Page 93 of A Dashing Duke for Emily

“Are there others whom you are helping in such a manner?” Emily asked with a surprising twinge ofjealousy.

“There are institutions I have benefited, but, as of yet, I have found no other individuals with the talents that youpossess.”

Emily was surprised at the satisfaction that answer gaveher.

“Well, then… I have my work cut out for me, do I not? I can see I must concentrate fully on my program of music. And I must get with Giles and set up a rigorous rehearsalschedule.”

“Ah… and that reminds me,” Alice said as she stood. “Excuse me, I shall be right back. I have something for you,Emily.”

As she left the room, Emily looked to Mark to see if he knew what she might present to her. But heshrugged.

Shortly Alice returned with a music manuscript and presented it toher.

“Reggie Blake asked me to give this to you. It is his latest work for solo piano and he intended it for yourtour.”

Emily looked up and saw the mirth in Alice’s eyes, and she said, “And tell Mr. Blake how much I appreciate his kind thought, and I shall do all in my power to do justice to--what I am certain--is a magnificent piece ofmusic.”

Both Alice and Marklaughed.

* * *

Mark seemed distracted when he picked Emily up for their appointment at Butler, Goodwin, and Winter. As they passed along the London streets, Mark stared ahead, his hands resting on his walking stick. Emily finally reached over and gently touched hisarm.

“Mark, you seem distracted. Are you feelingpoorly?”

Mark turned to her and managed a weak smile. “I am sorry Emily, it is that I have had bad news from Linfield. Father is not doing well and the doctor fears he will not last muchlonger.”

Emily was stricken. “Oh, Mark, then why are we doing this today? You should returnhome.”

“Thank you, but there is nothing I can do but sit beside him, and I feel the urgency of your situation. I shall return to Linfield when we have concluded ourmeeting.”

“Oh,Mark…”

He smiled weakly and was silent until they reached the Butleroffices.

As they ascended the stairs to the suite of offices, Emily kept glancing at Mark and seeing the pain in his furrowed brow. It made her heart ache to think that the old man might soon bepassing.

As they entered the offices, a gentleman greeted them and led them to a room with a small conference table. He offered them refreshment but they both refused. Then the man left, saying that Mr. Butler would be with themshortly.

It seemed to be a long time but, twenty minutes later, the same gentleman appeared and asked the two to follow him. He led them to Mr. Butler’s office and theyentered.

Mr. Butler was at his desk but did not look up at their entrance, instead, continuing to study a correspondence on hisdesk.

Mark presently cleared his throat, and Mr. Butler lookedup.

“Sit down,” he said, offering no othergreeting.

They sat in the two chairs placed in front of his desk and continued towait.

Then, finally, he turned his attention to them, and studied them for a moment or two before saying, “Miss Dunn, we have aproblem.”

Emily wasstunned.

Mark immediately asked, “What sort of aproblem?”

Mr. Butler stood and began pacing behind his desk. “I have had a visit from Mr. Silas Skeffington, your uncle, I believe,” he said, nodding towardMark.

“Yes, my uncle. He was at theweekend.”