He nodded at her. “Lady Edgerton, a pleasure to see you again.”
After the introductions were made and everyone had greeted each other, they headed upstairs. “Miss Bainbridge, may I have the pleasure of escorting you?” Richmond asked, holding out his arm.
“I’d be delighted, Your Grace,” she said, placing her hand in the crook of his elbow.
Edgerton whispered in Courtney’s ear, “I need a private word with Lady Tisbury. I’ll join you momentarily.”
Courtney nodded, and she and Lavinia followed Richmond and Violet upstairs.
Edgerton held out his arm. “Lady Tisbury, shall we?”
Lady Tisbury took his arm, and they walked ever so slowly to the box. “There’s more news about Carlisle,” Mary whispered. “My sources tell me he plans to ask Richmond for investment funds.”
“Do you know this for sure?”
She nodded. “Seems he’s trying to revive his shipping venture and has already approached a few others.”
“I’ll pass the information to Red Knight. He’s friends with Richmond and could warn him off Carlisle.”
“That would be best.”
“Thank you as always, Lady Tisbury. Your counsel is always most welcome,” Edgerton said before helping her to a seat next to his mother in the theatre box.
“Do you come to the theatre often Your Grace?” Violet asked. It hadn’t escaped her attention that her mother had managed to subtly engineer it so Violet was seated next to the duke in the front row.
“I used to attend more frequently, but most of my time these days is consumed with learning how to oversee the dukedom. I had no idea how much expertise it takes to oversee everything.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss. It must have been such a shock to lose your father and brother so unexpectedly.”
“It was indeed, but we soldier on as best we can because there’s really no other choice. Many people depend on the duchy, and I cannot let them down. And what of you, Miss Bainbridge? Any other siblings besides Edgerton?”
“Oh, yes. I have two sisters, Emma and Julia, whom I love dearly. We’ve all made the trip to London this year.”
“How delightful. Perhaps you and your sisters would enjoy a trip to the British Museum? I’d be more than happy to escort you.”
“Really? We would be delighted.” She turned to look over her shoulder at her mother. “Mama, His Grace has offered to take my sisters and I to the British Museum.”
“Wonderful. I’m sure Emma and Julia will enjoy seeing more of London,” Lavinia said. “Thank you, Your Grace. That’s very kind of you.”
“It’s my pleasure, Lady Edgerton,” Richmond said.
While Richmond spoke with her mother, Violet studied the handsome duke. He was a striking man—tall, broad shoulders, blond hair that curled around his ears, and arresting blue eyes. He was the catch of the Season and she should be pleased to be spending time with him, but all she could think about was Lord Alesbury. However, she knew her mother was more than thrilled with the duke’s offer to visit the museum. It was a shame Lord Alesbury hadn’t asked her first, but she didn’t want to disappoint her sisters and had to admit she was looking forward to seeing the museum collections as well.
“May I say how beautiful you look this evening, Miss Bainbridge?” Richmond said, leaning toward her.
“Thank you, Your Grace. That’s very kind of you.”
“I only speak the truth. Tell me, do you plan to attend the Huntington ball?”
“Yes. My brother has accepted the invitation on our behalf.”
“I’d be honored if you’d save the supper dance for me.”
“Unfortunately, that dance has already been claimed by Lord Alesbury. Would you care for another, Your Grace?”
“I would indeed. Shall we say the first dance of the evening?”
“I’d be most delighted, Your Grace,” Violet said.
