“I thought you might say that, but hope springs eternal,” Richmond said with a chuckle.
“Lady Charlotte, how are you feeling?” Violet asked, turning her attention tothe duke’s sister.
“I’m doing much better, thank you, Lady Alesbury. I can get around with a walking stick now, but as you just saw, my brother is ever so gallant when it comes to helping me manage the stairs.”
“I’m happy to hear you’re doing better.”
“I’m so pleased you’ve come,” Courtney said.
Violet stood and hugged Courtney. “I’m so pleased to see you. How are you feeling?”
“Aside from feeling like someone is dancing in my belly, I am well,” Courtney said with a chuckle and took a seat. “At least I’m not sick anymore, so I’m most grateful for that.”
Edgerton took a seat beside his wife. “You’re looking well, sister.”
Violet looked lovingly at her husband. “I am.”
Millie brought in the tea tray and set it down on the low table in front of the sofa. “Will there be anything else, Lady Edgerton?”
“That will be all,” Courtney said.
Millie bobbed a curtsey and quickly left the room.
“I’ll be happy to pour,” Violet said.
“Thank you,” Courtney said.
“Your Grace, how do you like your tea?” Violet asked.
“A splash of milk,” Richmond said. He sat in the chair next to Emma while Violet passed around the cups.
After thirty minutes of catching up, Violet stood. “If you’ll excuse me, it’s been a long day of traveling, and I’d like to rest before dinner.”
Alesbury rose with her. “I’ll escort you, my darling. See you all at dinner.”
“Resting before dinner sounds ideal,” Courtney said, and Edgerton helped her stand and escorted her from the room.
Lavinia stood as well. “I need to check with Mrs. Spencer about having two more for dinner,” she said before leaving the room.
“Charlotte, would you like to take a spin around the garden before you change for dinner?” Emma asked.
Charlotte nodded. “That would be lovely.”
“I’ll join you,” Richmond said. “I could use a bit of fresh air myself.” He began pushing the chair out into the garden.
Emma’s insides clenched. Richmond was such a doting brother, and she continued to be surprised and delighted with his generosity—not only with gifts but with his time. He was so gentle with Charlotte, and she didn’t know many other noblemen besides her brother who would be so attentive to an injured sister for all these weeks.
Charlotte looked up at her brother. “Thank you for taking us for a stroll in the garden. I know you must have more importantthings to attend to.”
“Nothing’s more important than your comfort, my dear.”
“It’s so lovely out here,” Emma said.
“It is indeed,” Richmond said, gazing at her.
She quickly looked away, a blush creeping up her neck.
They continued walking in the garden for a while longer before Charlotte yawned. “Oh dear, I do apologize. Richmond, would you mind taking me back to my bedchamber? I need to rest before dinner.”
