The notice in The Times read:

Regarding the Rumors Surrounding Miss Emily Dunn, lately of the Dunn trio

I, Mr. Silas Skeffington, impresario, do hereby refute all rumors surrounding Miss Emily Dunn and myself. There have been scandalous allegations about Miss Dunn’s behavior toward me and I assert, categorically, that they are all untrue. Miss Dunn is the very model of propriety. And I bid all who have been influenced by these rumors to erase all doubt from your mind as to the purity and innocence of the aforementioned Miss Dunn.

Even as Emily read through this notice the first time, she could see that Silas had framed the apology in such a way that he appeared to be completely innocent. And there was just the faintest lingering question—even though he was clearing her name—as to why this notice was even necessary, unless there was some truth to the allegation.

Emily put down The Times at the breakfast table. She had not been sleeping well ever since that terrible day at Mr. Butler’s office and she had been getting up early to look for Silas’s promised notice in the newspaper. And here it was. But it did not settle her mind. She did not trust Silas and would continue to be on the lookout for any of his nefarious undertakings.

Fortunately, he was no longer a presence in her family’s life since the disbanding of the Dunn trio. But he was still a part of Mark’s family and would always be lurking in the background as long as Mark was working with her to help establish her career.

Emily immediately thought about Alice and wondered if she had seen the notice, and if she had, what she might think of it. She wanted to rush over and see her, but it was the day of the old Duke’s funeral and she would be seeing her later, as Emily had been invited to the funeral at Linfield and Alice had promised to pick her up at nine o’clock and take her with the Savoy family. Emily did not know if the Savoys were going to take the twins, but suspected not. They were too young to even understand what it was all about—and they would be a nightmare to handle, even if they brought along the nanny.

Molly had brought Emily her tea, warm toast, and an egg cup. It was quite lovely to eat by oneself, she thought—unburdened by the low simmering tension in the family. And then her mind drifted, as it often did, to Mark—and that kiss. And though it gave her pleasure to recall the event, it also disturbed her—not because of his action, but because of her response.

As often happened, that remembrance made her think of Linton. Sweet Linton. The boy Linton—who, while talented, was not yet a man. She had had a note from him just yesterday, saying he missed seeing her at the trio’s rehearsals—as they were now disbanded—and asked her to meet with him so they could discuss the pieces they wanted to play at their encore engagement at the café.

Emily knew she must respond, but with all the turmoil in her life these past days, the thought of a lighthearted performance at the café was the last thing she wanted to think about.

Mother and Papa came into the breakfast room at the same time and interrupted her thoughts and solitude. Emily slipped the newspaper to the floor beside her chair. Fortunately, Papa did not ask to read The Times, but engaged Mother in a conversation she initiated about the plans for Ruth’s wedding.

It had been decided that the wedding would be held in London, before the couple returned to Bristol after Spencer’s graduation, as Mother did not like the thought of Ruth following Spencer unless the knot had been tied.

And as the parents were discussing the venue for the wedding, Ruth came in and sat at her place at the table.

“No, Mother. We cannot have the reception here at the house. There is just not enough room, and it would disrupt the entire household for days on end,” Papa insisted.

“But we could use the garden,” Mother suggested.

“Still no,” Papa said firmly.

“But Papa,” Ruth spoke up, “Then where? All the places I have investigated have been booked, or are too small or disgusting.”

Emily then suggested, “I could speak to Fanny. Harrods has several fine rooms they let out for receptions that most people are not aware of. I am certain she could arrange it. And they are even capable of doing the catering.”

“What a splendid idea,” Ruth said, lighting up.

Mother nodded in reluctant agreement and Papa asked, “How much is that going to cost?”

“I will speak to Fanny and get all the details so you can decide, but remember, the wedding date is coming up shortly and there is not a lot of time to dither about.”

“Can you speak to her today?” Ruth asked.

“Not today. I have the funeral at Linfield.”

“Then I shall speak to her myself,” Ruth said. “As you say, we do not have a lot of time.”

Mother tutted. “Poor old Duke. He was not that old, was he?”

“Mother said you were there when he died,” Ruth commented.

“I was playing for him at the time. And I would like to think he passed serenely to the music he loved.”

No one responded to that delicate moment, so Emily rose, picked up the newspaper, tucked it under her arm, and excused herself. It was time to get ready for the funeral.

* * *

Mercifully, Alice and Chester had left the twins to Nanny’s care at home.

The mood in the carriage was somber, Alice, undoubtedly, thinking of her father. Chester, while supportive of his wife, seemed to be preoccupied with other matters—perhaps business related.

After a time, Emily asked Alice, “Did you see Silas’s notice in The Times this morning?”

Alice snapped out of her inner thoughts and replied. “No, I did not. So, the old reprobate came through, did he?”

Emily had cut out the notice and she now dug it out of her bag.

“Here,” she said, handing it to Alice.

Alice read it and looked up, quizzically. “What a strange notice.”

“Yes, I thought so too,” Emily replied.

“It is as though he was totally uninvolved and he is taking on your redemption as a favor.”

Emily laughed. “Yes, that is exactly it.” Then she had another thought. “Is he likely to be at the funeral?”

“I would expect so, unless Mark has banished him for some reason. And I feel certain he would have informed us, if that was the case.”

“I have to say, I am somewhat apprehensive about seeing him again.”

Alice made a fist and shook it. “Just let him try anything and I shall be your protector.”

Emily chuckled. “That is most reassuring.”

Eventually, the carriage arrived at Linfield and Emily was surprised to see the large number of people attending the funeral. The old Duke must have been much beloved.

As they left the carriage, Alice and Chester were directed to the library where the immediate family was gathering, and Emily was escorted to the room where she had given her recital—where the other guests were waiting.

Refreshments were offered and Emily wandered the room nodding to several people she recognized. And a few even spoke to her, recognizing her from the recital.

A few even looked at her askance and she wondered if they had read The Times notice and were reacting to that.

The funeral ceremony was to be held in the Linfield chapel and the burial was to be held at the family plot in a secluded part of the estate.

As the guests were ushered to the chapel, they were joined by the Linfield family. Mark caught Emily’s gaze and nodded, which she returned. Grandmother was dressed in a great deal of black lace and was dabbing her nose with a handkerchief as she was supported by Baggs and Silas. Alice and Chester were on either side of Mark who was leading the way.

The chapel was not large, and Emily wondered if all the guests would be able to fit inside for the funeral—but all did, although many needed to stand as there were not enough seats.

The family was in the left front row and Emily had found a seat to the left of the center aisle about halfway back.

A small organ played a Bach chorale partita. Emily could not help herself and found she was fingering the piece and critiquing the organ player for being far too slow and lugubrious—but it was a funeral, after all, so she forgave the musician.

Silas, who was in the far left front row next to Grandmother, kept turning around and glancing at Emily. But he made no move to contact her. Emily did not know if that was because he was tending to Grandmother, or because he felt restrained by Mark’s injunction.

Finally, when all were gathered, the funeral started. The chapel was close and hot with all these bodies, but the ritual of the funeral passed Emily by almost unnoticed, as she was distracted by the events of the past few days.

When the coffin was carried out by the pallbearers, Emily noticed Mark was leading and, as he passed her row, he gave her a quick, slight smile. And she was shocked to notice, that even that brief acknowledgment sent her heart racing and her palms sweating.

The casket was loaded into the hearse carriage and that was followed by the cortege of carriages assembled to transport the mourners to the gravesite.

The internment was brief and efficient, and the family led the way back to the cortege. Soon all were transported to Linfield Hall. Here was a reception buffet in the room where the guests had assembled previously.

The family was gathered at the entrance to the room and many important and powerful looking ladies and gentlemen filed by to offer their condolences. Emily held back and, not being escorted, was generally ignored. She had taken a small plate of food from the buffet table, as she had had little breakfast, and as it was well after noon, she was hungry.

Emily caught Alice looking over to her several times, and eventually Alice broke away from the family and came to her.

“How are you holding up?” Alice asked.

“I am fine, but what about you? This must be a very trying occasion for you.”

“We all knew Father was fading and would leave us soon, so we were prepared. Of course, one experiences the loss, but at the same time, I was expecting it, so it was not so much of a shock.” Then Alice remembered her task, and said, “Mark asked me to tell you he would like to have a word with you as soon as the condolences are finished.”

A chill rushed through Emily’s body at that, but she remained calm. “Of course. And when are you and Chester thinking of leaving?”

“Oh, I haven’t told you. Mark asked us to stay the night. Grandmother is taking this badly. To lose a child is always wrenching. And he feels having the family around her will help.”

“Oh,” Emily said, not sure how she would get home.

“You are welcome to stay here, of course. I believe the room you occupied before is still available to you. But transportation can certainly be arranged if you need to return home.”

Emily was definitely conflicted. She would love to stay and be a part of this family, which was becoming increasingly familiar to her. But, at the same time, she had her own family and duties in London.

“Let me think about that. But I do not want to be an imposition, so I am not sure it is appropriate for me to stay when your family is grieving.”

Alice gave Emily a hug. “My dear, you already are a part of this family. Grandmamma adores you, as do Mark and me.”

“And Silas?” Emily asked with a wry smile.

That sent Alice laughing. “Ah, well… Silas is the black sheep and does not count.”

“And speak of the devil…” Emily said, nodding toward Silas as he was seen approaching them from across the room.

But before he could arrive, Mark broke free from the receiving line and headed directly to Silas, interrupting his march toward Emily and Alice.

Mark then had words with Silas that the two ladies could not hear. But, while Mark was speaking to him, Silas kept glancing at them with menacing looks. But they could see Mark physically restrain Silas with his hand and Silas finally backed away and left the room.

Mark then continued on toward them. He took Alice’s arm and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“Miss Emily, thank you so much for being here for us. I cannot tell you how much it means to all of us. Grandmamma commented on how welcome you were and what a great honor it was to have you here.”

Emily lowered her eyes at such a profuse compliment, but replied, “Thank you, Mark. It means a lot to me to be welcomed.”

Then Mark took her hand and said, “That Father passed while you were playing for him was such a great gift and we are forever grateful to you for that gesture.”

Alice then laid her hand on Mark’s arm. “Brother, as Chester and I brought Emily with us, and since we are to stay the night, I have invited Emily to remain with us. She can have her room from the weekend. Would that be an inconvenience?”

Mark and Emily’s eyes locked for a brief moment. There was a hint of panic in Mark’s eyes, but he responded, “Of course, she must stay.” Then he addressed Emily, “Unless you desire to return and then I know one of our guests would be happy to escort you home. However, because many of our friends have come a great distance to be at the funeral, quite a few are also staying the night.”

Again, their eyes locked and Emily felt torn. She wanted to stay but was uncertain how Mark might react if she did stay. While Mark’s gaze registered panic, it also contained a hint of desire and a plea for her to remain.

Then quietly Emily nodded. “If I can help in any way, I would be happy to stay.”

Mark beamed, and said, “Perhaps you might play just a little after supper. I know Grandmamma would be so pleased.”

Then Emily smiled at the thought of being useful. “Oh, I should like that very much. Are there any piano pieces that are her favorites?”

Alice suggested a few and Emily was pleased to be able to perform those for her. She then turned to Mark, “And do you have any favorites?”

Mark smiled and playfully pinched his sister’s arm. “I would love to hear that new piece by Reginald Blake. Have you learned it yet?”

Emily smiled. “Not yet, but there is the piece I performed previously, if that will suit you?”

“I think we can make do with that.”