Emma’s cheeks pinked at his flirtation.
He stepped next to her and caressed her cheek. “You’re so beautiful. Thank you for your kindness.”
Even though she liked the compliment, she didn't feel any flutterings, not like when Richmond was nearby. “Thank you, Mr. Bishop. That’s kind of you to say. Well, we must be going.”
Bishop leaned forward, and Emma knew he would kiss her. She was shocked by his forwardness and remained rooted in place.
***
Richmond saw Bishop lean in to kiss Emma when he came around the corner of the cottage. There was no way he was not going to allow that to happen. “Ahem—”
Emma jumped back and nearly collided with Ava. Her mouth hung open when she saw who had spoken. “Your Grace, um…what are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same thing, Miss Bainbridge. However, it’s of no matter. Your mother’s asking for you, and I volunteeredto find you.”
She stole a look at Bishop, then curtseyed to Richmond. “Thank you, Your Grace. I’ll go to her now. Good day, Mr. Bishop.”
Richmond stepped back to allow Emma to pass and then glared at Bishop. He’d seen him at his club in London but never had any dealings with him.
“I’ll speak to Edgerton right away,” Bishop said.
“You’ll do no such thing,” Richmond practically growled.
Bishop’s eyes widened. "I beg your pardon, Richmond? The lady’s been compromised, and I’ll do the honorable thing and ask for her hand.”
“I’ve seen nothing to indicate the lady was compromised.”
“Your Grace?”
“You would do well to head to London as soon as possible, Bishop.”
“I wasn’t planning on traveling anytime soon,” Bishop said, squaring his shoulders as he looked up at the slightly taller duke. “If you must know, the recent events in Manchester have grave implications for the Crown. I’ve written to Director Jeffries and am waiting for instructions.”
“I’ve read about that, but what do you have to do with what happened in Manchester?” Richmond asked.
Bishop hesitated. “Nothing I can talk about without permission from the Home Office.”
“I see. However, I suggest you explain what you’re doing here and what the Home Office has to do with you?”
Bishop sighed. “I don’t usually discuss my business, but I have a feeling you won’t leave unless I tell you what you want to know.”
Richmond arched an eyebrow. “You’d best explain. My patience isn’t limitless.”
“Very well, but what I’m about to tell you must remain confidential. There’s something serious you don’t know from the papers. The authorities’ actions in sending in the soldiers were deliberately intended to kill people, but the newspapers are spinning the story and saying it was an unfortunate mistake.”
Richmond nodded. “You can rely on my discretion.”
“Very well. If you must know, I’m an agent for the Home Office and was sent to Manchester to investigate some disturbing rumors,” he said, going on to detail the events he’d witnessed at St. Peter’s Field.
“I see. That is indeed most troubling.”
"So, you see, it's imperative that I stay in the area until I receive new orders from the Home Office."
“Is that so? I would think your contacts in London might have some useful information to pass along. I’m sure yours weren’t the only eyes and ears to witness this massacre,” Richmond said, rubbing his chin and pinning Bishop with an unrelenting stare. “It wouldbe a shame if you were somehow shunned at the club and not able to collect more useful information. What would the Home Office think if that should happen?”
Bishop squared his shoulders. “Are you threatening me, Your Grace?”
Richmond waved a dismissive hand at Bishop’s reaction. “Not at all, Bishop. I know who you are. We may not have had any formal dealings, but I know you were awarded a barony for your bravery and service to the Crown. Thank you for your service, but if you want to remain an asset to the Home Office, you’ll leave here as soon as possible.”
