Would she ever have any peace and quiet so she could just read?
Chapter 4
August 1819
Emerson Hall, Warrington, Cheshire County
***
Emma breathed deeply as she strolled through the garden at their Country Seat, Emerson Hall. The roses were in full bloom, and their fragrant scent carried in the air. The garden was one of Emma's favorite places, and she was happy to sit there for hours, allowing her mind to wander as she listened to the birds chirping overhead. It had been a blessedly quiet few weeks, especially after being cooped up for days in the traveling coach from London, but her peace would be over soon. Many of her mother’s friends had already arrived for the house party, and the Duke of Richmond and his sisters were due to arrive tomorrow.
She hoped the weather didn’t become too hot and stifling, as she wanted to be outside as much as possible during the house party to avoid having her mother orchestrate alone time with the duke. She’d tried to disabuse her mother of the notion that the duke was interested in her, but Lavinia’s single-mindedness was unmoved by any of Emma’s arguments. She refused to believe that there was nothing Emma wanted less than marriage to a duke. Lavinia told her she should be grateful that Edgerton had invited Richmond to the house party.
Grateful? Whatever for?
She remembered her tense conversation with her mother earlier today.
“Emma, how can you not see that you’ve been given a grand opportunity to spend time with the Duke of Richmond before the next group of debutantes makes their come out in the spring,” Lavinia said.
“But Mama, I don’t wish to spend time with the duke. There will be plenty of time to meet gentlemen in the spring.”
Her mother had whirled on her, eyes flashing with anger. “You ungrateful child! How can you wound me so? Don’t you realize I’ve only your best interests at heart? Your marriage to the duke would be the social event of the Season.”
“Marriage? “But I don’t want to marry him. I’m not ready to marry anyone yet. Why are you so determinedto push me at him?”
“Emma, do stop complaining. You’ll be eighteen next month; it’s time you found a husband.” Lavinia said.
Emma knew it was a losing argument, so she just nodded. There was no sense in angering her mother about a hypothetical marriage, but that didn’t stop a thread of despair invade her chest.
The sound of carriage wheels crunching on the gravel drive meant her reprieve was nearly at an end. Her mother had requested that Emma be at her side whenever guests arrived since Courtney had been feeling poorly lately. Lavinia had assured her daughter-in-law that she should rest and not worry about greeting the guests. Courtney could join everyone for tea. Although she was hesitant at first, feeling she should greet her guests, Lavinia had told her that the health of the baby was more important. Even though this was supposed to be a small house party, the guest list somehow kept growing, and Emerson Hall would be filled to the brim once everyone arrived. True to her word, though, Lavinia had handled most of the details and planning.
Emma made her way through the garden toward the house, curious to see who else her mother had invited. As she hurried down the hallway to the foyer, she realized she could hear familiar voices, and her heart sank. They weren’t supposed to arrive until tomorrow!
“Your Grace, how lovely to see you again,” Lavinia said with a curtsey.
“Lady Edgerton, my sisters were anxious to come, and I hope our early arrival won’t cause any undue trouble,” Richmond said with a nod.
“Nonsense, Your Grace. Your rooms have all been prepared.”
“Thank you. We’re delighted to be here.” He turned to indicate his sisters. “You know Lady Charlotte. May I present to you my youngest sister, Lady Sophia?”
“Pleased to make your acquaintance, Lady Edgerton,” Sophia said with a curtsey.
“My youngest daughter, Miss Julia, has been anxiously awaiting your arrival,” Lavinia said. “She’ll be thrilled you’ve decided to come early.”
Emma gathered herself and walked toward their guests.
“Your Grace, Lady Charlotte, Lady Sophia, I hope your journey wasn’t too tedious,” Emma said with a curtsey, glad that her voice didn’t waver even as her heart pounded at their unexpectedly early arrival.
Charlotte stepped forward and grasped her hands. “I’ve missed our talks and couldn’t wait another day to see you again.”
“I’m so pleased you’ve come,” Emma said. She turned to Charlotte’s sister. “It’s lovely to meetyou, Lady Sophia.”
Sophia gave her a shy smile. “Nice to meet you, Miss Bainbridge.”
“Oh, you must call me Emma. We’re not so formal in the country.”
Emma flicked her eyes toward the duke only to find him intently focused on her, and the pounding of her heart increased. Why did he have to look so handsome, even after being cooped up in a carriage for several days? Of course, she reminded herself, he wouldn’t have spent the whole time in the carriage, and it’s easier to look fresh when you’ve been on a horse with the country air in your face. She was saved from having to make further conversation when the housekeeper stepped forward. “I’m Mrs. Fletcher, Your Grace. May I show you to your rooms?”
