“If you are as happy as I am at this very moment, I think I know how you feel. If everyone could feel this way, the world would be a much better place.”
“I agree, my love.” He pulled her closer, and she pressed the side of her face against his chest. “Has your sister said anything to you about Collin proposing?”
“Not one word.” She frowned. “I don’t dare say anything to her in case your brother has changed his mind about Lady Kentwood.”
“Yes, I, too, don’t dare mention anything to Collin. I don’t want him to think I’m pushing him.”
“He seems quite content lately. Perhaps he is not thinking of that other woman any longer.”
“We can only hope.”
Across the lawn, an attractive man and woman strolled their way. The lovely woman with blonde hair had her arm hooked around the elbow of the tall man with dark brown hair. The man smiled widely and waved.
“Come, my love,” Adrian said, “and let me introduce you to my favorite cousin.”
They walked off the bridge and toward the other couple. When they reached them, both the man and woman gave Adrian a hearty hug. Adrian stepped back and slid his arm around Bridget’s waist.
“My love, let me introduce you to Lord Trey Worthington, and his lovely wife, Lady Judith Worthington.” He looked at his cousin. “And this is Lady Bridget Worthington.”
Bridget smiled and curtsied. She loved being calledLadyWorthington.
“We just heard about your brother’s new title.” Trey grinned. “Marquess of Kentwood, eh?”
Adrian nodded. “Indeed. It’s rather remarkable, is it not?”
“Although it is remarkable,” Judith added, “I’m sorry to hear about Lloyd’s death.”
“Did you know him?” Adrian asked.
“Sadly, no.” Judith frowned. “Only what my husband said about him.”
“Well, do not waste your sympathy on that man. He was a rotten gambler. He made more enemies than friends.”
Suddenly, the crowd in the yard quieted, but one lone voice ripped through the air, disturbing the silence. All heads swung toward the woman wearing a silver and blue gown cut in a fashion Bridget had never seen before—the gown’s waist being lower than was currently fashionable. The woman’s blonde hair was fixed in an elegant twist on top of her head, and a few tendrils hung by her ears.
She stood in front of Collin, scowling. The surprised look on his face made Bridget wonder if he knew her. The woman was extremely irate, evidenced by her loud voice and the way she flung her arms in wild gestures.
“You ruined my family because of your deceitful actions,” the lady shouted. “And you ruined…mylife!”
Bridget was embarrassed, not only for the outraged woman with so many spectators around, but also for Collin, who had obviously been very reckless in his past.
“Cassandra—”
“I’mLadyKentwood to you!”
Trey sucked in a loud breath. “Oh my… The rumors are true.”
Adrian groaned and rubbed his forehead. “Yes, they are.”
Bridget frowned. Gossip would spread like wildfire now. This was not good. And where was her sister? Bridget prayed Priscilla wasn’t hearing any of this, but the chances were against her. Poor Priscilla’s heart would be shattered.
Finally, Collin straightened his shoulders and moved closer to the woman. He nodded toward the manor. “I think that we should take this conversation somewhere that is more private.”
“Private?” she shrieked. “Why? So you can ruin my reputation even more?”
“Lady Kentwood.” Collin’s expression hardened. “I really must insist.”
“You can insist all you like for the good it will do,” the lady snapped, “but I will never willingly go into a private room with you ever again.”
