Edgerton stood and extended his hand. “Richmond, it’s good to see you. This is unexpected. Is anything amiss at home?” he asked.
Richmond took his hand in a firm handshake. “Nothing is amiss.
“How are things with your tenants?” Edgerton asked.
“Repairs are well underway on the cottages, and most of the injuries weren’t serious. Although, Mr. Fielding suffered a bad break to his leg. The doctor assures me that he’ll make a full recovery with proper rest,” he said.
“That’s good. Would you care for a brandy?”
Richmond nodded. “Yes. I’m parched.”
Edgerton poured two fingers of the amber liquid into the glasses and handed one to the duke. “So, what brings you here today?”
Richmond took a sip of his brandy and collected his thoughts. “I’ve come to seek your permission to marry your sister?”
“I see. Is she amenable to your suit?”
“Yes, I believe so. At least she was two weeks ago, so I hope her feelings have not changed.”
“Well, if Emma will have you, you have my blessing.”
“Thank you, Edgerton. We’ll discuss the marriage settlements once she agrees to the betrothal.”
“Excellent,” Edgerton said, finishing his brandy. “Shall we join the ladies for tea?”
“Indeed.”
Chapter 16
By the time Emma returned to the parlor for tea, she was feeling better and promised herself to have faith that things would work out in the end.
“Miss Bainbridge, lovely to see you again.”
Emma thought Richmond had returned for a moment, but the voice was all wrong. She looked up to see Mr. Collingsworth standing by the fireplace. “Mr. Collingsworth, I didn’t realize you were here.”
“We stopped by to see how Lady Edgerton was faring, and she has invited us for tea. My father has gone to speak with your mother and will return momentarily.”
“I see.”
“I haven’t seen you since your birthday dinner. I hope you’ve been well, and I’d like to have a private word with you if that’s agreeable.”
Emma stared at the vicar’s son. What could he possibly have to talk with her about? She didn’t want to be rude, so she nodded and walked to him.
“Mr. Collingsworth, I must say, I cannot fathom what you have to talk to me about.”
“Can you not?”
Emma shook her head. “I fear I don’t know.”
He reached out and took her hand in his. “Miss Bainbridge, I was wondering if you might feel—”
“What?”
Collingsworth cleared his throat. “As I was saying, I was wondering—”
Edgerton and Courtney walked into the parlor with Richmond. Lavinia and the vicar followed on his heels. A frown marred Richmond’s features as he noticed the vicar’s son holding Emma’s hand.
Emma gasped when she saw Richmond and jerked her hand away from Mr. Collingsworth. She breathed a sigh of relief when Millie also entered the room carrying a tea tray.
