Emma chuckled. “Julia, do calm down, and let’s join the others.” They went down the stairs to the foyer, where Sophia and Richmond were waiting.”
Once outside, Richmond handed the ladies up before jumping in and sitting on the rear-facing seat. He pounded on the ceiling, and the carriage lurched into motion.
Emma let Julia and Sophia carry the conversation on the ride to Warrington. She was trying to make sense of her changing emotions. When the duke had accepted Edgerton’s invitation to attend the house party, she’d been upset but figured she could just ignore him for a fortnight. Then Charlotte was thrown from her horse, and the duke’s stay was extended until she healed. And much to Emma’s astonishment, she wasenjoying his company more than she’d ever thought possible. Perhaps marriage wouldn’t be the trap she believed it to be if she was to marry the duke.
What was happening to her? First, she thought she loathed the man, then she began to like him and enjoy his company, and now she’s thinking about marriage. He was definitely affecting her.
The carriage stopped in front of the modiste shop, as both Julia and Sophia had expressed a desire for new kid gloves.
Richmond handed them all down and escorted them inside.
“Good morning, Your Grace,” Mrs. Dillion said, looking up from her current project. “How may I help you?”
“Lady Sophia and I need new gloves,” Julia said.
“Very good. If you follow me, I’ll show you what I have in stock,” the modiste said.
“I know this isn’t your favorite shop. Would you care to go to the bookstore?” Richmond asked.
Emma shook her head. “No. I feel if I don’t keep an eye on my sister, there will be many more things besides gloves added to her purchases.”
He chuckled. “Miss Bainbridge, you mustn’t worry about such things. The young ladies are welcome to buy whatever they like. I’ve told Mrs. Dillion to add their purchasesto my account.”
“Your Grace, you shouldn’t indulge my sister. I feel she’s becoming quite spoiled with your generosity.”
“Nonsense. Miss Julia has done wonders for my sister’s confidence, and for that, I’m happy to indulge her with a few trinkets.”
“You’re too kind, Your Grace.”
After the girls had selected two pairs of gloves each and some new ribbons, Emma was able to shoo Julia out of the modiste shop. “Come along now. I need to go to the bookstore to find some new books for Lady Charlotte.”
The footman took the packages while Richmond escorted the women across the street.
“Good morning, Your Grace, ladies,” Mr. Bentley said.
“Good morning,” Emma said.
“I’ve received a new shipment of novels from London. Would you care to look at them?”
Emma nodded. “Yes. That would be delightful.”
She was able to find three new books that she thought Charlotte would enjoy. Julia and Lady Sophia stood with her while the duke was perusing some other titles. As Mr. Bentley wrapped the books, Ben Collingsworth ambled up to the counter.
“Miss Bainbridge, what a pleasure to see you today. Miss Julia,Lady Sophia, you’re looking well.”
Emma turned toward the familiar voice. “Mr. Collingsworth, good day to you.”
“Would you ladies care to partake in a glass of lemonade at the inn when you’re finished?” he asked.
Richmond walked back to the counter and stood beside Emma. “A refreshing glass of lemonade sounds like a grand idea. We’ll all join you,” he said.
A frown crossed Collingsworth’s face before he smoothed his features. “Of course, Your Grace.”
After dropping the books off with the footman, they all walked down to the inn.
“It looks like another hot day today,” Mrs. Collingsworth said.
“Indeed. I hope this unbearable heat breaks soon,” Emma said.
