Priscilla had been taken to the next room to change. Bridget couldn’t understand why they wouldn’t allow the two sisters to be together. At least she would have someone to talk with, but she didn’t know the servant well enough to converse. Then again, she hated sitting doing nothing but watching.
“I hope you don’t mind my asking,” Bridget began, getting the maid’s attention in the mirror, “but what is your name?” The servant didn’t appear to be that old. Perhaps in her early twenties.
Her eyes widened, clearly surprised at Bridget’s question. “Emily Fransen.”
“What a lovely name.” Bridget smiled. “Emily? How long have you worked for the earl and his brother?”
“I started working for their father three years ago. When the brothers moved into Hanover Hall, I was assigned here.”
“Do you know Lord Hanover and Lord William well, then?”
“I suppose I know them well enough.” Emily giggled. “At least, I know their bad habits.”
Bridget chuckled. “Yes, I’m sure being a servant and cleaning up after them would let you hear juicy details about their lives.”
Emily shrugged and continued arranging Bridget’s hair. “Actually, I learn things from the valets and footmen. They hear so much and are willing to share with the rest of us. However, everyone at Hanover Hall is devoted to the Worthington brothers.”
“Is there something about the brothers you would like to share with me?” Bridget really shouldn’t encourage the maid to gossip, especially since she was against it. However, if they were talking, Bridget wouldn’t become bored and fall asleep in the chair.
The maid blushed a brilliant red.
“Oh, Miss Hartwell. I couldn’t possibly. I hear talk, and both Lord Hanover and Lord William are taken with you.”
Bridget groaned silently.Both?“You and I both know that a titled man is not going to marry a country woman with no dowry. I don’t know why Lord Hanover is still courting me, but I can assure you that he will not ask for my hand in marriage.”
Emily sighed and frowned. “You are correct, of course. I haven’t known any titled lord who married a woman without a dowry.”
Bridget couldn’t understand why her chest was tightening. Yet she hadn’t gotten her hopes up… or had she? Why would she do something silly like that?
“There you go,” Bridget said. “I’m just being used for entertainment until Lord Hanover can find a titled woman.”
“Or perhaps”—Emily paused, staring at the wall—“maybe he finds you so very different from the women who come from titled families, and he likes you for your sweet personality.” Her gaze met with Bridget’s in the reflection. “After all, you are nothing like some of the women I have met in London.”
“I thank you for your flattery, but I assure you, once he is bored with me, he will move on.” Although they were speaking about Lord Hanover, she pictured Adrian. Indeed, that man would become bored soon and move to the next unsuspecting woman. He might be charming now, but if she let her heart get involved, he would surely break it.
“That is certainly the habit of Lord William. It doesn’t take him long to move to the next conquests. However, Lord Hanover is more selective. Rarely does he only court one woman.”
Bridget nodded. If that were the case, Adrian would soon give up on her. She didn’t know whether to be elated or saddened by the news.
Emily stepped back to look at her creation. Bridget took this moment to glance out the window. The rain had stopped. It was time to return home, whether they had a vehicle to take them or not. She didn’t enjoy lying to people, but in this case, she needed to feign a headache in order to return home. Her heart was in jeopardy, and she couldn’t afford having it broken.
“I thank you for helping me change and style my hair.” Bridget tried to smile at the servant. “By chance, do you know if my sister is ready?”
“I shall check, Miss Hartwell.”
As the maid hurried out of the room, Bridget found her clean boots and put them on. She had promised both Lord Hanover and Adrian that she and her sister would stay, and she prayed they wouldn’t judge her too harshly when she begged them to release her from that promise.
Bridget moved to the door, but before she could leave the lovely room decorated with mauve and gray, and the most expensive furniture she had ever seen, Priscilla bustled in and grabbed her shoulders. The wide smile on her sister’s face and the gleam in her eyes let Bridget know that convincing her to leave would be impossible.
“Oh, I cannot believe any of this,” Priscilla whispered. “Is this not the most amazing room you have ever seen?”
Expelling a breath, Bridget nodded. “Yes, this manor is very lovely. We are very fortunate to have this opportunity to view the inside. But, my dear sister, you must pull yourself out of the clouds.” She stepped away from Priscilla, and when her hands dropped, Bridget grasped them. “We are but mere country girls. We do not have any chance of becoming Lady Hanover or Lady Worthington.”
The excitement in Priscilla’s eyes vanished as her smile sank. “I know, but it was nice to dream.”
“Indeed, it’s nice, but we should not expect much else. Soon, this dream will end, and we cannot fall in love with the Worthington brothers. Our hearts cannot take it.”
“You are correct, again.” Priscilla inhaled deeply, squaring her shoulders. “I know you don’t want to stay, but can we at least live the dream during the meal? I’m starved.”
