Oh, who was she kidding?
Richmond had caught her nearly kissing Mr. Bishop. Her brother must surely know by now, and she couldn’t imagine why he hadn’t already called her into his study. Perhaps Bishop hadn’t spoken to him, and he didn’t mean to do the right thing. She was ruined.
“Miss Bainbridge, you look lovely this evening,” Richmond said.
Emma hadn’t seen the duke approach, and her heart jumped in her chest as his rich voicesent shivers down her spine. "Er…Your Grace. Thank you,” she said with a curtsey.
“You seem unsettled. Is something amiss?”
She wasn’t sure if she should bring up the incident with Mr. Bishop or not. She was fighting an internal battle when the duke leaned toward her and whispered.
“You must not fret about this afternoon. Bishop and I have agreed that nothing untoward happened between the two of you.”
A sigh escaped Emma's lips. “Really?”
“As a matter of fact, he’ll be leaving for London in the morning,” Richmond said.
It was the best outcome she could have wished for, especially since she had no desire to marry Mr. Bishop. “Is that so?”
“Yes. He told me himself.”
“Well, I do hope he continues to recover.”
“I’m sure he’ll be fine, and you must not give it another thought. Would you care to take a turn around the room?”
Emma looked into his startling blue eyes and found herself drowning in their depths. A thousand butterflies took flight in her insides, and her heart pounded. Not trusting her voice, she nodded and placed her hand on his outstretched arm.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here at Emerson Hall,” Richmond said as they started walking the perimeter of the parlor.
“My mother will be pleased to hear that, Your Grace.”
“And what of you, Miss Bainbridge? Are you pleased as well?”
Emma nearly stumbled. She hadn’t expected him to ask such a direct question. “Umm…”
“No need to become flustered, my dear. I appreciate everything you’re doing for Charlotte while she recovers.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Before she could say anything more, Mr. Hunt announced dinner.
The rest of the evening passed pleasantly. Charlotte was able to join the family for dinner, and Julia and Sophia played and sang for the group. When Emma finally snuggled into her pillows that night, she wondered what the duke had said to Mr. Bishop. Whatever it was, she was grateful she wasn’t looking at ruination for her and her family and that she wouldn’t be forced into an unwanted marriage to a man she’d only spoken a few words with.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” she whispered as sleep claimed her.
Chapter 13
Two days later, Emma was descending the stairs after a reading session with Charlotte when Mr. Hunt opened the front door.
“Lord Alesbury, Lady Alesbury, welcome back to Emerson Hall.”
Emma ran down the rest of the stairs. “Violet, you’re here!”
Violet handed over her cloak, bonnet, and gloves to the butler. “Emma dear, of course, I’m here. I wouldn’t miss your birthday,” she said, hugging her.
Emma stepped back and greeted Violet’s husband. “Lord Alesbury, lovely to see you again. Thank you for bringing my sister home.”
Alesbury nodded. “My pleasure, Miss Bainbridge.”
Lavinia hurried down the stairs to join the group in the foyer. “Violet, dearest. You’re here!” she exclaimed,sweeping her daughter into her arms. “I’ve missed you, dear child.”
