After the birth, Gerard had seldom left Dorothy’s side. He had remained awake and alert, as if he anticipated some great calamity to occur at any moment.
“He needs the rest,” Elias added. “The poor man looks dreadful.”
Bridget settled into the chair and took a sip of the tea.
“Aside from William, I have never seen a man so devoted to his wife.” Catherine’s face softened with that same lovesick expression she often had when thinking of her husband. “They are a good match.”
Bridget clenched her jaw. Her sister and Gerardwerea good match. It was unfortunate that Bridget had not been so fortunate.
“I do not suppose you received word from my husband, while I was tending to Dorothy?” Bridget asked.
Elias shook his head.
“Does he know that you are here?” Catherine asked.
“He must,” Bridget said. “I sent him a letter.”
“Perhaps it has not arrived.”
Bridget sighed. “No…I sent it three days ago, the same night that I stayed here. It is impossible for a letter to have not arrived in three days. And besides, the news of Dorothy’s baby has already appeared in the papers. I am certain Lewis would realize that I would be with her.”
“So why would he stay away?” asked Catherine, furrowing her brow.
“It is a marriage of convenience,” Elias pointed out.
“But even so,” Catherine insisted. “I would expect him to come here.”
“We recently argued,” Bridget said, sighing. “He has not come here because he is angry with me.”
“What happened?” Elias asked.
Bridget shook her head. “I already discussed the matter with Dorothy, and I know there is nothing that can be done.”
“Since when do you accept defeat so easily?” Elias asked, raising an eyebrow. “That is not the sister I know.”
“The sister who only cares about herself and her own happiness?” Bridget asked. “Thatsister? If Lewis has no desire to see me, I will not force his hand. I care about his happiness and peace of mind.”
Elias set his tea aside and crossed his arms, fixing her with an expression that was somewhere between confused and proud. “Marriage suits you,” he said gently.
“Elias,” Catherine said. “Perhaps Bridget and I should discuss the matter alone, woman to woman.”
“You believe I have nothing to contribute?” Elias asked.
“Well, youarethe only one of us who is not married,” Catherine said. “Besides, there are some marital matters which are simply…strange to discuss with one’s brother.”
“I see!” Elias adopted a look of mock offense. “Seeing as I am so unwanted, I suppose I have no choice but self-imposed exile in Gerard’s study.”
“We will only be a moment. Then, you are free to join us,” Catherine said.
Elias bowed and left the room.
Bridget placed her cup and saucer on the table and leaned back in her chair. “I do not want to discuss the argument with you either,” Bridget said quietly. “I have had three long days to think about it, and I know that I am at fault. And it feels wretched. Nothing you can say will make me feel better or change my mind.”
“Indeed,” Catherine said.
Bridget narrowed her eyes. “Just like that? You are not going to argue with me.”
Catherine sipped her tea. “I think I will wait for you,” she said. “Elias is right. You have changed. However, you are also still my sister, and I know that youdowish to speak about it. You have always been somewhat contradictory.”
