Bridget scooped the terrier up in her arms. “If you’ll excuse me,” she said.
Nate gave her a brief look as if to say,we’ll resume our conversation later, before turning his attention back to the boy in his arms.
“Boat!” Henry cried.
Nate laughed. “Shall we go put it on the water and see if it will sail?”
Bridget watched as Nate turned and headed to the lake with Henry in his arms and Lady Luxton by his side. She would think they were a happy family if she didn’t know better. Just then, Lady Luxton turned and gave her a look that could freeze Lake Windermere.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Aunt Marianne waswaiting for Bridget as she entered the villa. “Really, my dear, I must insist that you come back to bed. You will exhaust yourself. You are not yet healed.”
Bridget’s head had indeed started to ache again, and she longed to rest it on her soft pillow, but she was not ready to go back to bed. “Allow me to check on the servants first, Aunt. I want to see how everyone has been getting along without me.”
“Absolutely not! You get yourself upstairs, and I’ll check on the servants,” Aunt Marianne ordered.
Bridget opened her mouth to object, but Aunt Marianne had already stalked off in the direction of the servants’ stairs.
“Miss De Lacey!”
Bridget looked up to see Mrs. Harley coming down the stairs. “I’m so pleased to see you up and about. I heard that you had a nasty fall in the woods. What an ordeal.”
“Thank you,” Bridget said, surprised that yet another guest was inquiring about her well-being. She hadn’t thought any of them cared. “How kind of you to ask after me.”
“Well, I know what it’s like to be stuck in confinement.” She caressed her exceedingly slim belly. “It can get lonely sometimes.”
Bridget nodded. “How have you been feeling? I hope you have been comfortable here.”
“Everything has been delightful,” Mrs. Harley said. “I only wish Mr. Harley’s aunt would allow me to enjoy all Windermere has tooffer.” She sighed. “I know the babe’s health is the most important thing, but as I said, it does get lonely.”
“I’m sorry,” Bridget said.
Mrs. Harley shrugged, and said casually, “I’d be happy to sit with you while you recover if your aunt will permit it. I could use the company myself.”
“Oh,” Bridget said, a little uncomfortable with the woman’s strange request. “Thank you, but I don’t plan on spending any more days in my room. I have work to do. This inn isn’t going to manage itself.”
“Is Mr. Squires so demanding that he’s going to force you back to your duties already?”
“No, of course not. He wishes me to rest. I prefer to keep busy.”
Mrs. Harley nodded. “Well, if you’re not going to stay abed, perhaps you’ll permit me to walk out with you in the garden every now and then. Lady Darby won’t let me out on my own in my condition, and I should like someone else’s company besides my lady’s maid. It will be refreshing. I understand you know everything about the garden plants and trees.”
“Of course,” Bridget said. “I would love to accompany you sometime. Perhaps, not today.” She gestured to her forehead. “I am feeling rather tired today.”
“You poor dear. Do you remember how it all happened? What made you go out on your own in the middle of the night like that?”
Bridget’s cheeks warmed. “I don’t remember anything at all from that night. One bump on the head and the entire evening has been erased from my memory.”
“Is that so?” Mrs. Harley’s small eyes widened an inch. “That must be a relief to forget the whole frightening ordeal.”
“Not entirely. I wish I could remember. Believe me, I am trying very hard.”
“It’s best you don’t, dear.” Mrs. Harley gave her a faint smile. “Themind can play such awful tricks.”
Bridget frowned and then immediately winced as she felt the pain in her forehead. She had to remember to stop doing that.
“Well, I must get back to my room now. The babe’s health is most important you know. But we shall walk soon. I promise.”
