My darling sister,” Mark exclaimed as he entered his sister, Alice’s, drawing room—a delightful, bright and spacious room that felt warm, welcoming, and comfortable.

Alice bounded up from her desk, where she was working on a composition, when she saw her brother. She rushed to him and they threw their arms around each other.

Alice was younger than Mark but definitely had the family traits. She had the same refined features that ran in the family, only her blonde hair was darker than her brother’s and curly. She had beautiful long slim hands and she used them expressively as she talked. But her greatest feature was her eyes, a cross between green and grey but intelligent and piercing.

“Did I interrupt your composing?”

“You did, but what better excuse to avoid having to make a hard decision that I had been dreading. I am not sure if I want this new piece to be a concerto or a sonata. I am afraid, I am still mostly scribbling at this stage.”

“Ah, the workings of the famed composer, Mister Reginald Blake,” Mark said laughing. “Why ever did you take on a man’s name to compose?”

Alice swatted playfully at his arm. “You know very well why. The stigma of a woman composer. I would never have my work performed if those in charge knew who I really was.”

“Poppycock! The world is changing. In fact I only just recently discovered a quite charming trio of female musicians performing right in the heart of London.”

“I had not heard. I should love to hear them perform.”

“And perhaps you shall.”

“And what an unexpected and pleasant surprise to see you this morning,” she said as she took her brother’s hands. “Are you passing by or are you staying in town?”

“No, my dear sister, I am here expressly to see you.”

“How lovely. Will you stay for lunch?”

“Of course. And how are the twins?”

Alice broke free from Mark and rang the servant’s bell. “Oh, you do not want to know. Can you imagine having two three-year-olds at the same time? Poor nanny cannot keep up and I have to spell her from time to time.”

Mark went over to the fireplace and looked at a painting hanging above the mantel. “Is this new?”

“Do you like it?” Alice asked.

Mark waggled his hand. “Somewhat. I am not sure about these new painters. I think I am much happier with the classics. But nothing stays the same for very long, does it?” He turned back to face her. “Do you have time for a chat?”

Just then the maid responded to the bell. “Yes, Miss?”

“My brother will be staying for luncheon, will you inform Cook, please.”

The maid curtsied and left.

Alice went over to the love seat and sat with her legs tucked under, her arm stretched along the back. “Come sit with me, Mark. Ask me whatever you like. I am all yours for the entire morning, unless there is a tantrum in the nursery, of course.”

Mark went over and sat next to his sister. “I need to talk to you about Sophie. Do you remember her?”

“The Baron’s daughter? Of course, she has been your friend since childhood. Although she was never close or interested in being friendly with me.”

“Yes, that one.”

“Have you come to announce your engagement?” Alice asked with a large grin.

“Not yet.”

“I thought everything was arranged and decided. Has there been a development?” she asked taking his hand.

“It is true there has been an ‘understanding’ between the families, but I am not certain. I am still seriously considering marrying her for the family’s sake, but…”

“But what, Mark? What are your reservations?”

“They are not just mine but Grandmamma’s as well.”

“That is interesting. She has always been so traditional, and from my understanding, was squarely behind the idea of you two marrying.”

Mark laid out his reservations as he had with his father and grandmother.

Alice considered his concerns then asked. “If you feel that Sophie is not right for you, is there anyone else who interests you?”

Mark lowered his eyes, smiled and said softly, “There is one fine lady.”

Alice’s interest was sparked. “Tell me about her. What is her name?”

“Miss Emily Dunn. A most charming lady and an immensely talented pianist.”

“How interesting. And is she from a titled family?”

“Not at all.”

“Oh, Grandmamma would not like that,” she said with a laugh.

“Most certainly not. However, the young lady is strikingly lovely. One might even say handsome, with her quiet dignified stature and charming demeanor. But aside from the fact that she is not of the blood, she is also seeking a solo career as a concert pianist. I have met with her and have proposed a grand concert tour for her in Europe a year from now.”

“She sounds delightful.”

“But even if she was titled, I would have concerns.”

“Yes?”

“If she is successful in her career—which I expect she shall be—there is the problem that she will be traveling a great deal of the year and I do not see how that can lead to a stable family situation. There will certainly be children and what kind of a mother can she be if she is performing all over England and the continent?”

“I should very much like to meet her. I would be happy to host a luncheon for her and any other guests you might wish to invite. Perhaps Grandmamma? If she were to meet this charming lady… who knows where that might lead?”

“Oh, she already has met Miss Emily. She was with us when I discovered her at a concert and we all dined together after the concert.”

“And she was impressed?” Alice asked.”

“I think she was impressed with her as a person, but I am not sure music is Grandmamma’s strongest interest, and I saw her nodding off several times during the performance.”

“Well, I should like to meet her myself. I do not attend concerts often because of the twins, but I might be able to help if I can meet her—provided I fall in love with her as you have.”

“Oh, I am certain you will.”

“Then consider it done. If you let me know how I can reach this lovely lady, I will set up a lunch for a week from Wednesday.”

“No, I was thinking of stopping by her studio later this afternoon. I shall invite her then.”

“Very well, and might you be able to coerce Grandmamma to attend as well?”

“I feel certain I can. I know she is planning to come to London next week for her hairdresser. I will make certain her appointment coincides with your luncheon. And I can surely entice her to attend with the lure of seeing you again.”

“Yes, it has been awhile. And I would love to see Grandmamma for her own sake.”

* * *

After his lunch with Alice, Mark had the urge to see Miss Emily and see how things were progressing for her with the idea of solo performing in Europe. He decided to stop by Giles’s studio to see if she might be practicing. He also thought it would be a good time to invite the two of them to Alice’s luncheon. Mark had Giles’s card with him and directed the cabbie to let him off in front of the studio.

Mark climbed the dark stairs of the shabby, old building, that did not seem all that welcoming, and stopped at the studio door when he heard the most sublime Beethoven piano sonata coming from inside. He did not want to interrupt, so he took a seat in a chair outside the door and listened. He could not know for certain if it was Emily who was playing, but he suspected it might be. Transfixed by the beauty of the rendition, he waited until it was finished. Then he stood up and knocked on the door with his walking stick.

Giles answered. “Your Grace, what a surprise. And to what do I have the honor?”

Mark leaned in and asked quietly, “Was that Miss Emily playing the Beethoven sonata?”

“Yes, how did you know?” Giles asked.

“Well… how often does one come across such perfection?”

Emily called out from inside the studio? “Whom are you speaking with?” Then she appeared at the door. “Oh, Mark, what a pleasant surprise, were you happening by?”

“More or less. I was having lunch with my sister, Alice, and we were discussing you. She wants to meet you and suggested a lunch next Wednesday at noon, and since I was already in London, I thought I might stop by to invite the two of you to attend. Is that a possibility?”

“It is for me,” Emily said eagerly.”

“I have a regular student that day at that time, but I can make rearrangements,” Giles added.

“Excellent. And might I invite the two of you to tea? However, I do not know the area and cannot suggest where we might go?”

Giles looked disappointed. “I am sorry. I have a student in just a few minutes and am not free.”

“Miss Emily?”

“I am not really dressed to go out,” she said.

“You look just fine, Miss Emily.”

Emily glanced at her plain, practice dress and smoothed down her skirt, hoping there were no rips or tears.

“Yes, I can go and I happen to know of a delightful teashop just nearby.” She turned to Giles and asked, “Do you mind if I leave now? If you have any comments for me about today’s lesson, perhaps you can convey them to me tomorrow.”

“Of course. You two run along and have a scone for me,” he said smiling.

“You do not mind being left behind?” Emily asked as she gathered up her music portfolio and her shawl.

“Not at all.”

“Miss Emily,” Mark said, offering her his arm and then they headed down the stairs.

Emily directed Mark to the teashop where she and Linton had had their tea. She found it to be comforting and cozy. But, of course, coming here again reminded her of Linton, and she smiled inwardly at the thought of the handsome and polite young man. But it did not divert her attention from the equally handsome and charming Duke of Edgerton. She could not help but dream for a brief moment about how delightful it would be to have such a man as a husband. But she immediately dismissed such thinking as fantasy. It could never be. He was a Duke and she but a middle-class musician.

They sat at a table by a window overlooking the street with its passing vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

“Lovely teashop,” Mark said as he studied the menu.

“Yes, I only just discovered it. Another of Giles’s piano students introduced it to me. He raved about it. And we had the most delicious cream tea, which I highly recommend.”

“Then that is what we shall have. And might I suggest a sherry to accompany the tea?”

Emily looked up from her menu. “Not for me. I must still do some practicing when I get home.”

Emily noticed Mark looked disappointed, but she was not sure if it was because she would not have the sherry or if he might not like the idea of her having had tea with another man. But she realized that was a presumptive thought. Why would he care who she had tea with? Even though she might like to think of Mark as a possible suitor, she knew he was already attached to that handsome Miss Sophie.

Then Mark became distracted by the waitress when she came to take the order.

“Cream tea for two and a sherry for me, young Miss.”

“Yes, sir,” the waitress said with a big smile.

Mark turned to Emily and, clasping his hands together on top of the table, asked, “I have to say, I am a little surprised I have not heard back from you about my offer of a European tour. I thought I made it clear time was of the essence.”

Emily looked down, slightly embarrassed. “I am sorry, Mark. It has not been an easy decision. When Mr. Skeffington came to visit my family, he agreed to help find bookings for the trio. I thought he must have conferred with you, and I thought you had decided against working for a European tour.”

“Silas came to see you?”

“Yes, he set up a meeting with the trio, my father, and Giles. He offered to help set up a British tour for the trio. When I asked him about your proposal for a solo tour of Europe, he said that had been delayed, stressing the fact that my father forbade breaking the trio up. From what he said I presumed he had spoken to you about this and you had agreed.”

Mark was aghast. “He never spoke to me about anything. And certainly not about delaying the idea of a solo tour.”

Emily was greatly perturbed. “Then I do not understand. What is he trying to do?”

It was then the waitress brought the tea cart and started serving them a pot of tea, cakes, scones and small sandwiches. Both Emily and Mark stopped their conversation and sat back in their chairs as the waitress served. Emily was unable to speak until the waitress left, but she could see that Mark was equally agitated.

When the waitress left, Mark stood up and threw his napkin on the table.

“This is totally unacceptable. I must find Silas and see exactly what he is trying to do.”

Emily was startled by his reaction, but reached out and took hold of Mark’s sleeve.

“Not just yet. Sit. Have your tea. Nothing is that urgent.”

Mark laughed and sat down. “You are entirely correct. I am sorry. I got carried away by Silas’s audacity. How dare he change plans without consulting me.”

“Try the currant scones. They are quite marvelous,” Emily said, scooting the plate of scones toward him. And then she played mother and poured them both tea.

Mark seemed to settle down as he drank his tea and put clotted cream and raspberry jam on his scone which he had cut in half.

He put the scone on his plate and stopped for a moment, shook his head and said, “I realize I am entirely missing this wonderful moment with you because of my agitation. Thank you for bringing me here. And you are right. This is not an urgent matter, but one which I shall address as soon as possible. Please excuse me for being upset.”

Emily smiled. How kind he was to be championing her with Silas.

“There is no need for an apology. I was as shocked as you were to find that Silas was not being entirely honest with us. And I have to admit that I am still greatly conflicted myself about this whole situation. I desperately want to accept your offer of a solo tour, but I am also equally obligated to my sisters. Unless we can work something out whereby they will be taken care of, I cannot accept solo work.”

Mark seemed troubled. “I think I understand, but I just cannot believe you would pass up this great opportunity to tour, just because your far less talented sisters will not be provided for. It is grossly unfair to you and your talent. I hope you understand that.”

“I may, but my father does not.”

“Might it help if I were to speak to him, do you think?” Mark asked. “I could lay out the proposed tour in detail and he could see the great opportunity this would afford you. And the potential for the magnitude of your success would be far greater than the fame of your less than stellar trio. Would that not help persuade him?”

Emily considered that, sighed, and shook her head. “I wish it were that simple. You are talking about a man’s dream. My father wanted to be a great musician, but he did not have the talent. So he imbued his children with his dream and put all of his hopes and dreams on us. We are not dealing with a rational man open to rational thinking. You are welcome to try, but I doubt you will be able to change his mind.”

Mark nodded. “Perhaps you are right. I think what I shall do first is speak with Silas. I need to find out what he is up to and then we might be able to reconcile this whole mess and work out a solution that will satisfy everyone. Will you let me try that?”

“That sounds most reasonable. But I suggest you speak with me before you would approach my father.”

“I would certainly do that, Miss Emily.”

Emily smiled. “Oh, please, if I am to call you Mark, you must certainly call me just plain Emily.”

Mark laughed. “You will never be just plain Emily—at least to me.”

“You flatter me and are too kind.”

“Never, Emily. Believe me, I am most sincere.”

Emily was thrilled by Mark’s kind words and lowered her eyes and calmed her racing heart by buttering her scone and pouring them both a second cup of tea.

“And how is your dear Grandmother? I hope she is well?” Emily asked, to take the conversation in another direction.

“She is in good health and you shall have the pleasure of seeing her again at my sister’s luncheon.”

“I do look forward to that—and to meeting your sister as well. Do you have other siblings?”

“There are just the two of us. And I am the elder.”

“And she is married?”

“With two children—twin boys.”

“How charming.”

“She might argue that, as they appear to be a handful.”

“And what is the purpose of this luncheon?”

“I wish my sister to meet you. I have spoken highly of your fine talent and she expressed a wish to meet you.” Mark leaned forward and whispered, “I should not be telling you this but my sister is the composer Reginald Blake. You may have heard of him… her.”

“I certainly have, and I never knew he was a she.”

“Nor does anyone. It is her nom de plume. She would not be performed if the musical world knew who she really was. And you must promise to tell no one.”

“Most shocking, but I promise. And am I expected to perform after this lunch?”

“Not at all. You are not a performing seal. You are a guest and that is all.” He seemed a little upset that she would suggest otherwise.

“But if I choose to play? Would that delight or appall you?”

“It would, of course, delight. But that is not the purpose of the luncheon.”

Emily smiled wryly and touched her napkin to her lips. “Then we will just have to see, shall we not?”