“I’m pleased you could come,” Lord Hanover said to her pa, “and that you brought your daughters.” He turned to Bridget and took her hand before kissing her knuckles. “Miss Hartwell, I pray you are feeling better?”
“Yes, my lord. My health has improved.” She pulled her hand away, but within seconds, Adrian was taking it and lifting it to his mouth. His lips felt more tender as they brushed her knuckles, and she felt the subtle stroke of his finger against her palm.
Tingles erupted inside her belly, creating warmth to spread through her. She hadn’t felt this way when the earl kissed her. The older brother had never been able to create such havoc inside her like his younger brother. If only she could marry a man who made her feel so special, and so desired. If only the man who could make her feel like a woman and asked for her hand in marriage would be wealthy enough to save her family’s farm, perhaps she wouldn’t disappoint her father.
It seemed as though time stood still while Adrian’s lips touched her hand, and as he slowly straightened, his intoxicating hazel gaze locked on to her face. All sounds around her disappeared as she watched him carefully, hoping he wouldn’t do or say anything to let everyone around them know of their secret.
The beating of her heart increased as the strength disappeared from her legs. It was all she could do to hold herself up and not embarrass herself in front of everyone. Adrian always had a way of charming her.
“Miss Hartwell, I’m so glad you came.” He winked.
“Lord William,” she said in a raspy voice, then quickly cleared her throat. “I thank you for inviting us.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Her heart skipped a beat. Was this dinner social his idea? Of course it was. He had always been the bigger flirt out of him and his brother. Leave it to Adrian to find ways for them to be together. The cad!
Although she suspected his intentions, it felt good to know that he hadn’t lost interest in her yet. The maid had mentioned that Lord William quickly moved from one conquest to the next. Bridget found it refreshing that she had captured his interest for so long.
Her father’s voice broke the spell as he asked Adrian a question. Being polite, Adrian moved his attention to her father as they conversed. Although she couldn’t wrap her mind around the conversation, she did notice when Adrian glanced at her several times.
Inhaling deeply, she convinced herself that she would remain strong. His charm, good looks, and sweetness werenotgoing to make her swoon, no matter how hard he tried.
As the evening progressed, she realized there was something different about Adrian. He seemed more relaxed and self-assured. There was more confidence in his manner and the way he spoke with the guests at the party. Whether it had something to do with his being Lord William now, as opposed to the country-bumpkin cousin she had first met, she wasn’t certain. But she liked how kind he was to everyone. That was so different from the night at the ball.
Finally, the guests were invited to follow the brothers into the huge dining room for supper. Just as she found a card with her name on it, Adrian was by her side, pulling the chair out for her. She smiled and allowed him to help her sit, even though heaccidentallyswept his fingertips across her shoulder, making her shiver with delight from his touch.
He moved to pull out the chairs for her sisters, but Bridget noticed he didn’t touch any of them. It was difficult not to watch him as he then pulled out chairs for the other ladies in attendance before moving to his seat and sitting. She wasn’t surprised that his position at the table was directly across from her.
She really didn’t want to look at him as the meal was served and she ate, but because he was sitting directly across from her, it was nearly impossible not to see every move he made. He was exceptionally handsome tonight, wearing a light gray suit with a pristine white cravat and shirt.
Quickly, Bridget lowered her gaze to the half-eaten food on her plate. What was she doing? Thinking how handsome he looked tonight was not a good way to get him off her mind. Instead, she should think about how handsome Collin was this evening.
She peeked at him sitting at the end of the table. He wore a dark blue jacket with matching trousers, and a white shirt and cravat. But for some reason, he just didn’t stand out as much as Adrian. Collin chatted politely with Lady Margaret and Miss Sophia, who sat on either side of him, but his countenance wasn’t as lively as she thought it should be.
Adrian, on the other hand, chatted briefly with his aunt, who sat on one side of him, and Felicia, who sat on the other side, but his main focus was on Bridget. His eyes sparkled with excitement every time he looked at her, making her wonder what mischievous thoughts filled his head. She chuckled softly to herself. Actually, she knew him well enough to knowexactlywhat he was thinking.
As much as she tried to think of him as the deceitful scoundrel she had kissed that first day, because of his actions in saving her from the runaway horse, and his kindness when she and Priscilla were stranded with a broken vehicle, it was hard not to think of him as her hero. As often as she tried pushing those traitorous thoughts aside, the reality was that hehadrescued her. Not just once, but twice had Adrian—not Collin—been her hero. True, Collin had been injured in both instances, but it was still his brother who came to save her.
Never had she been more frightened the day on the horse, and never had she felt more comforted as Adrian had held her close and rubbed her back while he brushed light kisses across her forehead. Sitting so near to him on the horse had felt so right. Having his arms around her, shielding her from anything harmful, had been the most perfect thing she’d experienced in such a long time.
Indeed, how could shenotthink of him as her hero?
However, she mustn’t let him know that. She didn’t want him to turn back into that cocksure man she first met on the estate. And if Adrian knew her heart was melting toward him, he would think he had won. That would not be a good thing at all.
When the meal was finished, the hosts invited their guests to the music room. Aunt Beatrice entertained them by playing a classical piece on the pianoforte. Bridget sat on one of the settees in the room, enjoying the familiar piece. Priscilla sat next to her, thoroughly enthralled with the old woman’s playing. When Beatrice was finished, everyone applauded. She stood and curtsied, and then nudged her son Walden toward the instrument. The poor man’s face turned a turnip red as he shook his head. Aunt Beatrice glared as her lips pursed.
The few sitting near Walden encouraged him to play. As soon as the man sat on the stool and positioned his fingers on the keys, Adrian stood and rubbed his forehead, moving to the back of the room. The moment Walden started playing, Bridget knew why Adrian had acted this way. She was not a rude person by nature, but it was difficult not to cringe at the man’s poor playing skills.
Collin jumped up from his seat and hurried to save his cousin. When Walden peered into Collin’s face, he looked vastly relieved. The men switched places, and soon Collin’s talented fingers breezed across each key in a miraculous tune.
Beatrice sat next to Bridget’s father and whispered something to him. He nodded and pointed toward Priscilla. There was no doubt in Bridget’s mind what they were chatting about. Of all the Hartwell sisters, Prissy was the most musically inclined. Bridget played, but very little, and she liked to sing, but most people didn’t like to listen when she performed. However, everyone was amazed when Prissy was the center of attention.
Suddenly, Bridget heard someone move behind her, and she inhaled a man’s masculine scent of spice. Awareness buzzed in her ears and let her know exactly who was standing only inches away. She didn’t dare peek over her shoulder, because she didn’t want him to know she couldfeelhim watching her. But oh, he smelled so nice, and those memories she wanted to keep hidden quickly resurfaced.
Inwardly, she scolded her wayward thoughts. She didn’t want to think that way about him ever again, but every time he was near, her heart softened. It was difficult not to be affected by his presence.
When Collin was finished playing, everyone applauded. Aunt Beatrice stood and motioned toward Priscilla.
