She faced him and sighed with defeat. He was grateful she finally gave in to his plea.
“What exactly do you want to discuss, Lord William?”
He found it odd how he loved hearingAdriancome from her mouth, instead of his first name. It didn’t bother him when others called him Lord William, only Bridget. “I would like to know how you go about putting clues together as you’re reading. And do you ever get to the end of the book and realize you have guessed the villain?”
She arched her eyebrow as a grin touched her face. “Are you quite serious?”
“I am.”
“Mysteries and clues?” She lowered her voice. “Does this have something to do with what happened the other day while we were riding?”
“Indeed, it does.”
She remained silent for a few moments, watching him through narrowed eyes. He had hoped to pique her interest, knowing how much she loved a good mystery.
“I must admit, my lord, you have made me wonder what has been happening around the estate recently.” She paused. “Did it happen to just you, or were other people present?”
He shook his head. “Both my brother and I are the victims. And, of course, you were there with us while we were riding.” He stepped closer and lowered his voice. “I spoke with Collin about it, and we both think that someone at the estate wants to harm us. Or…killus.” He whispered the last part.
She gasped. “So, perhaps I should meet with you and your brother and try to help you put clues together to can solve this mystery”—she swallowed hard—“before it’s too late.”
“I would like that very much, Miss Hartwell. More than you’ll ever know.”
Heavens, she looks so pretty this evening. Adrian sighed and smiled. She wore a light blue gown, similar to the one she had worn at the ball, but this one fit her bosom better, and showed more of her shoulders. But her hair was in a different style tonight. Her eyes were a soft blue, and her mouth was much too tempting.
He enjoyed how her gaze roamed over his face, but it was even nicer because she wasn’t glaring at him. He prayed she remembered all the things they had shared in just a short time.
She licked her lips and sighed. “Are, um… you and your brother doing well?”
His heart soared. Shedidcare. He wanted to touch her arm so badly, so he folded his arms to keep from following his urges. “Yes.” He stepped closer. “How is your family faring?”
She smiled. “We are quite well, thank you.”
“Miss Hartwell, would you and your sister like to come over to the manor tomorrow so that my brother and I can take you on a tour of the grounds? We’ll be able to discuss the accidents that have been happening in more detail.”
Her smile grew. “I believe I can arrange that, as long as Lord Hanover agrees.”
“I’m certain he would. He enjoys your company nearly as much as I do.”
Her eyes twinkled. “Then I shall ask Priscilla if she would like to come.”
“Let us make it for the noon hour, and my brother and I will have a luncheon prepared.”
She nodded. “That sounds lovely.”
“Splendid.” He stepped away from her and turned toward the others. She turned as well. Slowly, they started walking. “Do you perchance play, Miss Hartwell?” He pointed to the pianoforte.
She chuckled. “Very little. My sister is the talented one in the family.”
“If you don’t play, do you sing?” Adrian arched an eyebrow.
“Indeed, I do… but only to help scare away wild animals off our land.”
He laughed, loving how she was able to do that to him. Not many women had a sense of humor that he enjoyed. “How very amusing you are, but I don’t believe you.”
“You can ask any of my sisters. They will tell you that when I try to sing, they stuff cotton in their ears.”
He laughed again, and this time, some of the other guests turned their heads and looked her way. Collin also turned and looked at Adrian with a suspicious stare. The earl said something to the three women chatting with him and made his way toward Bridget. Adrian grumbled under his breath. Why couldn’t Collin just let his younger brother enjoy a few moments alone with her?
