Mark’s first duty the next morning was to visit Grandmamma. He was concerned that she might not approve of the engagement, especially as it was immediately on the heels of his father’s death. She absolutely had to be the first person he informed—even before his beloved sister.

He had made Emily promise not to reveal the engagement until he had notified his family first. Since she was staying with them, it was not an issue. Her family and friends could wait to be informed until the proper ducal protocols had been followed.

Except for the occasional furtive glances and smiles, Mark felt strange having breakfast with Emily present, without acknowledging the change in their relationship. However, Mark’s concerns were relieved by the fact there were many guests breakfasting and preparing to leave right after the morning meal. That kept Mark occupied, visiting with each guest, and receiving their final condolences.

It was not until time for the Duchess’s late morning tea when Mark felt comfortable visiting her.

“Good morning, Grandmamma,” Mark greeted as he entered her chambers. He gave Baggs a discreet nod, indicating he wished to speak to the Duchess privately.

This gesture did not escape the Duchess and she asked, “Is there a problem, Mark?”

“Not at all,” he said, sitting next to her on her divan. “In fact, I have some splendid news.”

The Duchess’s face clouded over and she shifted slightly. “What good news can there possibly be so soon after my son’s passing?”

She was still dressed in her mourning attire looking particularly dour. Mark almost thought about delaying the announcement of his engagement, instead deciding against it, even if it pained her, because he knew it would be unfair to Emily asking her to postpone the announcement to her family.

“Grandmamma,” he started, placing his arm along the back of the divan behind her. “I know you may think this is an inappropriate time to make this announcement, but I am engaged to be married.”

At first his grandmother’s brows knitted in what appeared to be disapproval, but then she beamed asking, “And when did you ask Sophie? It seemed you barely spoke to her at all last evening.”

“Grandmamma, it is not Sophie whom I have asked.” He let that statement register before he proceeded.

“Is it that young woman?”

“Emily Dunn. That is her name.”

Grandmother turned from him and took a moment to collect her thoughts before replying, “What happened? I do not understand. You and Sophie…”

“No, Grandmamma, Miss Sophie and I have always been friends, and for me, she was not really a desirable bride, except in your mind. I went along with your wishes until it became obvious to me that Emily Dunn was the one I wanted to wed.”

“But as a Duchess?” Grandmother asked, appearing to be appalled.

“Yes, as a Duchess. She may not have the pedigree that you imagined for that position, but she is the kindest, most intelligent, talented, and beautiful creature I have ever encountered. And I have asked her to be my bride.”

The Duchess folded her hands in her lap, giving a long, serious thought to his announcement, finally saying, “I must admit, she is a lovely girl and I like her very much. Not to mention her immense talent.” She seemed to consider a new point. “And what about that? Is she willing to give up her ambitions for a solo musical career to become a duchess?”

“Not at all. And I would not ask it of her. Grandmamma, it is I who discovered her great talent and proposed expanding it.”

“But as the new Duchess of Edgerton, she will have responsibilities that would preclude her from having such a career outside of Linfield Hall.”

“That might be the conventional way of thinking, but she shall be the ‘new’ Duchess. I believe that she and I together will be able to manage our ducal responsibilities and maintain her career. After all, she will have you to guide and advise her.”

The Duchess seemed to take comfort in that thought. “That is true—if she is susceptible to my guidance.”

“I have no doubt she will eagerly accept your guiding wisdom and you shall become fast friends,” Mark said, standing now and gazing down at his grandmother with a large grin.

The Duchess studying him, asked, “And you truly love this woman?”

“With all my heart, soul, and being.”

Grandmother sat quietly for a moment, lost in her own thoughts, and then looking up to him said, “As I did your grandfather.” Nodding, she added, “Send her to me so that we may discuss what her new responsibilities shall be—at her convenience.”

“Thank you, Grandmamma, I am very happy.”

“And have you set a date?” she asked.

“Not yet. I am relying on your guidance in that matter.”

Grandmother considered and said, “An autumn wedding is always nice, I think. Let me see… it is now late June… mid-October seems about right. Does that suit you?”

“Very well, although I wish it were sooner.”

“Of course, you do. You are a man with little patience.”

Mark laughed. “As are all men, I expect.”

“In matters of the heart, that is most certainly true.”

* * *

“Were you able to tell Alice about our engagement before she and Chester left?” Emily asked.

Mark smiled. “I did, and I was only sorry you were not there to receive her generous hug. She was so disappointed you were up with Grandmamma, but they needed to get back to the twins. She said, if they did not get back soon, they would lose yet another nanny.”

“I will visit her when I return,” Emily said.

“I want to go back to London with you. We should announce the engagement together to your family,” Mark said, as he held Emily’s hand in his while strolling along the lake path.

A couple of swallows seemed to be playing overhead in the clear summer’s early-afternoon sky. A bank of fluffy clouds was piling high above them, but threatening no rain. However, Mark’s attention was momentarily distracted as a fish jumped in the pond and Emily suspected he wanted to try and catch it. However, he immediately returned his attention to his fiancé, saying, “After all, it is my duty to ask your father for your hand in marriage.”

“You would do that? So soon after your father’s passing?” Emily asked.

“I can mourn my father while equally rejoicing in the happiness of our nuptials.”

“But is that proper?” Emily asked.

“Well, look at you… suddenly the expert on social customs.”

“Well, after my meeting with your grandmother, I am now keenly aware of my new responsibilities. And I want to be the best wife and Duchess that I can possibly be.”

“Did she overwhelm you with all of her ‘must dos’ and ‘must don’ts’?” Mark asked.

“No, it was more like guidelines. But with access to her if I have any questions on specific points of protocol or other related matters. I am certain all will run smoothly.”

Mark seemed to hesitate a moment, turning to her with a questioning look. “But before we return to London, there is a very delicate and important task I must perform.”

“Sophie?” Emily asked.

Mark nodded. “I must tell her of our engagement. If she should hear it from someone else…”

“I understand,” Emily said squeezing Mark’s hand.

“I shall go to see her immediately after lunch. Are you all right with that?”

“Do you want me to go with you?”

“Oh no, I must do this alone.”

Emily nodded, “Of course. It was insensitive for me to even suggest that.”

Now he squeezed her hand. “I know. It is difficult for me to be separated from you for even a moment. I paced nervously when you went to sit with Grandmamma. I could not wait until you returned.”

Emily laughed, “However are we to manage as a successful couple if we can never be separated? With my family and my music, and your estate and responsibilities at the House of Lords, we cannot always be together. We are going to have to get used to that.”

“How wise you are.”

“But that is not to say I shall be happy being separated,” she added.

“Then you must excuse me while I leave you to inform Sophie of our engagement.”

“And you are excused.”

* * *

Mark was feeling a great deal of sorrow as he entered the drawing room where Sophie was occupied with her maid sorting through a box of buttons.

Sophie gave Mark a large grin and stood up while dismissing her maid with a wave of her hand.

“Mark, how lovely to see you. I was in the process of looking for buttons as eyes for a doll I am making my young niece.”

She practically danced over and threw her arms around Mark. He very gently but firmly pulled her arms away. Her countenance immediately darkened.

“What?” she asked, stepping backward.

“Please sit with me. I have something to tell you.”

“Is it your grandmother?” she asked, sensing something momentous had happened.

“No, the Duchess is well,” he said, leading her to a sofa where they sat.

“Are you still grieving over your father?” she asked, as she reached for his hand, which he refused to allow.

This darkened her countenance even more, and she sat very straight and demanded, “What. Tell me now.”

Mark took a breath and said, “I am engaged to be married to Emily Dunn.”

Sophie’s face remained remarkably calm and she said nothing.

Then Mark pleaded, “Please remember our enduring friendship. Ever since we were children we have had a deep and abiding affection for one another. Do not let your disappointment in what you hoped would be our marriage detract from our lifelong relationship.”

To his surprise, she formed a faint smile and answered, “I have been expecting this meeting for some time now. How can you think I did not know where you were headed? We have always been able to read each other and, of course, I could see that Emily was besotted with you as well.”

“Then why have you persisted in this charade of courting without telling me you knew?”

“Because I thought you might want a cover with your father and grandmother. Miss Emily hardly seemed to be the sort of woman they would look for as the bride of a duke.” Mark was truly surprised by her answer. “And how is your grandmother taking the news of this surprise engagement?” Sophie asked.

“Very well. She is very fond of Emily, and after some reassurances, I believe they will make a good team—the two duchesses. But what about you? I hope your cover for me has not impeded your own romantic life.”

“Oh, no. I have been seeing a young man—a family friend—who is the first son of a count and will one day run a quite lovely estate in Hampshire.

“I see.” Mark laughed. “And I came here thinking I was the one with a surprise and it ends up being you who held the trump card.”

They both laughed.

“Oh, Sophie, I cannot tell you how relieved I am at your great news. And how happy I am for you and your new beau. And I trust we shall never keep such secrets from each other ever again, and always remain the best of friends.”