The earl turned, and William saw a tremor of apprehension run over the man’s face, but it vanished in the next breath. His cool gaze traced over Bridget slowly, not in a judgmental way, butassessing. He then addressed William.
“Why do I doubt that this meek mouse of a lady is the one you truly want, nephew?”
“She is neither meek nor a mouse, Uncle,” William replied while guiding Bridget to a chair. “And I would appreciate it if you would refrain from categorizing her as either.”
“I see,” Ambrose murmured, then turned to Bridget. “Are you aware of the notable history my nephew has accumulated in the past years?”
“I am aware, yes, your lordship,” Bridget replied carefully. “He has not told me anything specific, but I do know.”
“So, you know he is a wastrel and a rake.”
“I would object towastrelbut yes, I am fully aware he is a rake,” Bridget responded. “However, he is not completely lost. Why do you press the issue, my lord?”
“Because I want you to be aware of the truth of your impending marriage,” Ambrose said calmly. “Listen to me: the reformation of rakes is the stuff of fiction. In real life, a pretty girl can no more change a man’s heart than a leopard can change its own spots. You will have to hold the supernatural powers of a saint to deal with him.”
A rumble of irritation brewed under William’s breastbone. “Are you implying that I will not hold to my vows, Uncle?”
“Will you?” Ambrose asked genially. “I do have my doubts, but let us see if this wallflower can perform a divine miracle and get you to toe the lines in the sand. I do hope you prove me wrong,son, and do right by your name, title, bloodline, and this genteel lady standing before me.”
He headed for the door, then paused, and twisted his head over his shoulder. “I will be watching.”
When the door closed, William let out a long breath, crossed the room, and found a bottle of brandy on a shelf, then poured out a glass. Throwing his head back, he swallowed the finger of drink, then pressed the crystal to his temple.
“God’s blood, that man irks me to no end,” he murmured, coming around and slumping into a chair. “I am sorry if he insulted you.”
“Thank you, but to your credit, you corrected him quickly,” she said quietly. “I am used to people underestimating me and determining the substance of my character after looking at me only once.”
“But you should not have to be so accustomed to it,” William replied straightly. “I had hoped my uncle would have kept his opinions closer to his chest, but he did the opposite.”
Reaching over to him, she touched his arm, “I think I could say the same thing about you.”
“Can you?” he asked dryly. “I am indeed a rake, a rogue, a devil amongst men. TheBeast of Brookhaven.It is why I havealways been incredibly careful about never finding myself in the company of young ladies alone.”
“The news sheets were not entirely wrong then?” she asked.
“Oh, they’re right,” he nodded. “There were amplifications at times, but I will accede to the truth in the middle of the inventions. I am most definitely a rake,” he boasted. “I enjoy the companionship of women, but in particular, worldly women, not innocents.”
“Companionship,” she noted, hardly believing she was having such a conversation with him of all people. “That’s a very subtle way of putting it.”
“I don’t wish to discomfit your sensitive sensibilities.”
“Thank you. I do not want to be embarrassed either, but that does not mean I am not aware of who you are,” Bridget replied quietly. “I only ask that during our courtship, you do not parade these companions before me.”
“There will be no need,” he said, “I go to them; they do not come to me,” his mind ran to Lady Rosa, but he decided to deal with that arrangement and her in time. “I shall be applying for a special license tomorrow morning, and by the end of this week, we shall be wed.”
Her head snapped up. “That quickly?”
“I won’t allow any more rumors to spread,” he declared softly, standing to set the crystal aside. “Now, I think it's time for our last waltz.”
The moment William whirled her onto the floor, Bridget had the unsettling feeling that her life would never be the same—but would it be for the better or the worse, she did not know.
The waves of murmurs that crested through the room surpassed the crowd’s earlier response and even those already on the dance floor gawked shamelessly. The violins leaped to life and the beautiful strains filled the ballroom. He took her into his arms as they soared around the room together.
William’s eyes were fixed on her, and it was a credit to his dancing master that he never missed a step. “Keep your eyes on me, Bridget. Do not give those harpies any flicker of discontent.”
“I do not think I should be overly happy either,” she whispered somberly. “As I have seen in the past few days, they will do anything to cast ignominy on my name. You, however, seem impervious.”
“My reputation precedes me,” William replied. “I have stained my name so filthily, there is not a spot left to sully. Believe me when I say, when we separate, I will heap all the blame upon myself. You will be unvilified.”
