Dawn found Bridget unprepared and a touch reluctant knowing that she had a lot of explaining to do that day, not only with Eleanor, but with her godmother whom she was about to leave for.
She looked down at her packed bags when Ellie walked into the room, her face placid. “I suppose last night went well, then?”
She turned. “We’re engaged.”
Eleanor frowned. “You don’t mean Hansen—”
“No,” she looked away, “Duke Arlington.”
Bridget suddenly found herself enveloped in a warm hug and her mouth dropped in shock. Hesitantly, she hugged her friend back and tried to smile. “I take it you’re… happy?”
“Extremely,” Ellie replied, pulling away. “I know it is not the marriage you imagined you’d have but I truly believe the duke can put you in a position Hansen would never be able to do.”
“The Duke…” she paused. “He proposed a marriage of convenience, and after a while, he will separate us while he goes his way. He is leaving me to live a life I choose with a handsome purse.”
“Oh,” Ellie blinked. “Well, that’s good, isn’t it?”
“It is,” Bridget sunk into a nearby chair, her head lowering. “It is… if I didn’t find him so dratted attractive. He’s shown a part of himself he keeps away from others. Yes, he is the hard-boiled rakehell he has shown the world, but he is…” she fought to find the right words. “What he shows us is like armor around his true self.
“It is a part of him but, at the same time… it is a façade,” she muttered. “I am not saying he is Shakespeare reborn or Byron in another suit, he is not a man of tender sentiment, but he is not a cold, unfeeling man either. And he is… he is lonely. I felt it from the start, and it had drawn me.”
Ellie canted her head. “I am surprised that you sensed that much in the little time you have known him.”
“He is like a faceted gem,” Bridget said softly. “And the curious thing is, I have yet to see the other sides of him.”
“Hm.” Ellie sounded sly. “Sounds to me that youwantto see more of him. My, my, it sounds like you have—”
“Don’t you dare,” Bridget tried to glare but it fell flat. “It is just a means to an end and he is going to search for my brother as an additional benefit.”
“I know marriage should be about the mating of two souls, about love and passion, not the joining of business interests—but most ton marriages are based on practical considerations. I wish it were the other way around, but truthfully, Bridget, this is smart for you.
“’Tis only sad that he is such a hardened rake and men like him have a natural resistance against getting leg-shackled, but if he made the offer—” Ellie shrugged. “I do hope you will have a genuine companionship during the time you are married though.”
“So do I,” Bridget exhaled, holding back on how attractive she found William and the feelings he evoked from her.
A footman came to the door just then, bowing. “Lady Bridget, Duke Arlington’s carriage has arrived for you.”
Nervously, she stood and handed the valise over to the footman, then hugged Ellie. “Thank you.”
“You are welcome, dear,” Ellie replied, “Josie and I will be taking you for a celebratory luncheon sometime this week. And I hope you will not succumb to His Grace’s insidious charm.”
Too late.
“I promise,” Bridget replied, her smile tremulous.
Stepping into the windy day, she gazed at the blue lacquered carriage, its thick navy drapes drawn, the ducal seal of a falcon, and swords glinting gold under the sunlight. As she glanced at the dappled set of four horses, she knew her life had taken a drastic turn.
The door opened and William descended—his fawn breeches and fine lawn shirt gave him a very casual look she had never seen before. It was avant-garde, and shocking, of the man to look so casual—some would say under-dressed—out in public.
“Surprised to see me this way?” His lips curved.
“Yes,” she replied breathily. “It’s not…”
“Appropriate?” he laughed, holding out his hand.
“Especially en route to meet the family of the lady you are about to marry,” Bridget countered.
“I realize, but then again, I am not one to conform to everyone else’s standards.”
