As Adrian staredat the lovely woman, his mind tried to figure out what she was really saying. She was playing with her words, for some reason. He was still very suspicious of her. He had been watching her and her family since their arrival, and from Mr. Hartwell’s actions toward Bridget, Adrian knew what they were up to. Indeed, Miss Hartwellwasa farthing filcher.
Now it was up to Adrian to keep her away from Collin, because for some reason, his older brother seemed to have his eyes on the lovely brunette, even while he entertained another woman. Adrian needed to keep them apart.
A servant walked by with a tray of champagne. Adrian stopped the man and took two glasses, handing one to Miss Hartwell and keeping the other.
He raised his glass slightly. “Here’s to deceitful women and finding them before they can worm their way into the Worthington family.”
She arched her perfectly shaped eyebrows. Her lovely heart-shaped lips twitched in a wicked smile. “Why do you think women are the only people who can deceive? Are you saying men cannot possibly be devious, as well?”
Adrian chuckled before drinking his champagne, keeping his gaze locked with hers. She slowly lifted the glass to her lips and sipped.
“Miss Hartwell, I must admit, you are a delight.” He nodded.
Her smile stretched wider. “Mr. Worthington, I believe you are changing subjects to keep from giving me your answer.” She stepped closer to him. “And that tells me you have secrets of your own.”
“Is that a way of skirting around the fact thatyouhave secrets as well?”
“Pray, what sort of secrets would I have?” She gave him an innocent look.
She twirled a lock of the curly ringlet that rested on her shoulder, pulling his attention to her gown. Although he had seen more elegant outfits, he couldn’t stop admiring how well Bridget looked in this one. The light blue tones complemented her eyes perfectly, and the lacy sleeves barely hid her slender shoulders. For a moment, he wondered if her skin was as soft and creamy as it appeared.
He yanked his thoughts back to their conversation and stared into her pretty eyes. What kind of secrets did she have? He was sure he knew one of them, but were there more mysteries to this woman? Surprisingly enough, he wanted to find out more about her.
He sipped his champagne again before answering. “What if I were to tell you that I think you are after the earl for his title and lands?”
An uncomfortable laugh sprang from her throat, so she quickly took another drink of her champagne. Her eyes glittered like gems beneath the large chandelier hanging from the middle of the ceiling.
“Mr. Worthington,” she said in a low voice, “you are a very suspicious man.”
“One has to be if it is his duty to watch over his cousin and look out for his best interests.”
She sighed, and her shoulders relaxed. “I am not foolish enough to believe a man of wealth will find me remotely attractive. However, I’m also a woman who should start looking for a husband unless I want to become a spinster.”
Surprise washed over him. “Why wouldn’t a man find you attractive?”
“Because a man ofwealthwould see the pathetic farm my family tries to keep productive, and he would wonder what I could possibly bring to the marriage.”
Adrian cocked his head. “But you mentioned you were looking for love.”
“Yes, but we also confirmed that love in a marriage amongst the titled is uncommon.”
Chuckling softly, he shook his head. She was going to dance around his questions all evening. But that was fine with him. He found her refreshing, and he enjoyed their discussion.
“Pardon me for cutting in.”
Collin’s deep voice startled Adrian, and he whipped around toward his older brother. A foolish grin was pasted on the man’s mouth as his gaze locked on Miss Hartwell. Inwardly, Adrian seethed. He couldn’t allow his brother to fall under her spell.
“My lord.” Bridget curtsied.
“Are you enjoying your evening?” Collin asked, stepping around Adrian and closer to Bridget.
“Of course. It’s a lovely party.” Her smile widened.
“I was wondering,” Collin continued, “if you would honor me with the next dance.”
Bridget’s gasp was quite adorable, even Adrian had to admit. But really, did she not know that batting her lovely eyelashes and showing Collin her captivating smilewouldn’tbe an effective tool in her scheme?
Good grief, Adrian was having a hard time not letting it affect him.
