“Yes, and his attention was on me as I ran after the sheep. When Felicia and Jannette saw the coach, they darted in another direction and ran into the thicket of trees, laughing loudly.”
“Oh dear.” Bridget moved to the cushioned chair and sat. Pa was not going to like this one bit.
“Do you know what this means?” Priscilla’s voice lifted higher.
“I can only imagine,” Bridget muttered, and closed her eyes again.
“Thanks to our wayward sisters, the earl will have nothing to do with us. He will be too embarrassed to come around. In fact, I wouldn’t doubt he is considering how to tell Pa that he has decided that the two of you don’t suit.”
“Yes, I know.” Sighing, Bridget looked at her sister, waiting for sadness to come over her from the knowledge that she had lost another beau. Yet the feeling hadn’t come yet.
Priscilla set the slingshot on the side table. “Just when you get your chance at being courted by a titled, wealthy man, our sisters have to ruin it.” Her voice cracked.
Bridget scowled. “Prissy, do you honestly believe I care that he’s titledorwealthy?”
A blush covered Priscilla’s face. “Um, no, but…”
“Because I’m not. The amount of money in the man’s bank account has nothing to do with how I feel about him.”
Priscilla took cautious steps closer and sat on the edge of the empty chair. “Bridget,” she said in softer tones, “exactly how do you feel about Lord Hanover?”
“Well, I…” Bridget prepared her thoughts, and was surprised when nothing was there. She really didn’t know her feelings. She liked him well enough, and she was happy when he visited, but it was only because it kept her from becoming bored. If the man wasn’t in her life, she would have found something else to do to entertain herself during the slow part of the day.
“I suppose I… um…” Bridget began again, still grasping for words, but then she heard her father clear his voice loudly. She snapped her attention toward the door to the parlor, and her heart sank. Standing beside her father were none other than the earl… and Adrian.
She sucked in a quick breath.What is Adrian doing here?
Both Bridget and Priscilla jumped to their feet at the same time, but it was Priscilla who smoothed out her dress and patted her messy hair.
“Forgive us for not seeing you.” Bridget curtsied, and her sister copied the action.
Her father motioned for the other two men to enter. When they reached Bridget and her sister, the men bowed.
“It is good to see you again,” the earl said. He pointed to Adrian. “I would like to introduce you to my brother, Lord William. He has finished his business, and he is permanently residing at Hanover Hall.” He looked at Adrian. “And this is Miss Bridget Hartwell, and her younger sister, Miss Priscilla.”
Priscilla gasped and quickly covered her mouth with her hand. Her eyes were wide as she stared at Adrian.
The earl chuckled. “I’m assuming by your reaction that you realize my brother was at the ball we had not too long ago.”
“Yes, my lord. If I’m not mistaken, he chatted with Bridget a few times.”
“Forgive me,” Adrian said. “It was my request to remain unnamed while at the welcoming party. I hope you will understand.”
“Um… of course, my lord.” Priscilla’s hand trembled as she ran her palm over her dress again, smoothing out the wrinkles that would remain there until the garment was ironed.
Adrian kept his gaze on Bridget, and for the oddest reason, her heartbeat quickened with a strange fluttering. Quickly, before her mind changed toward the rodent masquerading as a man, she squashed the disturbing feelings.
“Miss Hartwell, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” Adrian said.
Bridget kept her shoulders straight. “And you, as well. I’m happy to know you have decided to let everyone know your real identity.” She tried to keep her voice from shaking.
“Indeed.” Adrian grinned. “I thought it was about time now that my business has been settled out of town.”
“Would you like some tea?” Priscilla asked. “And I made some fresh crumpets this morning.”
“That would be wonderful.” Adrian nodded.
“Please, why don’t you sit with us?” Bridget motioned with her hand toward the two chairs. The men sat as she and Priscilla poured tea in the cups and served them the cakes. Pa sat next to the two lords, his attention focused on the men.
