“I overheard you tell your sister the day Collin brought me to your house and introduced me as his brother, but”—he shook his head—“it wouldn’t have mattered to me even if you were. I was attracted to you, and I enjoy being in your company. I love how you make me laugh.”
“And I love how you laugh with me.”
He stroked her back as she rested her face on his chest, pressing her cheek intimately against the skin at his neck where his shirt was open.
“Bridget, my love. You do know what comes next, correct?”
She smiled and snuggled closer. “Are you referring to the talk you are going to have with my father?”
His chest shook with a silent laugh. “Indeed. That is exactly what I’m referring to.”
“As much as I want you to talk to him today, will you wait until Priscilla recovers?”
Adrian kissed the top of her head. “Of course I will. I’ll do anything to make you happy.”
She turned her head slightly and kissed his throat. “Well, for now, I suppose”—she kissed his neck again, letting her lips linger a moment longer on his hot skin—“we should find somewhere private, and…”
“Bridget?”
Her sister’s voice jerked Bridget away from Adrian. She looked up at him, and his eyes were wide with surprise. She gasped and rushed into the room.
Priscilla’s eyes were open, and she struggled to smile when she saw Bridget.
“You’re awake!” Bridget dropped on the edge of the bed and touched her sister’s hand. It didn’t feel as hot. She checked her forehead, and that too felt slightly cooler. She looked over her shoulder. Adrian stood at the doorway. “Adrian, go wake up Mrs. Wendel. I believe my sister is starting to recover.”
His smile widened before he turned and ran down the corridor. When Bridget looked back at her sister, Prissy’s eyebrow was arched.
“Is there something I need to know about you and Lord William,” Priscilla rasped, “and especially why you call him Adrian?”
Bridget laughed. “Yes, but let’s wait until Mrs. Wendel checks on you. Then I’ll be ready to tell you all of the juicy details of my love life.”
Prissy gave her a lazy smile. “And in the meantime… I’m hungry.”
Chapter Eighteen
Bridget hooked herarm around Adrian’s as they strolled outside through the gardens. There was a light wind in the air, which brought with it a slight chill, but the early evening’s backdrop set the romantic mood, and she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be alone with him. Knowing that Priscilla was on her way to a full recovery helped relieve Bridget’s mind. It had been three days since her sister’s fever had broken, and Adrian had invited her family over for supper, since his own father had unexpectedly arrived to visit. Before the meal was ready, Bridget and Adrian took her father aside so that Adrian could ask permission to marry her. It had been many years since she had seen her father that ecstatic.
During the meal, they announced their engagement, and everyone rejoiced. Bridget was happy to see Adrian’s father looking so proud… and shocked. After all, she was a mere country girl and didn’t come from old money or a titled lineage.
But then there was another surprise—both sad and happy. Adrian’s father announced that Collin had inherited the title of marquess. His distant cousin, Lloyd Talbot, Marquess of Kentwood, had passed away. Bridget could tell Collin wasn’t sure how to handle this news. But what was even more startling was that Adrian had seemed just as perplexed.
“Are you cold, my love?” Adrian asked.
“No. I have my cape to keep me warm.”
He rubbed her arm. “Let me know if you become chilled. I know an excellent way to keep us both warm.”
Grinning, she pressed the side of her head against Adrian’s arm. Since she had confessed her love to him, she felt as though she walked on clouds. Not even her dreams were this good.
“I believe, my sweet man, that you brought me out here knowing a storm was brewing, so you could offer me the warmth of your body.”
“Is that so bad?” He chuckled.
“Not at all. In fact, I encourage that kind of behavior in my soon-to-be husband.”
“You know me well, and you will know I’m only happy to comply.”
They walked slowly. She was so very happy to be with him, and not have to worry about causing a scandal because they were alone.
