“I did indeed. As you may have noticed, I’ve quite a fondness for books.”
Charlotte chuckled. “I’ve noticed, and share your love of books. I’ve never met another young lady who enjoyed reading as much as I do, so I’m ever so pleased we’re friends.”
“As am I.”
Although Emma was loath to admit it, she was looking forward to reading her new purchases with the duke. She stole a glance across the room, whereRichmond was talking with one of her mother’s friends. The older woman was thoroughly enthralled with the duke, and it made Emma realize that he was generous in many ways besides his kindness to her.
The dinner was another delicious affair. Mrs. Spencer had outdone herself, and there was no doubt. the food would be talked about whenever the house party was mentioned.
After dinner, Julia and Sophia entertained everyone with an impromptu concert. What a difference being with Julia had made in Sophia’s personality. She’d barely spoken more than a few words when she first arrived, and now she was playing the pianoforte and singing with Julia. It seems she wasn’t the only one who had found a dear friend.
After the concert, many of the guests retired early, but Emma wasn’t tired. She walked through the French doors and stood at the end of the terrace, looking up at the twinkling stars. It was a warm evening but not stifling hot. This was one of her favorite places at Emerson Hall and reminded her of happier times.
“You look lost in thought.”
Emma shivered as the rich voice floated over her, sending her nerves on high alert. She knew who it was but had no idea why he was outside with her instead of playing cards with the other gentlemen. “Your Grace,” she said without turning around.
Richmond walked to her and looked up. “I haven’t stopped to gaze at the stars in a long time.”
“One of my favorite spots here. It reminds me of my father,” she said.
“Will you tell me about him?”
Emma turned and looked at Richmond to see if he wore a teasing smirk. It seemed unlikely that he truly cared what she had to say. “I’m sure my childhood memories are of no interest to you, Your Grace.”
“You may be surprised what interests me, Miss Bainbridge,” he said, his face lifted to the stars.
Emma was confused, and a myriad of thoughts floated through her mind. Was he really interested in hearing her prattle on about her childhood? Except, of course, she didn’t prattle. She was most logical… at least, she was when the duke wasn’t staring intently at her. He had a way of looking at her that stole her wits.
Luckily, he was still looking at the stars when she took a deep breath and began, “When I was younger, maybe seven or eight, I would sneak out of bed to this terrace, where I knew my father would be. He was an amateur astronomer who loved studying the stars. When he saw I was interested in the stars as well, he began to tell me about the night sky. His stories came alive in my mind, and I’ve loved stargazing ever since. I was sorely disappointed when we were in London because it was hard to see any stars.”
“Those sound like wonderful memories.”
Emma sighed and returned her gaze to the night sky. “They were indeed. He used to tell me that if I’d been born a boy, he had no doubt I would have changed the world. I loved him for that, and most especially because he didn’t see my thirst for knowledge as something to be ashamed of. Stargazing was our special time together, away from my siblings and mother. Mama would have been appalled if she knew my father was teaching me such things. For as long as I can remember, her only instruction for me and my sisters has been in acceptable ladies' pursuits. As you can imagine, I found those lessons quite boring, especially compared to the knowledge one can find in books.”
“Did your mother ever find out about your stargazing?”
Emma chuckled. “No. My father and I were able to keep our activity secret. However, my mother wanted to ban me from reading various books, but my father wouldn’t hear of it. It was one of the few times I can remember him ever overruling her, and I loved him all the more for it. I’m sure he got an earful when they were alone, but he never relented and bought me countless books whenever he went to the village.”
Richmond laid his hand over hers, and she looked at him. The way he stared into her eyes awakened something within her. It was as if he could see intoher soul and liked what he saw. “You’re a special young woman, Miss Bainbridge. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Your thirst for knowledge is a credit to you.”
Butterflies took flight in her insides. The duke was so close that she could feel his heat, and it scared her how much she wanted to be near him, soaking up his warmth. What was happening to her? Was she becoming a simpering miss who needed a man’s approval for validation, the kind of woman she’d vowed never to become?
His scent of sandalwood and something she couldn’t quite identify was intoxicating. It would be so easy to lean into him and let his warmth envelop her like a blanket. Instead, she pulled her hand away and changed the subject. “Will you tell me about your father and brother?”
“Ahh, my father was a stern man but always fair. He spent countless hours with my brother, George. I think you would have liked George. He was smart, capable, and had such a generous spirit toward everyone regardless of their station. As boys, we had many great adventures, but he gravitated more to my father as he grew older, soaking up all my father’s lessons about running the ducal estates like a sponge.”
“Were you included in any of the lessons?”
Richmond nodded. “I attended a few, although I preferred to be outdoors instead of going over countless ledger books in my father’s study.”
“I can understand the draw of the outside. I prefer the garden, although I can sit inside for hours reading.”
“I was visiting the tenants at the ducal estate when I was notified of the carriage accident.”
“How awful.”
“It was indeed. My father was killed instantly, but George was still alive when they found him. His injuries were grave, especially the head wound. Unfortunately, he never regained consciousness and died three days later. He would have made a magnificent duke, and I miss him every day.”
