“Do you feel up to joining us for a trip into Warrington?”
“I’d be delighted. A little fresh air never hurt anyone, and I’m tired of resting.”
Emma was close enough to hear her brother murmur in his wife’s ear. “Do not overtax yourself, my darling.”
Courtney smiled at him. “It’ll be lovely to go into the village. No need to worry; I’ll be careful.”
He raised her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “Of course.”
Richmond joined them. “I’ve offered to accompany the ladies, Edgerton, and would be happy to keep an eye on your lovely wife.”
“Thank you, Richmond. That eases my mind.” He turned to Courtney. “I would love to accompany you, but I must see to the other gentlemen. There are a few who wish to go shooting this morning. Enjoy your day, my darling. I’ll see you at tea.”
Four carriages were soon brought around to the front of the manor, including the ducal carriage, which was the largest and easily accommodated Emma, Charlotte, Julia, Sophia, Courtney, and the duke. Two sturdy footmen accompanied each carriage to help carry any packages the ladies purchased.
It was a short ride to Warrington, and the carriages pulled into the White Swan Inn’s courtyard. Thefootmen scurried to put down the stairs and help the ladies alight.
“I’ve arranged for a lovely luncheon at one this afternoon in the inn’s private dining room,” Lavinia said. “Please take your time, enjoy the shops, and we’ll meet up later. The food here is delicious.”
In the general bustle, Richmond held out his arm for Courtney on one side and Emma on the other. “Ladies, shall we commence?”
Emma had no choice if she didn’t want to insult the duke, and she placed her hand in the crook of his elbow. Charlotte, Julia, and Sophia happily walked ahead.
“Where would you like to stop first?” Julia asked Sophia.
“I’d love some new ribbons,” she said, turning toward Richmond. “Richmond, will would that be agreeable to you?”
Richmond nodded. “Of course. Buy as many as you desire.”
“I know just the shop,” said Julia, taking Sophia’s arm and leading her ahead.
“They seem happy to be out of the manor,” Courtney said. “It was very kind of you to accompany us, Your Grace.”
“It’s my pleasure, Lady Edgerton. I promised your husband to look after you, and it’s a lovely day for a stroll, but if you tire, be sure to alert me.”
Courtney nodded. “Thankyou, Your Grace.”
“I can’t imagine that a house party for my mother’s friends is exactly the girls’ idea of a fun time,” Emma said.
“I believe you’re right, Miss Bainbridge. Lady Edgerton, may I suggest Miss Julia and Lady Sophia be allowed to attend dinner with the rest of the guests?” Richmond said. “I feel they’d both benefit from the company.”
“That’s a lovely idea, Your Grace,” Courtney said. “I’ll talk to my mother-in-law about the seating arrangements. There’s plenty of room in the dining room, and I agree that both of them should get used to what’s expected at dinner parties. It won’t be long before they’re making their own come-outs.”
Charlotte turned and spoke to her brother, “That is very sweet of you, Richmond. I don’t think many gentlemen would want their younger sisters attending a dinner before their debut.”
“Nonsense. The girls will add some levity to the dinner, if nothing else,” Richmond said with a lopsided grin.
Emma chuckled despite herself. The Duke of Richmond continued to surprise her, and she didn’t know what to think about that as they followed Charlotte, Julia, and Sophia into the modiste shop.
“Lady Edgerton, what a pleasure to see you today,” the shop owner said, bustling forward.
“Ah, Mrs. Dillion, it’s always so pleasant to visit your shop.” Courtney turned to Richmond. “You’d scarcely credit it so far from London, Your Grace, but Mrs. Dillion is a veritable genius with needle and thread.”
Mrs. Dillion curtseyed neatly. “Your Grace.”
“His Grace, the Duke of Richmond, and his sisters, Lady Charlotte and Lady Sophia, are staying at the Hall.”
“Good day, ladies,” the modiste said to Charlotte and Sophia. “I’ve recently received a new shipment of ribbons. Would you care to see them?”
