Richmond nodded. “Yes. That would be most welcome.”
"If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask. Your staff has already arrived and unloaded your luggage,” Mrs. Fletcher said as she led them up the stairs.
“I think a brief rest before tea would be delightful,” Richmond said.
Butterflies rolled around her insides as Emma watched the duke and his sisters walk up the stairs. Why was she nervous? She certainly had no reason to be, and it frustrated her to no end that she was. Was her mother’s nagging affecting her more than she’d thought? She had no interest in Richmond, so what was it about the manthat unsettled her? It wasn't like she wanted the duke's attention. Of that, she wasabsolutelycertain.
She didn’t wish to be wed anytime soon, not even to the Duke of Richmond.
She’d already devised a plan for spending as little time as possible in the duke’s company, but that didn’t help calm her nerves at the moment. Of course, her plan would only work if Charlotte loved to ride and the weather held. Emma had never prayed for sunshine more. She fervently wished for the next fortnight to be bright and rain-free.
“I’m so pleased everyone has finally arrived,” Lavinia said. “I must go inform Edgerton and Courtney of the duke’s arrival and then let Mrs. Spencer know there will be three more for dinner.”
“Of course, Mama. I’ll see you at tea,” Emma said, slipping away. Her heart was still pounding, and she headed outside for another walk. She needed the quiet and serenity of the garden to calm her nerves. Was this how she’d feel for the next fortnight? Nervous and anxious whenever she was in the duke's company? She gave herself a mental shake.
What was wrong with her?
She’d never been shy in anyone's company before, and she was determined not to be timid in Richmond's either. He was a man like any other… except Emma knew that wasn’t true. His broad shoulders and chestand brilliant blue eyes were not the least bit ordinary. He commanded a room by his mere presence.
After a refreshing walk, Emma retired to her bedchamber to rest before dinner.
Ava soon roused her from a nap. “Miss, it’s time to wake up. Your bath is ready.”
Emma yawned. She hadn’t planned to fall asleep, but she must have been more tired than she realized. “Thank you, Ava. That will be lovely.”
Thirty minutes later, Emma sat before her dressing mirror while her maid pinned the last curl up on her head, leaving a few wispy curls to frame her face. “You look lovely, miss,” Ava said, admiring her handiwork.
The pale-yellow silk dress brought out the golden highlights in Emma's hair while the fabric accented her lush curves. She surveyed herself in the mirror, taking her time before declaring herself satisfied. She’d dawdled long enough, hoping that most of the other guests would be in attendance by the time she went to the parlor for tea. That way, she could avoid the duke without appearing rude and earning a scolding from her mother.
She took a deep breath, then walked out of her bedchamber and down the stairs. When she stood in the doorway of the parlor, her hand went to her midsection, trying to quell the butterflies doing a frantic dance in her belly. Her eyes immediately went to theduke, who was standing with Edgerton and Courtney. He was hard to miss, being the tallest gentleman in attendance.
Emma slipped inside and was glad to see Charlotte standing by the French doors leading to the terrace. The duke’s sister looked lovely in a pale blue silk dress that enhanced the green of her eyes. The dress clung to her petite frame and had sheer, barely-there sleeves that fluttered around her shoulders. She was the perfect image of an English miss with her blond hair and peaches-and-cream complexion, something that Emma would never be with her studier frame.
“Charlotte, I hope I’ve not kept you waiting overlong,” Emma said.
Charlotte turned and flashed a smile of straight white teeth. “Not at all. We’ve only just come downstairs.”
“That’s good. I do hope your accommodations are to your liking?”
Charlotte nodded. “They are indeed.” She leaned toward Emma and whispered, “I was ever so pleased that Sophia was assigned a separate bedchamber.”
Emma chuckled. “I understand. I love Julia dearly, but she talks nonstop most days, and it's exhausting to be around her for any length of time.”
“I think her enthusiasm will have a positive effect on Sophia. She's quite shy, especially around people she doesn’t know,”Charlotte said.
“I don’t think Julia has ever been described as shy,” Emma said with a chuckle. “I’m not aware of all the activities my mother has planned for the house party, but I was hoping we could take a ride each morning. I’m sure we have a mount in our stables that would suit you.”
“I love to ride and would enjoy that immensely.”
The knot in Emma’s chest eased somewhat. At least she could look forward to being away from the house for a good part of every morning. “Shall we take an early breakfast tomorrow? Then we’ll have more time to ride around the estate before any of the activities start.”
“That sounds lovely. I’m usually an early riser as well,” Charlotte said. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to be here. London was quite dull without you.”
“I’m glad you’re here as well. I’ve missed you.”
After an hour of everyone enjoying drinks, the butler announced dinner.
Richmond held out his arm. “Lady Edgerton, may I have the pleasure of escorting you to dinner?”
