Violet squeezed her hand. “No need to worry, dear sister. I know how fearless you are, and I have every confidence you’ll do well.”
“That means a lot to me, although I’d like to call on your wise counsel if I may?”
Violet nodded. “Of course. Whatever you need.”
“I never thought I could be so happy,” Emma said, glancing down the table at Richmond, who was engaged in a lively conversation with Edgerton and Courtney.
Chapter 17
After the church service at which the first banns were read, Emma and her mother exited into the bright sunshine, where Mr. Collingsworth and his father were talking with parishioners. When it was their turn to greet them, the vicar said, “Miss Bainbridge, I wish you happy.”
“Thank you, vicar.”
“I wish you happy as well,” his son said, his voice curiously flat.”
“Thank you, Mr. Collingsworth.”
On the way back to the Hall, Lavinia asked, “Did the young Mr. Collingsworth seem distant today?”
Emma knew what her mother was hinting at, but it would do no good to tell her what she’d thought Collingsworth was going to ask her that day at tea. “Did he? I didn’t notice.”
“We should plan to leave for London the day after tomorrow. It will take the modiste time to design your wedding dress.
“Mama, I don’t want to go to London for the dress. Mrs. Dillion is a talented modiste, and I’d like her to make my dress.”
“My dear, you’re to be a duchess and should be dressed as such. London has the best of everything.”
“Mama, I disagree, and as a future duchess, I shall decide where I wish to order my wedding dress and trousseau.” Since Richmond’s proposal, she’d gained the confidence to disagree with her mother when she felt strongly about something. She hadn’t yet stopped holding her breath, waiting for the explosion her mother had exhibited in the past whenever she countered her wishes.
To her utter surprise, Lavinia said only, “As you wish, my dear. Shall we consult with Mrs. Dillion after luncheon tomorrow?”
Emma’s eyes widened, but she schooled her features. “That would be lovely, Mama.”
That evening after dinner, as Emma and Richmond were gazing at the stars, she was unusually quiet, struggling with how to broach a sensitive subject.
“Emma, what’s wrong? You seem tense this evening,” he said, slipping his arm around her waist.
“A little.I wanted to ask—”
“My darling, whatever you want, I shall be more than happy to grant if it’s within my power to do so.”
Emma smiled at the man she loved with all her heart. “Thank you, William. I would like to move the wedding ceremony from the Warrington church to the estate, perhaps to the garden if the weather holds, although late October can bring some fierce winds.”
Richmond lifted her chin and gave her a sweet kiss. “Of course. We can hold the wedding wherever you wish. Although I have no objection, is there a particular reason for the change?”
“I’ve noticed that Courtney is becoming more uncomfortable these days, and it may be too much for her to travel to Warrington and sit through the ceremony and then the wedding breakfast. I want to make the day enjoyable for everyone, and I’ll need your help in convincing her it’s something we want and not done just to accommodate her.”
“Miss Emma Bainbridge, have I told you lately that you’re magnificent?”
Emma leaned her head on his shoulder. “You’re pretty magnificent yourself, Your Grace.”
“Shall we talk to Lady Edgerton tomorrow at breakfast then?”
She smiled. “Yes. Hopefully, the weather will hold for two more weeks. I so love the garden, and it’ll be the perfect place to become husband and wife.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
The following morning when the family was seated at breakfast, Emma asked Courtney, “Would you be terribly disappointed if Richmond and I didn’t marry in Warrington?”
