A loud gasp sprang from her throat and her eyes widened. Before he knew what was happening, she slapped him across the face.
He released her and stepped back. Perhaps he’d deserved that. Although he had been wondering if she would rather be with his brother, he probably shouldn’t have spoken his thoughts aloud. However, at least she was looking directly into his eyes, as he had wanted.
But what startled him more than the slap was seeing her injured expression. Anger was one of the emotions displayed, but her eyes watered as she blinked rapidly. Her lips trembled and her breathing quickened.
“How dare you say that?” she spat. She took a ragged breath. “You told me last night that you respected me, and now you make me sound like I’m a… a…” Her voice broke.
Tears slid down her cheeks, tearing his heart to pieces. He groaned in silence.I’m such a fool!
Why had he been so mean? It wasn’t his intention to hurt her. He actually hoped that she wanted to be withhimand not his brother. But he couldn’t stand seeing her so sad. The more tears that streamed down her cheeks, the guiltier he felt. A lump of emotion formed in his throat, making it difficult to swallow.
“Forgive me, my sweet Bridget.” He took her back into his arms, but she slapped at his chest. He deserved it. However, he didn’t know how else to let her feel his sorrow right now. “Please forgive me for saying that.”
“Why… did you?” More tears filled her eyes.
He shook his head. “Jealousy. That’s the only reason I spoke so rudely.”
She blinked as surprise washed over her face. “You werejealous? Of whom?”
“My br… um, my cousin, the earl.” Adrian couldn’t believe he’d almost slipped up and given away his identity. He needed to stay in character a little better. Then again, lying to her was getting harder and harder.
“Why? Because he danced with me last night? Because he introduced me to your aunt and Lord Walden?”
“That, and because…” Adrian cleared his throat. “Because Lord Hanover was planning on coming to see you this morning. Collin mentioned he wanted to ask permission from your father to court you.”
She gasped again, but now it was anger coating her expression. Usually when ladies found out a wealthy earl wanted to court them, they acted differently. Adrian wasn’t prepared for her reaction, and he couldn’t help feeling very confused.
Her face reddened and she scowled. “This was the reason you wanted to meet with me? To keep me away from the house so that Lord Hanover couldn’t call on me?”
Feeling ashamed, he nodded.
She shoved her palms against his chest and squirmed out of his hold. “I can’t believe…” She paced in front of him. “Of all the low-down tricks and deceitful games…” She growled, walking faster. “I blame myself. I knew men like you were scoundrels, yet I still allowed you to charm me.”
Adrian scratched his head. Was she talking to him? She wasn’t looking at him, but he was definitely the subject of her tirade.
“Um, Bridget? Why do you think I’m a scoundrel?” Her words didn’t make any sense. They had only just met yesterday morning, yet she hadknownhe was a scoundrel?
She stopped and faced him. Her glare shot right through him.
“Because youarea scoundrel, Lord William. I’m certain the things you have done to me since we first met were probably right out of the scoundrel’s book of rules. In fact, you probably wrote the book.”
Forcing a chuckle, he flipped his hand dismissively through the air. “I don’t know where you are hearing such gossip, but I have never—and will never—become a scoundrel. True, I’ve done some inexcusable things in my life, but calling me a scoundrel is going too far.”
She arched an eyebrow, folding her arms across her chest. “Did you even hear what I just said?”
“Of course I did, and I must disagree with you. Scoundrel is a harsh word, even for me.”
Her breaths came fast as her nostrils flared. The quick tapping of her foot matched the rhythm of her finger tapping on her forearm. He couldn’t possibly figure out why she acted this way.
His mind replayed what she had just said… and then came to a screeching halt. Had she called himLord William? His heart dropped. Indeed, she had called him by his name, but all he heard was that he was a scoundrel.
He laughed uncomfortably. “Oh, I see. You believe me to be Lord William?” He shook his head. “Once again, you’ve been listening to too many rumors, my sweet Bridget.”
“So, now you think I listen to rumors? Have you forgotten how I berated my sisters for gossiping yesterday morning while in your yard?”
“Well, no, I haven’t forgotten, but—”
“Then it’s obvious that you don’t know me at all.”
