher.

“Emily,” the gentleman calledout.

Emily stopped. “Yes?”

Silas came into view. “How delightful to see you again. I heard about the dreadful episode with the French concert promoter. Never did trust the French. How are you holding up?” he asked as he took hold of her arm and sidled up close toher.

She backed away slightly and used the excuse to tighten her shawl to pull away from his grasp on herarm.

“I am well, thank you. But you must excuse me; I have an appointment with His Grace to meet some of his friends from the London music circle. He still has hopes that I might find a concert promoter for thecontinent.”

“Yes, that is exactly where I am headed, too.” And he took her arm again and escorted her toward the library where the tea and meeting were to beheld.

On the way, Silas released his hand from her arm but slipped his arm around herwaist.

Upon entering the library, Emily broke free and went over toMark.

He spoke quietly to her, “Are you being courted by Silas?” he asked, soundinghurt.

Emily’s temper flared. “Not at all,” she saidfirmly.

“But he had his arm around your waist when you entered. I thoughtmaybe…”

“I do not wish to speak harshly of your uncle, but he continues to press his attentions upon me when I do not wish it. Of course, I am greatly indebted to him for what he has done for the trio and my family, but honestly, I just…” She stopped herself from sayingmore.

They both turned and watched as Silas headed for the whiskey and poured himself a largeglassful.

“Let me speak to himlater.”

“Please do not make any trouble,” she pleaded. “He has been so helpful to the trio.I…”

“Let me take care ofit.”

One of the gentlemen already in the room came over to Mark and Emily. He was portly, but jolly looking, with a pleasantsmile.

“And you must be the Miss Emily Dunn of whom we have been hearing such a great deal aboutlately.”

Mark said, “Miss Emily, this is Doctor Bernard Smith, the Dean of Music at London University. Doctor Smith may I present, Miss Emily Dunn. A most talented up and coming solopianist.”

“Enchanted, Miss Dunn. His Grace has loudly sung your praises and I understand you are to perform for us thisevening.”

“It is to be my great pleasure to doso.”

“Excellent. And by the way, Your Grace, this is an outstanding port,” he said holding up his glass in salute to theDuke.

“Feel free to help yourself to more. But excuse us, Doctor, I want to introduce Emily to anotherguest.”

Mark then led Emily toward a group of two othergentlemen.

“Gentlemen, this is the young soloist I was speaking to you about. Miss EmilyDunn.”

The gentlemen—one older and one middle-aged—turned to her and offered theirhands.