“My darling girl, I do believe the duke is showing an interest in you.”
Emma sighed. “Mama, trust me, he’s not. I went to the museum with my friend, and since her aunt wasn’t in London yet, the duke stepped in to chaperone us. That’s all there was to the outing. Nothing more.”
“Did he ask to see you again?”
“No, Mama. If that’s all, I’d like to go to my bedchamber now and rest before dinner.”
Lavinia nodded, and Emma wasted no time exiting the parlor and running up the stairs. Her heart was pounding by the time she reached the solitude of her bedchamber. Why did her mother have to push the idea that the Duke of Richmond was interested in her? She’d been wrong when she pushed Violet toward him, and now she was trying the same matchmaking scheme on her. Mama would be severelydisappointed when she realized the duke had no interest in her whatsoever.
Why would he want a bluestocking like her when he could have any woman in Society as his future duchess? He was wealthy, handsome, and a duke—the perfect combination for a nobleman. Many young women aspired to become a duchess, and Richmond would have no lack of candidates for the position.
Emma had been hoping for a lovely leisurely summer and fall without her mother pushing suitors her way, but that peace seemed in jeopardy now. Violet had successfully married a viscount; why couldn’t her mother be satisfied with that for a few months?
Emma already had enough of her mother’s matchmaking schemes, and Lavinia hadn’t even started in earnest yet.
She hoped Edgerton would take the family back to the country soon. She was tired of London and couldn't wait to breathe the fresh country air again. Perhaps then, her mother would stop pushing suitors at her for a few blessed months so she could enjoy the leisure of the country. She planned to ask Edgerton about the summer plans after dinner.
Before Emma had a chance to talk to Edgerton, her brother announced their summer plans. It seems like her wish had been granted.
"I have a few more things to wrap up in London, and then we can retire to the country. I, for one, could use some peace and the chance to breathe in the good clean country air,” Edgerton said.
“When did you wish to leave?” Lavinia asked, a frown marring her brow.
“In three days.”
Lavinia’s lips thinned. “I see.”
“Mother, you look displeased. Was there an event you wanted to attend?” Courtney, Edgerton’s wife, asked her mother-in-law. “I wasn’t aware of any outstanding invitations.”
Emma nearly groaned. She knew her mother was up to something, but she hadn’t a clue what that could be. She held her breath, waiting for her to answer.
“Not specifically, Courtney, dear,” Lavinia said. “But I’ve had the most wonderful time in Town reconnecting with old friends, and I was hoping to stay in London a while longer to visit more with them.”
Emma bit her lip as she watched Courtney look at her husband. "Charles, dear, what would you say about hosting a house party in August? That way, your mother can invite her friends to join us at Emerson Hall."
Edgerton looked at his wife. “My love, if you feel up to planning a house party, you have my blessing to do as youplease.”
Emma didn’t miss the tenderness with which her brother looked at his wife. “Why wouldn’t Courtney feel up to hosting a party?” she asked.
Courtney grasped Edgerton’s hand. “We weren’t going to share our happy news yet, as it’s still early—”
“You’re with child?” Lavinia blurted out, clapping her hands.
Courtney nodded. “If all goes well, we will welcome our child later this year.”
Lavinia looked at Edgerton and then Courtney. “Congratulations, my dears. I’m so excited at the prospect of welcoming my first grandchild, but you mustn't overtax yourself, Courtney. These early days can be quite taxing on a woman. There's no need to host a large house party—perhaps merely a few friends, and of course, I shall help you with whatever you need."
“Thank you, Mother. I’d be most appreciative of your help,” Courtney said. “I’ve not had the chance to plan a house party yet, but I’m looking forward to it. The grounds at Emerson Hall are spectacular, and I would love to show them off to your friends.”
Emma added her congratulations before asking, "May I invite Lady Charlotte to join us for a fortnight?"
“Of course,” Edgerton said. “I shall send a note around, extending an invitation to Richmond and hissisters. I’m sure he would relish some time away from London as well.”
Emma’s younger sister, Julia, spoke up. "I'll be so happy to meet Lady Sophia finally. I was sorely disappointed when I heard she was feeling poorly and couldn’t attend Violet’s wedding."
Emma wanted to groan. She should have kept her mouth shut. Now Edgerton would invite the duke to spend time at Emerson Hall, and she knew without a doubt that her mother would find ways to push Emma at him. She would have no choice in the matter. There were only so many places to hide at the Hall. Her leisurely summer plans were quickly disappearing. She was sure of one thing—she definitely didn’t want to be alone with the duke and would make sure Charlotte was always with her.
True to his word, Edgerton sent a note to Richmond, and the duke’s reply came back the same day. Richmond and his sisters would be delighted to join the family at Emerson Hall for a house party in August. Her mother had never seemed happier, which Emma surmised meant she was already planning ways to match her with the duke.
