Page 79 of A Dashing Duke for Emily

Emily began tolaugh.

“What?”

“That makes two concerts for thisafternoon.”

“What is theother?”

“I was besieged by children playing outside who scoffed at my recital last evening. ‘Too loud and jangly,’ they said. And I promised them a concert of songs they might like at fouro’clock.”

“I like that. I shall make it known to all the parents with kids that there will be a recital just for them. However, do not be surprised if many of the parents attend too. Your playing was a huge success last evening. I have been getting glowing comments from the guests allmorning.”

Emily smiled at that. “Then, when shall I play for yourfather?”

“Perhaps three o’clock if he is not asleep? Would that suit you?” Emily nodded. “Let us meet in my study just before three and I will take you to his rooms. And I shall invite the Duchess, as well. Father would like it if she wasthere.”

By now the guests were pouring into the dining room for lunch. Mark and Emilyfollowed.

* * *

Two footmen rolled a small piano into Jacob’s room. He was sitting up in the bed, having been groomed by the nurse. The draperies were open and the room was bright and cheery, the glaring sun having moved away bynow.

Mark escorted The Duchess and Sophie to chairs that had been added for the additional guests. Emily sat down at the piano and, after lifting the lid, ran a few scales to warm up herhands.

Emily could not help but notice Mark and Sophie deep in conversation before she was ready to play. The Duchess had been accompanied by Baggs, who stood behind the Duchess’s chair, ready to hand her a handkerchief or the mints she so loved to suck on in the afternoons beforetea.

Mark turned to his father and they conversed for a moment before Mark stood and came over to Emily. He put his hand on the piano and smiled. Emily could see Sophie’s back straighten as he said, “What will you be playing thisafternoon?”

“I thought it should be different from what I performed last evening and I have selected a Mozart sonata, a SchubertImpromptusand, lastly, a few of the songs I shall be playing for the childrenlater.”

“That sounds lovely.” He turned to his father from the piano and told him herselection.

“Oh, I like that,” his father said. “Please begin, MissEmily.”

Emily played the pieces without interruption, but during the middle of the Schubert, Silas slipped into the room and stood by the door during the rest of theperformance.

When complete, Emily stood to acknowledge the applause coming from everyone but Sophie. Even the nurse beamed—her red face lit up with a largegrin.

The Duchess waved her handkerchief, indicating she wanted Emily to comeover.

“Darling Emily, how charming the children’s songs. That was totally unexpected but delightful. Thank you,dear.”

“My pleasure, YourGrace.”

Jacob reached out his hand from where he was propped up in the bed and beckoned for Emily to come tohim.

“Child, how very lovely. You have no idea how starved I have become for music. My music box has become stale by now, so you can imagine what a treat this has been for me,” hesaid.

Emily had not met Mark’s father before, but she could see the family resemblance. “Is there anything else I can play foryou?”

The old man blinked several times and let his hand drop to thebedcovers.

“I wish I could listen, but I tire easily, and I am afraid I must conclude this gathering. But thankyou.”

Jacob waved for the nurse to come over and he whispered to her. Then she turned and announced. “His Grace needs to rest now. So if you would excuse him, he must ask you all toleave.”

Mark helped the Duchess stand and he then turned to Sophie and offered her hisarm.

Emily stood before Sophie and said, “Thank you, Miss Sophie, for attending the performance. It was a pleasure to have youhere.”