Page 86 of A Dashing Duke for Emily

“Then, by all means, continue your wailing and moaning, and you are certain to antagonize Papa and defeat yourpurpose.”

Ruth quieted down but continued with her little sniffles and dabbing at herface.

“Then what am I to do?” she asked, finally placing her hands in her lap and pulling at herhandkerchief.

Emily came over and sat down besideher.

Ruth said, “You know the first thing he is going to ask me is how I can continue in the trio if I am to bemarried?”

“Most likely. And what will your answer be? And you have not given me a straight answer to that questioneither.”

Ruth mumbledsomething.

“What?” Emily asked, leaning incloser.

“I said I am searching for areplacement.”

“Oh? And how are you going aboutthat?”

“I put an advert in theTimes.”

“And have you had responses?” Emilyasked.

“A few, but they were allrubbish.”

“I see. And have you thought of contacting music schools oruniversities?”

Ruth looked at her and brightened. “Oh, that is a lovely idea. That might be worth a try. Thankyou.”

“But what about this evening? What are your plans for presenting Spencer? He is going to be here shortly and you need to think how best to introducehim.”

“Oh, tell me how, Emily. You know all about these things and you are Papa’s favorite. Maybe you could take the lead and explain everything to him forus.”

Emily sighed and stood up from the bed. “Oh, Ruth… No wonder Papa frets about you. You have not got a clue, doyou?”

“What do youmean?”

“He wants to see you strong and independent. He wants you to be able to make clear and thoughtful decisions. Hewants…”

Ruth spoke up, “No, that is what you want. What he wants is for me to obey him and not have a life of myown.”

That stopped Emily and made her reconsider. She could not help butlaugh.

“How absolutely correct you are. Very well then, what I suggest is that you introduce Spencer and let him make a case for your marriage. If he is clever and convincing, then you might have a chance of securing his approval. Do you think he is up to thetask?”

Ruth smiled. “I believe he is. He is sensible, educated, and from a good family. What is there not for Papa to approveof?”

“Excellent. Then you have a word with him before you present him to the family and make it clear it is up to him to be clear and assertive. Can you dothat?”

“Oh, Emily, can you speak to him forme?”

“No. He is to be your husband. And it is to be your life. And it is you who must travel yourpath.”

Ruth was silent for a moment, but she finally managed a tortured-looking smile and said, “I can do this. I must do this. I will dothis.”

* * *

The initial introductions had been formally made and the ensemble was now seated in the sittingroom.