It was a lovely early June morning and Emily had not started her morning practicing. She definitely had spring fever and was sitting in the back garden on the wrought iron bench under the beech proudly displaying its new leaves. She had a book on her lap and she really had intended to read it, but she was so enchanted with the passing clouds, she had not yet started.

But Emily was interrupted in her reverie by Ruth’s approach.

“Dearest sister,” Ruth greeted, “Might I sit beside you?”

“Of course,” she answered, scooting from the middle of the bench to the left side.

Now Ruth was not the warmest person that Emily knew, but the concerned look on Ruth’s face revealed a new vulnerability that Emily had never seen before.

Ruth did not speak up but sat still with her head lowered. Emily placed her hand on top of Ruth’s.

“Sister, you look troubled. Is there something you wish to share with me?”

Ruth regarded her with a look of pleading in her eyes. “Oh, yes, Emily if we might speak…” But she then cast a stressful glance toward the house, before continuing. “Can we go somewhere? It is something I wish no one else to overhear.”

“We are quite private here,” Emily said, “And we can see if anyone were to approach.”

“I know, but I was hoping we might take a stroll in the park.”

Emily smiled, surprised to see this side of her sister, who was always so composed and in control. “Of course, we can. And what a lovely day it is for such a stroll.”

Ruth stood first and turned to Emily. “I shall go and fetch our shawls and meet you in the entryway.”

“Very well,” Emily said as she stood.

Ruth scurried off and Emily followed, somewhat relieved not to read or, for the moment, practice.

The sisters met at the front door and left the house.

“Have you told Mother we were leaving?”

“Yes. I said we were to discuss trio business and wanted to enjoy the lovely morning in the park,” Ruth said.

“And is that what you want to discuss?”

Ruth regarded Emily and her right eye twitched. “Not really. It is something personal.”

They entered Kensington Gardens via Hyde Park Gate and headed toward the Serpentine, a long narrow body of water in the middle of the park. It was a favorite spot for strolling couples. Linking arms, they began to follow the shore walk in silence. Emily opened her handbag and pulled out a tin of mint pastilles, opened it, and offered one to Ruth.

“Have a mint?”

“Thank you,” she said taking one out of the tin and giving Emily another of her pleading glances.

Emily stopped, took out a pastille and closed the tin, putting it back in her bag, and then took Ruth by the shoulders.

“Very well, Ruth. It is time to start telling me what this is all about. I want to hear you out, but I also need to get home to my practicing. What is it you want to tell me?”

“Oh, Emily, I am in love,” Ruth blurted out.

That did surprise Emily. “And who is the young man? Someone we might know?”

Ruth shook her head. “No. We met at the library, of all places. He is from Bristol and is in London studying for a certificate in accounting. He is to be finished in just a few months and must return home. And he wants me to return with him… as his wife, of course.”

This was shocking news, indeed. This had huge implications for the whole family’s future. Most importantly it might mean the dissolution of the trio and give Emily the opportunity to follow her solo career. But she dared not give that thought free rein. She must focus on her sister’s needs for the moment.

“And have you spoken to Mother or Papa about this development?”

Ruth looked startled. “Oh, not at all! It would cause the most absolute uproar.”

Emily could not help but laugh. “Yes, that it would. But Mother would be sympathetic, do you not think?”

“Perhaps, but if I told her, you know she would immediately blabber to Papa about it, and then I would be the subject of his eternal rage.”

Emily nodded as Ruth took a piece of stale bread out of her pocket and began breaking it up and tossing it to the ducks swimming along the lake’s banks.

“But what about the trio, Ruth? You know, if you leave, it will break Papa’s heart.”

Ruth looked up. “What heart?”

Emily tsked. “Now Ruth, you know that is unfair. He cares a great deal for all of us.”

“As long as we are his good and obedient little girls. Do you really think he sees us as grown women with our own lives to lead?”

Emily had to agree that seemed to be a fair assessment. “I believe you have a point, but what of your career? And what of the trio?”

Ruth linked her arm with Emily again and they continued walking. “Oh, my dear sister, do you really believe we have any chance of successful careers, besides yourself, of course? I would think you would welcome this as a grand escape from our paltry little trio. I truly think that without you we would disappear within a few months. Our audiences come mostly to see you or out of curiosity to see the female musicians.”

Emily had to acknowledge the truth of what Ruth said. She could not have said it better herself, and she quietly rejoiced at the truth of her sister’s observation.

“And have you spoken to Teresa about your new beau and your feelings about the trio?”

Ruth chuckled. “Oh, sister, please be serious. Poor dear Teresa is so self-absorbed she barely notices anything of consequence all day long. She shuffles about in a near trance, her nose in a book, pushing her eyeglasses up her nose when she is not blowing it.”

Emily let out a guilty laugh. “Ruth, do not be so cruel. Remember she is the youngest and is… perhaps a little lacking in certain social skills.”

“Now, you are being too kind.”

“So, when do you plan to introduce your young man to the family? And does he have a name?”

“Spencer Trilby. And as for introducing him, that is exactly my dilemma. How can I introduce him without the whole subject of the trio coming up? What should I do?”

Emily considered that. “Perhaps you and I could go together to talk to Papa. He might be more temperate if there were the two of us supporting your marriage?”

“You would do that for me?”

“Of course.”

Ruth thought about that. “Oh, Emily, I know exactly how he will respond if you are there or not.”

“Then perhaps you might introduce me to your young man first? And after meeting him, I might be able to think of some way of approaching Papa without him exploding. And what do you know of this man’s family?”

“His father is a shipping merchant in Bristol. He has two brothers and a sister. That is about all I know, besides the fact that Spencer is to become the head accountant in his father’s firm after he gets his certificate.”

Emily glanced over at Ruth. “And this is the kind of life that would suit you after all your years of musical training?”

“Oh, Emily, it would be such a relief. Not to say that I do not enjoy playing, but the pressure has become so intense. When I am in Bristol, I might seek out other musicians and perhaps play for the fun of it. But you know the relentless practice Papa requires of us.”

“I do. But then, to be honest, I put even more pressure on myself. My music is my life.”

“Yes, for you that is so. For me, not so much.”

“Then perhaps you can set up a time for Spencer and me to meet?”

Ruth gave her first smile since they started walking. “I would be happy to.”

“I know of a charming tea shop near the studio,” Emily said. “Perhaps after a trio rehearsal?”

Ruth sighed. “How wonderful of you. Thank you.”

“But remember, even if I meet him, you are still going to have to face Papa eventually.”

“Please do not remind me. Perhaps it would be best for the two of us to just run off together and get married in Bristol.”

“Oh, Ruth… That would devastate both of our parents. Can you imagine Mother being left out of planning a wedding? She would never forgive you.”

Ruth wagged her head. “And I would miss planning it with her.”

“Very well, then… let me meet this young man of yours and see what the next step might be.”

* * *

Emily was not really nervous about attending the luncheon with Mark’s sister, but she did want to make the best possible impression. After all, she was used to performing in front of large audiences on a regular basis. But there was something about the Duke of Edgerton that both intrigued and frightened her. Not frightened really… more like challenged her. She wanted him to see her in the best possible light. But why? There was no romantic attachment between them. Or was there? She shook off the very thought of such an idea.

She rummaged through her wardrobe looking for what might be a suitable ensemble for the luncheon. Nothing too formal—after all, it was not an evening performance. But something stylish, light, and breezy. She chose a charming, cornflower-blue dress with white cuffed sleeves and a collar that was simple but dignified, while being, at the same time, captivating.

It did not seem appropriate to ask Papa for the carriage, so she took a hansom cab to the address Mark had given her. It was a stylish Georgian house in the Mayfair district—definitely a reflection of a family comfortably off.

The door was opened by a beautiful and charming looking young lady.

“And you must be Emily,” the lady said, “I am Alice Savoy, Mark’s sister. Do please come in. So sorry to answer the door myself, but Matilda is up in the nursery helping nanny with a spill emergency.” She laughed as she escorted Emily toward the sitting room. “The emergencies never cease with three-year-old twin boys.” Then she laughed. “And forgive me for rattling on. I have not let you get a single word in.”

“Yes, I am Emily Dunn. Mark has raved about his baby sister, and now I can see why. You are indeed lovely.”

Alice actually blushed as they entered the drawing room.

“Everyone, this is Miss Emily Dunn. Perhaps you have heard of her or attended one of her many renowned concerts.”

Emily surveyed the room and saw Mark standing next to his grandmother. There were two other guests besides Giles, both elderly gentlemen.

“You know Mark, the Duchess, and Giles, and these two gentlemen are periodical music critics. And when I mentioned you were coming for luncheon, they got down on their knees and begged to be invited so they might meet you in person. And how could I refuse them such an honor?”

Emily extended her hand to the first gentleman. “Emily Dunn.”

“Professor Henry Wilton-Barrington,” he said as he stood.

“Mr. Gerald Billings,” the other said, also standing.

Both gentlemen looked somewhat disheveled and one had ink-stained fingers and the other had tobacco stained hands. Both were balding and had red noses and vein streaked cheeks. Emily amused herself thinking of them as a variation on Tweedledum and Tweedledee.

“It is a great pleasure to meet such distinguished gentlemen,” she said, and then turned her attention to Mark and the Duchess after smiling at Giles, and then walking over and nodding to Grandmother and shaking hands with Mark.

“How lovely you look today, my dear,” the Duchess said. “Mark says you are not to play for us this afternoon. What a shame.”

Mark turned to her and admonished. “Grandmamma, she is a guest not a performer today.”

“Might I fetch you a glass of wine?” Alice asked. “We are having Cook’s signature fish prepared with shallots and cream, so we are serving a delightful Rülander.”

“That would be lovely,” Emily said.

The maid had returned and, at Alice’s nod, she came over with a glass of wine for Emily.

The two gentlemen guests came over and pulled Emily aside and engaged her in conversation before lunch was served. She cast a quick glance over toward Mark who was engaged in conversation with Alice and his grandmother so she turned her attention fully on the two men.

Before long, Alice said that lunch was ready and to please follow her to the dining room. The table was beautifully set with fine china, silver, and several low flower arrangements that did not obstruct the view of the guests chatting with each other.

Emily was happy to see that she was seated on Mark’s left, as he was to sit at one end of the table, while she faced the Duchess opposite. Alice was at the head of the table with the two critics on either side of her, with Giles to the right of the Duchess.

The Duchess caught Emily’s attention as the soup was being served and asked, “When is your next performance?”

“Next week. The trio is performing in Whitehall—an afternoon concert for a charity function.”

“How charming. However, I shall be back at Linfield Hall. My constitution does not allow me long stays in London. I am only here today for my hairdresser and this lunch. And it is so lovely to see Alice every now and then. She does not get to Linfield very often because of the twins.”

Emily nodded. “Shall I tell you a little secret?

“Oh, I love secrets,” the Duchess said.

“Although Mark does not know, I am planning a little recital after luncheon to entertain the guests—and most especially, you.”

“Now that sounds delightful,” the Duchess added, as she added a great deal of white pepper to her soup.

After Emily was served, she turned to Mark and asked, “Have you spoken to Mr. Skeffington about the matter we discussed at tea the other day?”

Mark leaned toward her and said softly, “I have not been able to get hold of him. I am most disappointed and so sorry for the confusion. I hope to get the matter cleared up shortly.”

Mr. Billings, who was seated to Emily’s left turned to her and asked, “Before you arrived, the Duke was telling us of your fine concert the other evening and hinted that you might be touring the continent on a concert series. I should love to know the details when they are finalized.”

This surprised Emily and she replied, “Oh, that is by no means a certainty. I am still part of the trio and there are no immediate plans for a solo tour.”

“I am indeed sorry to hear that. I should avail myself of a trip to Paris if you were to perform there. You see, I have a penchant for the lovely city and will make any excuse to visit. And if it was to be graced by one of your performances I should book my travel and hotel immediately.”

“You are too kind.”

Emily was not placed where she could carry on a convenient conversation with Alice, whom she found to be very engaging and she longed to speak with her and hoped that they might have a chat later after lunch.

The fish was quite delicious and it was a great treat to have the first fresh strawberries of the season at the end of the meal.

As the meal was finishing, Emily stood and tapped her wine glass with a knife to catch everyone’s attention.

“Ladies and gentlemen, if you are so inclined, I should like to offer a brief recital as the after-luncheon entertainment.”

The guests broke into applause at the lovely idea.

Emily turned to Mark, and smiled, saying, “I am doing this because I want to, not because I have to. Also, I did not get my morning practice in, so this will give me an opportunity to keep up with my work.”

“Miss Emily—sorry, I must call you Emily—I could not be more delighted.”

They retired to the drawing room where Emily seated herself at a quite fine baby grand piano and gave her performance of Bach, Mozart, and a piece by Reginald Blake.

Afterward, the two critics stood and clapped loudly, besieging her as she rose from the piano stool. They were effusive in their praise of her playing, and they were soon joined by Giles, Mark, and Alice also complimenting her on her performance.

Alice quietly asked, “And what made you chose a Reginald Blake piece? He is not quite in the company of Mozart and Bach.”

Emily smiled slyly, “Call it a whim. Your bother is quite an admirer of his work.”

“I see,” Alice said with an equally sly smile.

Both critics then excused themselves, citing their need to return to their offices and Emily could see that the Duchess was tiring and felt it was time for her to leave as well. She went over to Alice who was chatting with Mark.

Emily addressed Mark, “Your grandmother looks to be fading, so I shall excuse myself.” She turned to Alice, “What a charming luncheon, thank you.”

Alice took Emily’s hands in hers. “My dearest, Emily. This has been all too brief and we have had no time at all to chat and get to know one another. I should very much like it if we could meet again soon—as two sisters. I long to know you better and make you one of my dearest friends.”

“And I should like that very much, as well,” she said, grinning broadly. “And although I already have two sisters, I feel that we shall be even closer than sisters.”

* * *

After Alice ushered Emily and Giles out, she returned to the sitting room to Mark and the Duchess. The Duchess was engaged with putting her eyeglasses back into its case. Alice pulled Mark aside, out of range of the Duchess’s hearing, and said, “My darling brother, she is every bit as enchanting as you suggested. I do believe she is far superior to your Sophie and I highly encourage you to consider her as the next Duchess of Edgerton.”

“She is delightful, is she not? And so very talented. Do you think Grandmamma might be taken with her as well?”

“How could she not be? Then let us ask?” Alice went over to where the Duchess was seated. “Grandmamma, did you enjoy the luncheon and the recital?”

“Oh, yes, very much. But I thought the sauce on the fish was a little too salty. You must speak to your cook about that.”

Alice laughed and sat down next to her grandmother and took her hand. “I most certainly shall. But tell me… did you not find Miss Emily enchanting? I most certainly did.”

“We chatted some at lunch and, without a doubt, she is bright, charming, and even witty. A most accomplished young lady.”

Alice looked at Mark who met her gaze. She decided that the Duchess was sufficiently admiring of Miss Emily, and she let the matter rest, but gave Mark a nod as if to indicate the ball was now in his court regarding Miss Emily.