Emma and Charlotte’s budding friendship bode well for him to spend more time in the young beauty’s company without his intentions being too evident. Emma was young, not quite out in Society yet, but she was far more mature than most of the young women that had been thrown into his path during the last Season. He was intrigued by her and wanted to spend as much time as possible with her before her debut nextspring. He especially liked her directness and inquisitive mind. She was no simpering young miss without a thought in her head, and he admired that a great deal. It was refreshing to hear her opinions on any number of different topics.
He was looking forward to their outing today as he handed his sister up into the ducal carriage before climbing in after her, sitting on the rear-facing bench. “You and Miss Bainbridge seem to be forming a close friendship,” he said as the carriage traveled to the Edgerton townhouse.
Charlotte nodded. "I'm ever so glad to have made her acquaintance, especially since we can now share our debut together next Season. I won’t be quite so intimidated by trying to navigate the marriage mart with Emma by my side.”
“True, although you must know there’s no pressure for you to marry your first Season if you don’t find a gentleman who suits. You must take your time and get to know your suitors before making any decisions that will affect the rest of your life.”
"I know, and thank you for that. I want to fall in love and would wish the gentleman to love me as well before I accept any marriage proposal.”
“Charlotte, you’ll have many gentlemen vying for your hand. You’re the daughter and sister of a dukewith a hefty dowry. Mark my words; men will be lining up to meet you.”
“That’s just it, William. I don’t want to marry a man who only values my connections and dowry. He must love me more than my money. Don’t you think that’s more important?”
“Absolutely, I agree with you. That’s why you must not rush into any engagement. Don’t be swayed by pretty words, my dear. Men can be scoundrels when they want something.”
“I’ll be careful, I promise. And what of you?” Charlotte asked. “Are you looking to take a wife next Season?”
Richmond’s eyes widened at his sister’s directness. It was the first time she’d ever inquired about his future plans, and he certainly wasn’t about to tell her that he’d set his sights on Miss Bainbridge. “That remains to be seen. I’m still learning how to juggle all the responsibilities of running the dukedom. It doesn’t leave me any time for wife-hunting. Besides, if I have to hear one more word about the weather, I might become a hermit.”
Charlotte giggled at her brother’s exaggeration. “Oh, William, I don’t think that will ever happen. I’m sorry you’re so busy with many responsibilities now. The accident that took Father andEdward was so unexpected. I can’t believe they’ve been gone a year already. I miss them both terribly.”
“So do I, dear sister, so do I.”
The ducal carriage pulled up to the Edgerton townhouse promptly at two. Before Richmond could climb the stairs to call for Emma, the butler opened the door, and she came walking out.
“I heard the carriage drive up,” she said.
“Good day, Miss Bainbridge,” Richmond said, handing her and Ava up into the carriage before climbing in after them. The two young women sat next to his sister, and that was fine with him because it allowed him the opportunity to watch Emma without it being too obvious.
“I’m so glad you could come with us today,” Charlotte said.
“As am I. I do love the museum,” Emma said.
“So tell me, Miss Bainbridge, are you looking forward to your debut in the spring?” Richmond asked.
Emma shook her head. “Not at all, but that hasn’t discouraged my mother at all. She already has plans for me.”
Charlotte looked at her friend. “You don’t want to marry and have a family of your own?”
"I don't want anyone to have absolute control over me. When women marry, they’re subject to theirhusbands’ whims and have very little independence of their own. How is that fair?”
Richmond chuckled. “You’re correct about that, Miss Bainbridge. It’s unfair how society curtails the freedoms of women. In fact, nothing about the marriage mart is fair, and I agree that young women are held to impossibly high standards.”
"Exactly," Emma said. "Why can't we talk about more than the weather, fashion, or gossip? I hate gossip."
“I do as well,” Richmond said, nodding. “In any case, please feel free to discuss whatever topic you wish to in my company. I do enjoy a lively discussion.”
Emma held his gaze for a long while before she nodded. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
Could this be the way to get close to her?
It was true, he’d enjoyed their conversation immensely during their first visit to the museum last month, but he’d not been sure if that was the real Emma or not. Now that he knew she chafed at the restrictions placed on young women, he would encourage her to speak her mind whenever they were together. He needed a strong woman by his side as his duchess, one who wasn’t afraid to let her opinions be known, and the more he got to know Emma, the more perfect she seemed. Now all he had to do was convince her of that. He planned to take his time courting her.There was no hurry, but he wanted to have everything settled between them, or at the very least a betrothal, before her debut next spring. He had no doubt she’d be highly sought after by the gentlemen of theton.
In short order, the carriage stopped, and Richmond hopped out, handing down the young women. “Any particular exhibit first?” he asked.
Charlotte shook her head. “No. I want to see as much as possible.”
He chuckled. “There’s no need to exhaust yourself trying to see everything in one day. We may return to the museum as many times as you like.”
