“I’m very happy that I wasn’t at the church preparing the sermon today when you came by,” Pa said. “My daughters tell me you have come to visit them every day since the ball.”
Collin nodded, smiling brightly. “Yes. I find your daughters delightful company. They make me laugh more than my dreary brother does.”
As the others chuckled, Bridget held back from snorting. The earl found herdelightful? Why would he think their boring conversations were delightful? Unless it was her other sisters he actually came to see, because Bridget was notdelightfulcompany at all.
After a few seconds passed with nobody talking, Bridget had to break the silence. “Lord William,” she began after sipping her tea. “You mentioned having business out of town. May I be so bold to ask what type of business you are in?”
The smile stayed on his face as he set his teacup on the coffee table in front of them. “I have invested stocks in steam and coal. And just the other day, I was in Manchester with a good friend of mine setting up a warehouse to make cotton.”
“How incredible.” Pa’s eyes were wide as Adrian had his full attention. “If you are looking for workers, there are some men in my congregation who are not employed. They would be very dependable, I assure you.”
Adrian smiled at her father. “I would very much like to meet these men. I’m always looking for dependable people.”
Pa puffed out his chest. “I shall let them know.”
Bridget was surprised that Adrian actually did something with his life—besides seducing innocent women and creating deceitful games to toy with their hearts, of course.
“I agree with my father,” she said. “I’m impressed with your investments as well.”
Collin turned to his brother. “I’ve been thinking lately about investing in the cotton business along with you. Perhaps you could introduce me to your friend.”
“Of course. It’s cousin Trey’s brother-in-law, Lord Hawthorne.” Adrian lifted his teacup from the coffee table and sipped.
Collin lifted his eyebrows. “Indeed? I know Hawthorne quite well.”
“I believe I know this man.” Pa tapped his finger on his chin. “Does he live in North Devon?”
“Indeed, he does, but he also has an estate in Manchester,” Adrian replied.
“Yes, I do know him.” Pa grinned. “What a humorous man, I might say.”
Adrian chuckled. “That is a good way to describe Hawthorne. Half the time I never know if he is serious or playing the fool.”
Bridget arched an eyebrow. She’d known that feeling well since meeting Adrian.
“Miss Hartwell, Miss Priscilla,” Collin said, “would you ladies enjoy going horseback riding with my brother and me? We brought some fine mares from our stables that I think you two would love to ride.”
Priscilla’s face reddened. “Oh, I don’t know.” She stroked a hand down her messy hair. “I’m really not presentable.”
“Nonsense.” Collin smiled. “You look lovely. Doesn’t she, Lord William?”
“Of course you do.” Adrian nodded. “There’s nothing to feel embarrassed about. After all, by the time we all return from our ride, I’m sure we’ll all have scuffed up boots and windblown hair, since the wind has picked up a notch. In fact, I’m willing to bet you’ll be just as pretty when we return.”
Priscilla laughed lightly and shyly looked at her hands on her lap. Bridget narrowed her gaze on Adrian. Was he purposely trying to charm her sister? Apparently, since he couldn’t charm the eldest Hartwell sister, he might as well try the next one in line. Well, Bridget wouldnotallow it. She didn’t need all of the sisters ruined by one man.
“Shall we be off, then?” Collin stood.
Bridget and Priscilla rose to their feet at the same time. Adrian turned to place his teacup on the side table, but it bumped against Bridget’s mystery novel, knocking it to the floor. She hitched a breath and bent to retrieve it, but Adrian beat her to it and lifted it from the floor. As he handed her the book, his hazel eyes twinkled.
“Miss Hartwell, is this your book?” he asked as a corner of his mouth twitched.
“It is.” Bridget took the book and held it protectively against her bosom.
“I’m happy to see you’re a fan of mystery novels.”
“Indeed, I am.”
“Are there other books you enjoy reading as well?”
