Page 77 of A Dashing Duke for Emily

“Iam.”

“Might I accompany you? I should like to stretch mylegs.”

Emily really wanted to be alone to process all that had happened in the last four and twenty hours, but she did not want to be standoffish orrude.

“Of course. However, I am on the lookout for the return of the Duchess and must visit with her when shereturns.”

“By all means. I do not wish to intrude. If you prefer, I can take a stroll bymyself.”

Emily felt a little guilty and said, “Please do accompany me. It is such a lovely morning and I should likecompany.”

Mr. Harris offered her his arm and they left thehouse.

They began by strolling along the driveway in front of the house and stopped to admire the vista of the lake at the bottom of theincline.

“I have never been to Linfield Hall before, have you?” Mr. Harrisasked.

“Yes, I have, and find it to be a most harmonious environment, do you not thinkso?”

“Indeed.”

They gazed at the view for a moment or two and then began strollingagain.

Mr. Harris kept looking at Emily and smiling and she began to think that, while he was not flirting, he was at the very least expressing an interest in her that was more than that of a friendly fellowguest.

“You live in London?” heasked.

“I do. However, I will rarely be at home once I start touring in the autumn.” She wanted to make sure he understood she was notavailable.

“I see. Pity,” was all he said and then seemed to disengage withher.

They walked on for a short time longer, Emily pointing out features in the landscape or commenting on the birdsong, but Mr. Harris barelyresponded.

Emily was greatly relieved when she saw the Duchess’s carriage coming up the drive and pulling up at the entrance. Emily excused herself from the gentleman and rushed over to greet the Duchess, as she descended from the carriage with Silas right behindher.

“Your Grace, I am happy to see you, and I desperately want to hear the outcome of the flowerjudging.”

The Duchess’s expression was difficult to read. She did not look heartbroken but, at the same time, Emily could tell she was nottriumphant.

The Duchess held out two ribbons. “I won first place for the violets, but alas the roses came inthird.”

“Yes, you thought something like that might happen after you spoke to Mark about alwayswinning.”

“Indeed. But the first place for the violets was a bit of a pyrrhic victory, I amafraid.”

“Oh?”

“It was the only entry in its class, so they had to give it first place. Ah, the hollowcrown.”

Emily could not help but chuckle. “I am sorry, but certainly the preparation was worthwhile and I am certain you enjoyed yourgardening.”

The Duchess nodded. “But now, I am exhausted and need to lie down for a rest.” She turned to Silas. “Escort me, Silas, I need yoursupport.”

Silas offered his arm but Emily could see he was not pleased, and he said to her, “I should like to have a word with youlater.”

Emily nodded but was dreading thevisit.

After Silas and the Duchess entered the house, Emily was uncertain what she wanted to do next. After such an intense lead-up to her recital, she felt both let down and at loose ends. She wandered around the side of the house toward the back and came upon several young children playing with a ball. They held sticks they had found lying on the lawn, striking the ball to send it to one another. Emily watched from a distance for a few moments before one of the children, a small boy, saw her and waved for her to jointhem.