Bridget let out a small, unguarded sound, her body heavy and loose against him as his hand continued its slow, soothing path over her back.
Before her thoughts could fully scatter, before sleep claimed her entirely, Adrian lowered his mouth close to her ear.
“I hope,” he murmured quietly, his voice low and certain. “That tonight begins to change your mind about this marriage.”
Chapter 19
“Are you well, Bridget? You look a bit flushed.”
Elara’s voice broke through Bridget’s reverie, and she looked up to find Adrian’s younger sister peering across the table at her with a most worried expression. She brought her hand up to her own cheek and found the soft flesh hot to the touch.
In truth, Bridget was not at all sure whether she was well. Adrian’s attention toward her left her most confused and wary. She did not yet dare hope that this marriage would be different from her last. Even if Adrian had come to her bed to show her pleasure, and held her every night since their wedding for the past week. Even if he broke his fast with her, and made a point to ask her about her day every evening when he came home. She was still too afraid.
“Yes, quite well,” Bridget answered, then forced a smile as she picked up her cup of tea. “I do apologize, though, my mind was miles away. There is still much to get used to.”
Elara gave her an understanding smile and nodded.
“I am sure,” Elara agreed, picking up her own teacup. “Forgive me for saying so, but I have heard much of your past, and I am certain that my brother is vastly different from your late husband.”
Bridget raised a brow in surprise, and her eyes went wide as she nearly choked on her tea and set her cup down with a clatter.
“Oh, do forgive me, Bridget,” she said hastily. “My brother often tells me that I speak too bluntly for the comfort of others.”
Bridget let out a soft laugh and relaxed.
“No, actually, I find your honesty most refreshing,” Bridget confessed. “Most women of our society tend to speak out of both sides of their mouths, and you never know which side is speaking the truth. You are straightforward with your honesty, and I admire that.” Bridget took a sip from her cup before adding, “And to answer your question, yes. Adrian is… so very,verydifferent from Warren. So different that it is difficult at times to believe that he is actually who he says he is.”
Elara visibly relaxed and reached a hand out toward her. Bridget readily took it, and the two gave each other’s hands a warm squeeze.
“I knew I was going to like you from the first moment my brother spoke of you,” Elara stated. “But I would not worry about my brother playing a part. He has no patience to be anyone other than who he is.”
Relieved to hear Elara say so, Bridget felt more comfortable continuing the conversation.
“You said your brother spoke of me?” she asked, her curiosity piqued. “When was that?”
Elara’s cheeks flushed pink.
“Oh, well. I suppose I should not say specifically. It was well before your marriage.”
Bridget drew up an intrigued brow.
“How well before?” she asked.
Elara was appearing to struggle for an answer when the dowager duchess sang good morning as she entered the room.
“Oh, good morning, Mama,” Elara answered readily, as if relieved for the interruption.
“Good morning, Your Grace,” Bridget greeted politely, rising from her seat to curtsy toward Adrian’s mother. “It is lovely to see you again.”
Bridget’s polite smile froze, however, when she lifted her gaze back to the dowager and found her glaring at her.
“Is… everything well, Your Grace?” Bridget asked timidly.
“It is you,” Nora whispered coldly. Then, in a louder voice, she demanded, “What areyoudoing here?”
“Mama,” Elara said in a kind warning sort of way as she stepped between Bridget and Nora. “You know why Bridget is here. She is the new Duchess of Redgrave, remember?”
Bridget watched, growing worried as Nora turned to Elara with a frustrated look.
