Collin nodded. “I was trying to get rid of my feelings for her.”
“Did it work?”
“Not exactly.” Collin set his empty glass down on the tray before turning toward Adrian. “What I’m trying to tell you, dear brother, is that if you’re in love with Miss Hartwell, you need to let her know. Don’t hide your feelings, because you never know what tomorrow will bring. One never knows when love will be taken from us.”
Adrian patted Collin’s shoulder. This was the first time he’d felt so close to his brother. “Then I won’t make your mistake.”
“Splendid. Tell her as soon as you can… however, given the time of night, I suggest you wait for the morning.”
Adrian laughed loudly. “I’m not sure if I can, but I shall try.”
Collin gave him that big-brother scowl. “Don’t turn this into a scandal. Quick marriages ruin the woman’s family name.”
“I’m aware of that.”
Chuckling, Adrian left the room and made his way toward his bedchambers. He really should wait until morning, but with his heart so full of this odd, tender emotion, would he be able to hold off from seeing her until then?
He highly doubted it.
*
Bridget slept likethe dead for a few hours, but then became wide awake. She jumped out of bed, shrugged into her dressing gown, and slipped her feet into slippers before hurrying out of the room. She quietly entered the guest room where Priscilla was sleeping and tiptoed to the bed. A lamp on the bedside table was turned low. The odor of sickness filled the room. Priscilla was still looking pale and clammy, and her breaths were ragged and deep. Beads of moisture coated her forehead, and her pillow was slightly damp.
She knew Mrs. Wendel had been checking on her, but Bridget wondered if she should stay and keep watch over her dear sister.
“Oh, Prissy.” She sat on the edge of the bed and held her sister’s hot hand. “You need to pull through this,” she whispered. “I can’t lose my favorite sister and my best friend.”
Closing her eyes, Bridget said a silent prayer, begging the Lord to heal her most beloved sibling. As she finished with the prayer, she wiped the tears from her eyes and peered back at Priscilla.
Bridget moved to the washbasin and placed the dry hand cloth in the cool water. Once she had drenched it and wrung it out, she took it back to her sister and lightly dabbed her forehead. A small moan came, but Prissy didn’t open her eyes.
Soft footsteps and the click of the door opening alerted Bridget to someone entering. She looked over her shoulder. Adrian stood just inside the room, looking very casual, and extremely handsome. He wore only his trousers, shirt, and vest, and without his cravat, she could see his muscular neck and a little of his chest, making his shoulders appear wider. His hair wasn’t as perfect as usual, but it made him even more attractive. It was all she could do not to sigh aloud.
Seeing him this way reminded her of the dreams she’d had last night. It was just the two of them, holding each other, talking… and yes, definitely kissing. Suddenly, her mouth became parched, and she licked her lips.
“How is your sister faring?” he whispered, leaving the door open as he moved closer to the bed.
Bridget looked away from him, only because he was making her breathless. “I don’t see a difference in her health at all.”
He stopped beside her and rested his warm hand on her shoulder. Awareness buzzed through her, making her remember she was still wearing her nightclothes. This was certainly very inappropriate. However, she didn’t have the will to beg him to leave. After all, this was his home. Not only that, but his presence also comforted her greatly.
“Don’t give up hope,” he said. “Your sister is strong. I’m sure she will pull through.” He gently squeezed her shoulder.
She lifted her hand and covered his. His thumb stroked her knuckles. “Oh, Adrian. I pray you’re right. I don’t know what I would do if I lost her.”
“Shhh…” He bent and kissed the top of her head. “There will be no more negative thoughts. From now on, only people with positive attitudes will be in this room. I believe that your sister will feel our energy and her illness will leave her body.”
Tears burned her eyes and her heart melted. “Thank you, Adrian. You are wonderful.”
She hesitated to look at him, yet she needed to see his reassuring smile and his comforting gaze. She turned her head toward him. Just as she had figured, his smile melted her heart.
“Do you want me to get you anything? Are you hungry?”
“No, Adrian. I’m fine.”
“Do you wish me to fetch Mrs. Wendel?”
Bridget nodded. “I think the sheets and pillowcase need to be changed. Because of Prissy’s fever, they have grown damp.”
