“Yes!” Julia and Sophia said in unison and followed Mrs. Dillion to the far side of the shop.
“Mrs. Dillion, please send the bill to me,” Richmond said.
“Of course, Your Grace,” she said.
“If you’ll excuse me, Your Grace,” Courtney said. “I’d like to look at some muslin.”
Richmond nodded, then turned to Emma. “Are you not interested in shopping, Miss Bainbridge?”
She’d stepped away from the duke but hadn’t ventured any farther into the shop. “Ribbons and fabric do not entice me, Your Grace.”
“Did I see a bookstore across the street? Perhaps that shop would interest you more?”
She couldn’t keep the smile from her face. “It does indeed. Thankyou, Your Grace.”
Richmond ambled over to Courtney and leaned toward her. “Lady Edgerton, I’m going to accompany Miss Bainbridge to the bookstore across the street.”
“She’ll love that, Your Grace, but be prepared to spend a while there. She has a tendency to lose track of time when she’s in the shop.”
Richmond smiled and walked back to Emma. He held out his arm. “Shall we?”
As much as she wanted to refuse the duke’s escort, the thought of going to the bookstore instead of standing around in the modiste shop won her over. She took his arm, and together they walked across the street and entered the bookstore. Perhaps the trip to Warrington would be worthwhile after all.
“This is so much better than waiting at the modiste,” Emma said.
“I confess I agree with you. Are you looking for anything in particular today?”
Emma shook her head. “I can always find something.”
Chapter 6
Richmond was pleased he’d been able to spirit Emma away from the group. He was looking forward to spending time with her, especially in one of her favorite places, and wanted to find the perfect book for her.
They moved down the rows of shelves, perusing the titles. He loved the sparkle in Emma’s eyes and wanted to see that delight every day. She wasn’t afraid to show her pleasure, and he liked that.
“Good morning, Miss Bainbridge. I’m so pleased to see you today.”
Emma looked up from perusing the shelves. “Good morning, Mr. Collingsworth. Lovely to see you too,” She turned toward the duke. “Your Grace, may I present Mr. Collingsworth? Mr. Collingsworth, the Duke of Richmond.”
“Collingsworth,” Richmond said, not pleased with the familiar way the man had approached Emma.
“Your Grace, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Miss Bainbridge, have you seen this new title?” Mr. Collingsworth asked, holding up a thick astronomy book.
Emma quickly closed the distance between them, and he handed her the book. “Oh, how lovely,” she said, flipping through the pages. “This must be new. I haven’t seen it here before.”
“I believe Mr. Bentley only received it yesterday.”
Richmond shifted, struck by a piercing pang of jealousy. This was precisely what he’d wanted to do for Emma when he brought her to the bookstore. He knew she loved books above all else, and he wanted to be the one to find a new one for her and see her face light up. Collingsworth had beaten him to it, and he was displeased. “May I see it?”
Emma turned to him and held out the book. “Isn’t it lovely?”
At that moment, the shop owner came bustling over to them. “Good morning; I’m Mr. Bentley. May I be of assistance this morning, sir?”
“Your Grace, may I present Mr. Bentley. Mr. Bentley, the Duke of Richmond.”
Mr. Bentley nodded. “Your Grace, I’m so pleased you’ve come to my shop. How may I help you?”
