“I suppose I’ll have to talk to the constable tomorrow. I hadn’t realized how late it was.”
Bridget met Adrian’s stare and shrugged. There were no words between them, but he still knew what she was thinking. He, too, wished his brother could talk to the constable tonight so that Adrian and Bridget could continue their passionate kiss.
Sighing, she smoothed her hands on her dress and stood. “Since it’s late, I think I shall retire for the night. I’ve had a very long and exhausting day.”
Adrian locked gazes with her and smiled as he bowed slightly. “Have a good rest, Miss Hartwell.”
“I thank you, Lord William.”
Collin threw a glance over his shoulder. “Good night, Miss Hartwell.”
“To you as well, Lord Hanover.”
Adrian watched her leave the room, and just before she turned, she peeked back inside. Her gaze went directly to him, and she smiled widely. His heart soared. The feelings he had for her confused him, yet at the same time, he never wanted them to stop.
He listened as her footsteps gradually disappeared. A deep sigh escaped him, and he sat back in his chair. The days were not long enough for all the time he wanted to spend with her, talking, gazing into each other’s eyes, and kissing her passionately.
“My dear brother,” Collin said, “might I ask what your intentions are with Miss Hartwell?”
Chapter Seventeen
Adrian snapped toa sitting position and jerked his head around to look at his brother. “Pardon me?”
Collin rolled his eyes and moved to the side bar to pour himself a brandy. “You heard me, so stop acting as though you don’t know what I’m talking about.”
“What makes you think I have any inten—”
“It’s obvious that you are in love with her.” Collin arched an eyebrow. “And I must say, it’s quite shocking to see that you have finally given your heart away.”
Chuckling uncomfortably, Adrian shook his head. “Love? Oh, I think not, Collin.”
“Then answer this for me, if you will.” Collin paused and narrowed his gaze on Adrian as he took another sip. “Is she on your mind constantly, day and night? When you think of her, do you find yourself grinning like a fool?”
Slowly, Adrian nodded. “It sounds as though you understand my feelings well, dear brother. That tells me you have felt this way before.”
“Yes, I have had similar emotions.” Collin finished his drink in one gulp.
Confusion filled Adrian. “Then why are you not married to the fortunate woman?”
Collin laughed forcefully and moved back to the liquor tray. “Because I was the biggest fool of them all, and I waited too long to declare my love.” He sighed. “By the time I knew my own feelings, she was engaged to another man.”
“And you let that keep you from confessing your love?” Adrian moved out of his chair and went to stand by his brother. “You are the Earl of Hanover. You could have any woman you want.”
“No, brother. Not any woman. This woman was the daughter of an impoverished baron. Although they lived in a large cottage, it was in need of major repairs. In theton’s eyes, the baron and his family were no less than farmers, similar to Miss Hartwell’s. My best friend was caught in a compromising position with the woman, and her father forced Kentwood to wed her. I wouldn’t have been able to stop it even if I wanted.”
“Kentwood? Are you referring to Lloyd Talbot, our mother’s cousin?”
“Yes, that was who ended up with the woman who held my heart.”
Adrian blew out a gust of air, understanding what his brother was saying. “Forgive me, but I hadn’t realized—”
“How could you?” Collin shrugged. “This happened a year ago when I traveled to Bath with Kentwood. We met the young miss and her family, but I judged her harshly. When I realized how I felt about Cassandra, it was too late.” A smile slowly crossed his face. “She was a stubborn woman, yet she made me laugh. She was well liked by those around her.” He sighed again. “I’m sure she has made Kentwood a wonderful wife.”
“Did you attend their wedding?”
“No. I couldn’t bring myself to watch it happen. I left, and I haven’t seen or spoken to Lloyd since.”
“Is that why you went traveling the world after you were in Bath?”
