“And what of Miss Bainbridge?”
“You would do well to forget about the young lady.”
Richmond saw that Bishop couldn’t hide his smirk as he sank back on the bench. “There’s usually only one reason one man warns off another when it comes to a young lady. Do you plan to make her your duchess?”
“What I plan regarding Miss Bainbridge is none of your concern. Do we have an understanding?” Richmond asked with a glare that would intimidate lesser men.
Bishop stared at the duke before nodding. “I shall inform Edgerton that I plan to leave in the morning.”
“That’s for the best,” Richmond said, leaving the dower house without a backward glance. There was no way he would let another man swoop in and try tosteal Emma away from him. She was slowly lowering her walls around him, and he wanted to continue convincing her that he was the right man for her. Bishop was correct—he wanted her for his duchess and would do anything in his power to win her love.
Perhaps it was time to let Edgerton know of his interest in his sister.
Chapter 12
When Richmond entered the foyer, Edgerton was coming out of his study. “Ah, Edgerton. Might I have a word?” he asked.
Of course. Is something amiss?” Edgerton asked, turning and walking back into the room.
“Not at all.”
“Would you care for a brandy?”
“I never turn down a good brandy,” Richmond said with a chuckle. After his confrontation with Bishop, a brandy would help soothe his ire.
Richmond took a seat while Edgerton poured two fingers of the amber liquid into crystal glasses. He handed one to the duke and returned to his chair behind the oak desk.
“I was out walking today and came across Bishop in the dower house. Care to share why a spy is here at Emerson Hall?”
Edgerton choked on his brandy. “How do you know about that?”
Richmond sipped his brandy before answering. "I was strolling the grounds earlier and happened upon him quite by accident. We spoke briefly.”
The viscount’s eyes widened, and after taking another sip of his brandy, Edgerton began. “Ah, I see. Although I would have preferred to keep his being here a secret, I’m not surprised he was discovered. He was gravely injured in Manchester and couldn’t make it back to London. He was lucky he made it this far.”
“I see. That’s interesting he’d stop at your country estate. Care to explain?”
Edgerton nodded. “I’ll tell you what I can, but I’m not sure if you’re aware of all of my activities.”
"Besides being a well-respected viscount?" Richmond asked with a cheeky grin.
Edgerton inclined his head. "Indeed. There’s more to recent grave events than meets the eye, and as a peer of the realm, you should probably know the details.”
“Bishop gave me a brief explanation of what he saw in Manchester."
“I see. I’m surprised he took you into his confidence; he’s not usually so free with his activities.”
“He’s a good man caught up in a bad situation, although I would never have guessed he was an agent for the Crown. He covers his activitieswell.”
“Well, there’s more. I’m the spymaster for London. Bishop is one of my agents.”
“You’re a spymaster? Hmmm…Bishop didn’t mention that,” Richmond said. He paused, then shook his head. “I never would have guessed.”
Edgerton smiled. "As it should be. There are only a handful of people who know. Society knows nothing about the inner workings of the Home Office, and it needs to stay that way. It's the only way to keep the Crown safe."
Richmond sat, pondering all that Edgerton had revealed to him. “May I ask how large your network is?”
Edgerton shook his head. "I'm sorry, Richmond. That information is classified, and I cannot share it, even with a duke."
