Emma nodded. Although she wasn’t much for paying attention to what was fashionable.” she had to admit that he’d ordered a dress perfectly suited to make her look her best. “Your Grace, I thank you wholeheartedly for your generosity. It’s more than perfect.”
After spending an hour picking out all the accessories necessary for the party, Mrs. Dillion wrapped up their purchases. “Your Grace, thank you for your patronage. It’s been such a joy creating dresses for these young ladies.”
Richmond nodded. “I’m most appreciative of your hard work to finish everything in time. Thankyou, Mrs. Dillion.”
***
Emma was stunned and speechless by the duke’s generosity. When had he commissioned the dresses? How did he know that exact shade of green was her favorite color? She glanced at him, and her heart swelled with emotion. There was no doubt about it. She was falling in love with the duke.
That evening when she walked into the parlor before dinner, she felt beautiful, truly beautiful, for the first time in her life. She’d always felt like the ugly sister, dull and plodding compared to Violet with her elegance and grace and Julia with her peaches-and cream-complexion. Tonight, thanks to Richmond’s generosity, she didn’t feel that way at all.
“Miss Bainbridge, you are stunning,” Richmond said.
“Thank you, Your Grace. I truly do not know how to thank you for the dress.”
“There’s no need. I’m glad you like it.”
Emma finally dragged her eyes away from Richmond and saw that the vicar and Mr. Collingsworth were also in the parlor. Why had her mother invited them to a family dinner?
Greetings and drinks were passed around before Mr. Hunt announced dinner.
She wasn’t pleased when Mr. Collingsworth was seated next to her.
“Mr. Collingsworth, how surprising to see you this evening,” Emma said.
“My father and I were happy to receive the invitation. I had no idea it was your birthday dinner, however.”
“I see,” Emma said, glancing down the other end of the table, where Richmond talked to her brother. He looked devastatingly handsome in his evening wear. How could any man ever compare to him?
As if sensing her regard, he glanced her way and smiled before continuing his conversation with Edgerton. Her heart skipped a beat.
“Miss Bainbridge?”
She turned back to Mr. Collingsworth. “Yes?”
“I asked if you had an enjoyable day,” Ben said.
“Oh, yes. It was delightful. Thank you for asking,” she said, remembering the duke’s generosity.
She turned to Charlotte on her other side. “I’m so happy you’re here to share this special day with me.”
“As am I. I can’t think of a better present.”
Chapter 14
Richmond had never felt such happiness before, not even when his father and brother were alive. In the last two weeks, ever since Emma’s birthday, in fact, he’d seen a marked difference in her attitude towards him. When he presented theFrankensteinnovel to her after everyone had retired for the evening, he saw the first spark of desire in her eyes and wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her senseless, but he’d instinctively known it was still too soon. He firmly believed he was winning her over as her objections to marriage faded, and she was warming to him as a potential suitor. He didn’t want to rush her. More than anything, he wanted to win her heart.
It was what he’d been striving for since the first day he met her. He’d never tried so hard to win a young lady’s affection before, or was it that he’d never wanted to try so hard? It made no difference—he didn’t wantany other lady for his duchess. Miss Emma Bainbridge was the perfect woman for him, and he’d fallen hopelessly in love with her. He’d thought he was in control of the situation, but somehow love had snuck upon him. He hoped and prayed that Emma would soon feel the same way.
A few days later, Edgerton, Alesbury, and Richmond sat in Edgerton’s study after the ladies had retired for the evening. The men talked about the ongoing political strife over glasses of brandy.
“I’m not sure what will happen,” Edgerton said, looking at Alesbury. “Or where you’ll be needed next.”
“As long as it doesn’t take me away from Violet overlong, I’ll be ready.”
Edgerton nodded. “Good. Now, would any of you like a refill?”
Before Edgerton got up to get the brandy, the butler opened the door and approached Richmond holding out a silver salver. “Your Grace, this just arrived by messenger,” Mr. Hunt said.
