“I’m so pleased. Would you care to join my table?”
“I’d be delighted,” Richmond said.
***
After a delicious luncheon, everyone piled into the carriages for the return trip to Emerson Hall. Emma was pleased to see her mother so animated with her friends, especially after Richmond agreed to sit at her table. She was seeing a newside to her mother, and it warmed her heart to see her having a good time entertaining her London friends. Emma had thought she would hate the house party, but it was turning out to be an enjoyable experience so far.
It was a short ride back to the Hall, where footmen waited to hand the ladies down. Once she’d alighted, Lavinia walked to the ducal carriage, where Richmond was handing down Courtney.
“Your Grace, I wanted to thank you for your generosity in escorting us to the village today.”
He nodded as he handed Emma down. “It was my pleasure, and you were correct—the inn’s food was delicious.”
Edgerton strolled out to the front drive and went to his wife. “How are you, my darling?” he asked. “I hope you didn’t overtax yourself.”
“Not at all, although I’d welcome a nap,” Courtney said, slipping her hand in the crook of Edgerton’s arm. “Thank you again for your company, Your Grace. I’ll see you at tea.”
“My pleasure, Lady Edgerton.”
Richmond followed Edgerton, Courtney, and Lavinia inside the manor, the rest of the guests straggling inside after them. Emma turned to Charlotte.
“Would you care to take a turn around the garden before heading inside?”
“Oh, I’d love to. It’s such a pleasant day and too pretty to go inside just yet.”
The young women linked arms and headed around to the back.
“It was so generous of your brother to sit with my mother at luncheon,” Emma said. “I could tell by the look on her face that she was thrilled, and her friends will undoubtedly be happy to pass along the fact that they shared a luncheon with the Duke of Richmond when they return to London.”
“I’m glad she’s happy. Richmond’s always had a generous spirit, especially around older ladies.”
“It’s an admirable trait indeed.”
They walked in the garden for nearly an hour before the heat of the day finally drove them inside to rest before dinner.
“Did you enjoy your visit to Warrington?” Ava asked as she helped Emma dress for dinner.
“It was lovely.”
“I assume that means you found a new book,” she said with a chuckle.
“You know me so well. As a matter of fact, I found three new volumes,” Emma said.
“Would you like a ribbon or pearls in your hair this evening?”
Emma shook her head. “Neither tonight.”
“As you wish, my lady. In that case, you’re all set,” Ava said, handing Emma her gloves. “Enjoy the evening.”
When Emma entered the parlor, she was pleased to see that her mother had agreed to allow Julia and Sophia to join them for dinner. They looked lovely, and even Sophia seemed more at ease as the girls conversed with some of the guests. She was glad that Julia was having a positive effect on Sophia’s confidence. Turning away from them, she made her way to Charlotte, who was standing by the French doors.
“Good evening, Lady Charlotte.”
“Miss Bainbridge, how lovely you look.”
“Thank you, but all the credit goes to Ava. My maid is a treasure.”
“I forgot to ask you earlier. Did you enjoy the bookstore?”
