Page 73 of A Dashing Duke for Emily

“And that would be most welcome,” she said, shooting him a sideways glance and felt as if she wasblushing.

Mark was unsure, but he could not help himself, and he reached over without looking at her and gently took her hand. She, too, did not respond with a look but allowed her hand to betaken.

When they returned near the house, Emily reluctantly removed her hand and asked, “What time is the meeting with thegentlemen?”

“Ten o’clock in my study. Is that convenient foryou?”

“Mostcertainly.”

“Then, if you will excuse me, I have a brief bit of business to attend to in the stable. Enjoy your breakfast. Good morning.” He tipped his hat and left Emily by theentranceway.

* * *

Later that morning, Sophie sat at the breakfast table in the dining room reading. As she was a late riser, most of the other guests had already breakfasted, and the morning activities were well underway in the rest of thehouse.

A number of guests had arranged for a trap shooting party and a number of others were to ride or explore the extensive property. Those less actively inclined tended to gravitate to the sunny lounge porch where tea was always being served, and a number of guests collected to read, play chess, cards, or to snooze in the sun with a blanket thrown over theirlaps.

Sophie was engrossed in a gothic novel and munching on a crumpet when Mark came passing through, on his way to anothererrand.

“Good morning, Sophie,” he greeted. “Are you enjoying yourstay?”

She looked up at him blankly. “More or less. The dinner last evening was enjoyable, and I had a stimulating conversation with the son of the new Viceroy to Hong Kong. He was most charming, and expressed a wish that we might go riding together this afternoon.” She looked up athim.

Mark suspected she was hoping he might try to talk her out of going, but he didnot.

“That sounds most enjoyable. I wish I were free to join you, but as a host with nearly a hundred guests, I have little time for my ownamusement.”

He started to leave, but she stopped him by saying, “You have time, however, to hold meetings with Miss Dunn this morning, Ihear.”

Mark turned to her. “Sophie, you know that is about business. I am not doing it for amusement.” He felt bad that he was unable to spend much time with Sophie and said, “I want you to enjoy yourself this weekend. I am sorry to be so busy. But I promise we can spend some time together after this weekend. Perhaps we might take a trip to London for some theatre or shopping, or whatever youlike.”

That seemed to mollify her and she turned back to herreading.

“London sounds nice. Might we visit my friend, Stephanie Bowles? I have not seen her for several years, although we write each otherfrequently.”

“We can do whatever youwish.”

“And my mother would most certainly want to come along as achaperone.”

“That will beacceptable.”

Mark needed to get to his next task and headed once more for thedoor.

“And perhaps you have time later this evening when we might be able to spend some time together,alone?”

“I doubt that, Sophie. I am sorry. But I really am pressed thisweekend.”

She gave a coy smile, “But try. Even half an hour would be solovely.”

“I will see what I can do,” he said andescaped.

* * *

Mark went directly to see his father, whom he had not visited for several days. He entered the darkened room and thought his father might still be asleep. He backed up to leave when his father spokeup.

“Mark? Is thatyou?”

“Yes,Father.”