The duke turned to his wife and she cocked her head. “Shall we introduce Emma?” the duke inquired.
“Certainly,” Kitty replied. “In fact, we can introduce her to the entire family.”
The duke’s smile flattened ever so slightly, and Emma noticed it instantly. A hint of panic flickered in his eyes as he leaned in and whispered to Kitty, “Are you certain that is a good idea, my love?”
“Trust me, my dearest husband, Emma has seen much worse,” Kitty answered and turned her attention to Emma. “Shall we?”
“Certainly,” Emma nodded with intrigue and enthusiasm.
Who were they talking about?
The newly married couple escorted Emma to a young woman with an infectious laugh and a bright and open face. Her blonde hair was pinned meticulously on the crown of her head and her eyes were bright and content. The young woman noticed their approach and her smile brightened even more.
“There they are,” she beamed and embraced the duke.
“Sister, I would love for you to meet Emma.”
“Of course. I have heard so much about you, my lady. I am the duke’s sister, Lady Elizabeth, but my family calls me Lizzie.”
Such informality from such a powerful family. Emma was more and more intrigued.
“It is delightful to meet you, my lady,” Emma said, recalling the letters she’d received from Kitty telling her of the new family she’d inherited. “The duchess has written of you often. I feel as though I know you already.”
“Indeed, the feeling is mutual.” Lizzie grinned.
“Emma is an avid reader, and I thought you would enjoy the pleasure of her company,” the duke said to his sister.
“Indeed, I would,” Lady Elizabeth answered with a genuine smile, “But I must first speak with Lord Maynard. My sincerest apologies, my lady. I don’t wish to seem rude.”
“Of course not,” Emma assured her. “The duchess has invited me to stay for a few days at the estate, which will give us ample opportunity to visit.”
“Of course,” Lady Elizabeth nodded happily. “Please do excuse me for a moment.”
Emma smiled as she watched Lady Elizabeth remove herself and approach another dashing young man and engage in quite an enthused manner.
“Your sister seems lovely, Your Grace,” Emma pointed out.
“Lizzie...” the duke answered with a momentary pause, “is quite the whirlwind. She comes and goes as she pleases.”
“Indeed,” Kitty agreed. “But she is lovely. I could not have wished for a better sister-in-law.”
As Emma opened her mouth to respond, a deep and cheerful voice was heard to their left.
They all turned towards the rich sound and Emma’s cheeks immediately grew warmer as the handsome young man she had noticed earlier approached them. He was not accompanied by the other gentleman he had been conversing with now.
He wore a smug smile on his lips as he leaned over at the duke and grinned. “Just the man I wished to see.”
The duke straightened up, a slight tilt of indifference on his lips. “And why is that?”
Before the young man was able to respond, he noticed the duchess and Emma, which seemed to give him pause.
“Your Grace,” he uttered apologetically and bit his bottom lip. “I did not see you and...”
His voice trailed off as he glanced at Emma and turned towards her. “And who might this delightful woman be?”
Emma gazed into his bright blue eyes and let her eyes wander down to the playful grin that rested on his lips.
Rake. Definitely.
“Emma, please meet Lord William Seymour. He is the duke’s younger brother,” Kitty said. “Will, this is my very good friend, Emma.”
Lord William reached for Emma’s hand, lightly squeezing it before he brought it to his lips and kissed her skin. Shivers of delight engulfed Emma’s body, but she managed to keep her composure.
Despite Lord William’s charm and handsome features, as well as the giddy feeling he caused to rise up inside Emma, she was not about to lose herself in the moment. Especially not since Lord William had imbibed more than he should.
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lord,” Emma greeted him simply.
“Likewise, my lady. I must say that you are a beautiful woman—”
“Pardon my brother,” the duke interrupted, but Lord William shook his head.
“I can speak for myself, James,” Lord William defended.
“Only if your words are respectful towards our guest,” the duke interjected.
“With all due respect, I, too, can speak for myself, Your Grace,” Emma said.
“My apologies. I simply do not find it appropriate for such behavior in the presence of a lady,” the duke explained.
“I do appreciate your concern, Your Grace, and I do thank you for it,” Emma answered gratefully and turned to Lord William. “I see you are thoroughly enjoying yourself this afternoon, my lord.”
“It is a celebration in itself, as my sister and I never truly thought our dearest brother would marry,” Lord William explained. “And what a momentous occasion it is!”
“Indeed.” Kitty smiled at the duke.
“Did the duchess tell you, Emma, of the incident with the horse—”
“I am certain Emma does not wish to hear the entire tale,” the duke interjected.
“In actual fact, she told me everything already,” Emma grinned, loving the fact that she knew so much about the couple in front of her.
“My love, perhaps we can give Will and Emma a moment to get acquainted,” Kitty suggested.
“But my dearest—”
“Come along,” Kitty insisted and she led the duke away.
“The duchess has never been known for her subtlety,” Emma muttered.
“Nor are you, my lady, it may seem.”
Emma glanced at Lord William and cocked her head. “Not at all.”
A moment of silence passed between them and Lord William cleared his throat. “I truly am delighted for my brother that he managed to find himself a wife such Kitty. She is captivating, and she compliments him well.”
Emma frowned at him, surprised by his candor. “That is a very kind thing to say, my lord.”
“How long have you known the duchess?” he asked.
“Most of my life,” Emma answered truthfully. “She has been
