She really didn’t approve of the way he looked at her as if they shared a secret. And she absolutely didn’t like the way she became captured by his intense stare every single time. It must be his remarkable eyes. What other reason could there be?
“I like reading many books, my lord.” She nodded.
Priscilla moved closer to Bridget. “Oh, but mystery books fascinate her, which is why you’ll see her reading them often.”
Adrian arched an eyebrow as he stared at Bridget. “What do you find so fascinating?”
“I suppose it’s trying to figure out the mystery as I’m reading. I enjoy being surprised at the end when I don’t suspect the ending.”
“Are you any good at solving the mysteries?”
She nodded. “I think I’m very good at it, actually. Not many books keep me wondering until the end.”
Adrian grinned wider. “You know, that doesn’t surprise me at all. From the little we talked at the ball, I felt that you were that type of woman, Miss Hartwell.”
With an uncomfortable laugh, Bridget placed the book back on the side table. “Yes, well… shall we go riding now?”
“I’ll fetch our shawls.” Priscilla hurried into the corridor near the front door.
“Pa?” Bridget asked. “Will you be joining us?”
“Not this time, my dear.” Her father stepped to her and kissed her cheek lightly. “You and Priscilla enjoy yourselves with these two honorable men.”
Honorable?Bridget nearly choked from the thought. Collin was honorable, but certainly not his brother.
Priscilla returned with the shawls, handing one to Bridget. It surprised her when Adrian assisted her sister with the shawl. Irritation boiled inside Bridget, and she gritted her teeth. If he were trying to make her jealous… well, he was wasting his efforts. She would just show him that it didn’t bother her in the least that he was paying attention to Priscilla—as long as that was all he did with her sister.
Holding her head high, Bridget hooked her hand around Collin’s arm as he led the four of them out of the house. Determined not to let Adrian’s actions affect her, she decided to dote on Collin’s every word and every breath.
Two could play at the jealousy game.
Chapter Nine
“What exactly goesinto running a farm?” Adrian asked, riding his horse closer to Priscilla’s.
Bridget kept her attention on her giggling sister as the woman’s cheeks reddened. Her younger sister was playing right into Adrian’s hands. Bridget tightened her fingers around the reins. She was sure that that particular Worthington brother enjoyed making innocent women blush. He certainly lived up to his title ofscoundrel, even though he had tried to argue with her about being called that.
“Oh, Lord William.” Priscilla shook her head. “I’m sure you don’t want to know everything that my sisters and I do.”
“Yes, of course I do. Please, enlighten me.”
Adrian gave Priscilla a smile, the same smile that always made Bridget weak in the knees. She would have to ask her sister later if her heart ever fluttered whenever Adrian was around, because Bridget wished hers would stop reacting to the man in such a way. If only those feelings of anger and resentment hadn’t stayed with her. Perhaps the absence of not seeing him made her think differently. No, that couldn’t be it.
As Priscilla began explaining what the sisters did on the farm, Adrian kept his gaze intently on her. Bridget was relieved that he at least appeared to be interested in farm life, although she knew he was good at pretending.
The earl rode up next to Bridget and grinned. He nodded toward the other two.
“It appears,” he said in a low voice, “that my brother has finally become interested in someone besides himself.”
Bridget couldn’t hold back the laugh that sprang from her throat. She quickly covered her mouth with her hand. Adrian glanced at her briefly before returning his attention to Priscilla.
“Forgive me, my lord,” Bridget said to the earl, “but that was very amusing.”
Collin’s smile widened. “But it’s the truth.”
“I can’t help but wonder,” she continued in soft tones, hoping Adrian couldn’t hear, “if your brother is really that way or if it is an act to ward off upstart women.”
He chuckled. “I can tell you know my brother well in just the little time you conversed with him at the ball.”
