Emma glanced around at the empty parlor. “I know, but I wasn’t sure who else would be here,” shesaid, rushing to him.
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her long and hard. “You look beautiful, my darling, and I want to kiss you all night, but I’ll keep my hands to myself until we announce our betrothal. Will that suit?”
“It will indeed, although kissing you is much more preferable,” she said with a wink.
Richmond released her and stepped back. “Edgerton seems well-pleased with the match, and the marriage contracts are being drawn up. I hope you’ll be pleased with your pin money. I’ll also ensure you have the funds to indulge in any charitable activities that interest you.”
It was Emma’s turn to chuckle. “That would be lovely. I’m sure many charities could use the patronage of a duchess. But you know me so well—as long as there’s coin for books, I’ll be most happy.”
Her mother chose that moment to enter the parlor. “Your Grace, I hope my daughter is not boring you this evening.”
“Good evening, Lady Edgerton. On the contrary, Miss Bainbridge could never bore me.”
Emma noticed her mother’s confused look but decided not to say anything, especially since the rest of the family had just entered the parlor. Emma kept her left hand behind her back until she found out how he intended to announce their betrothal.
Edgerton moved to the sideboard and poured brandy for the gentlemen and sherry for the women. Once everyone had been served, Richmond cleared his throat.
“Now that the family is here, I have an announcement to make.” He held out his hand for Emma, and she went to him. His arm curled around her waist, and he tugged her to his side. “I had a particular purpose in coming here today, and I’m happy to say Miss Bainbridge has consented to be my wife.”
Lavinia’s mouth fell open. “Emma? You want to marry Emma, Your Grace?”
“I do. Lord Edgerton has given his permission, and I proposed earlier. Emma is my perfect duchess.”
Edgerton extended his hand. “Congratulations again, and may I offer my heartiest welcome to the family.”
Richmond shook the viscount’s hand, and then everyone was around them, offering congratulations while Emma accepted kisses from Courtney, Violet, and Lavinia. Her heart was bursting with happiness as she showed off her ring. She would soon be marrying the man who had captured her heart, and she was floating on cloud nine.
“Have you decided on a wedding date?” Lavinia asked. “As you can imagine, there are many arrangements to be plannedand decided upon.”
“Mama, the duke only asked for my hand this afternoon. There’s plenty of time to discuss the details.”
Lavinia pinned Richmond with a stare. “Your Grace, I hope you’re not going to London for a special license. As you know, Society has a tendency to fabricate facts when something is not readily apparent. I would not want any gossip to start surrounding the marriage.”
“Lady Edgerton, I care little for gossip. However, whatever Emma desires will be fine with me,” he said, squeezing her waist.
Emma stared lovingly at Richmond. It felt good to be able to make her own decisions, and Emma loved him more than ever at that moment. He had no idea how empowered he made her feel. “Will three weeks to have the banns read suit you, Mama?”
“That would be lovely. There’s a lot to arrange.”
“Well, this calls for champagne,” Edgerton said. “Two weddings in a year is something to celebrate,” he said with a chuckle.
It didn’t take long for Mr. Hunt to bring a bottle of champagne. Once they all had glasses in hand, Edgerton again congratulated the happy couple, after which the family went into the dining room for dinner.
“I knew everything would work out with the duke,” Violet whispered to Emma when they were seated.
“You did? How?”
“It was the way he looked at you when we visited the museum.”
“You knew even then?”
“Not for certain, but I did have a feeling. I’m so very pleased for you.”
“Thank you, Violet. You were right—I needed to have faith that everything would work out, and you reminded me of that.”
“You’re going to make a magnificent duchess. There will be no wallflower status for you. Society will hang on your every word.”
“Oh dear, that’s terrifying. I hadn’t thought of that.”
