Page 18 of Redemption for the Baron

Marjory laughed. “Oh, nothing important, just planning a royal circus for our guests.”

Bridget smiled sheepishly. “My mind was elsewhere.”

“On the flowers? Or perhaps on a certain captain who arrived?” Marjory’s tone was teasing.

Bridget met her gaze with feigned innocence. “Surely, you’re imagining things.”

“Oh, I think you know exactly what I mean,” Marjory said, a glint of mischief in her eye. “I saw you speaking with Captain Grenville a few minutes ago before he left the room almost whistling.”

Bridget gave a dismissive wave. “Mere pleasantries after an unfortunate incident. Nothing to inspire gossip, I assure you.” She busied herself with the nearest vase, pretending the arrangement required more attention than it did.

“Is that so?” Marjory leaned closer. “Because it seemed to me there was a spark of recognition between you two.”

Bridget hesitated, then sighed. “We met briefly on the road yesterday. He assisted me when my carriage was stuck in the mud.”

“In all that rain? And you failed to mention this?” Marjory feigned offense.

“It slipped my mind amidst wanting to get out of my wet clothes,” Bridget said dismissively.

“Hmm, I doubt that.” Marjory tried to suppress her smile but failed miserably. “We’ve done enough here. We have time for tea before we need to get ready. You can tell me all about your brief encounter with Grenville. Mrs. Simmons mentions she’d like us to sample tomorrow’s dessert.”

“You will be sorely disappointed. A wheel got stuck in the mud, we fixed it, and I promptly forgot about it, until now, thanks to you.”

She avoided the mention of his hands on her waist, or the brief, unsettling moment when she felt safe, just for a breath. That was the part she wanted to forget.

“The two of you? You? And the mud?” Marjory grabbed her by the hand and tugged. “Come with me. Now, you must tell me what happened.”

Chapter Six

Late afternoon settledover the estate, dimming the day’s sharper moments. Bridget’s encounter with Captain Grenville and her quiet conversation with Marjory still lingered, unresolved and unsettled. But as the manor filled with warm voices and the rustle of evening preparations, the gentle murmur of the guests offered a welcome reprieve.

Bridget stood near the tall windows draped in rich velvet, her fingers lightly resting on the stem of a crystal wine glass. The soft murmur of conversation flowed around her like a gentle breeze. She gazed out into the twilight, where the last traces of daylight lingered over the gardens. Despite the gathering crowd, she felt oddly adrift, the memory of the Captain’s gaze, searching and stubborn, still prickling at the edge of her thoughts.

Marjory approached with a warm smile, accompanied by a young woman with chestnut curls and lively eyes.

“Bridget, I’d like to introduce you to Miss Arabella Gray,” She gestured to the young woman at her side. “Miss Gray, meet Lady Bridget McConnell.”

Miss Gray curtsied gracefully. “Lady Bridget, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I’ve heard much about you.”

Bridget offered a warm smile. “The pleasure is mine, Miss Gray. I hope you’ve heard only favorable things.”

“Indeed,” Miss Gray replied with a light laugh. “Marjory speaks highly of your wit and spirit.”

Marjory hesitated for a heartbeat, her smile faltering before she recovered. Whatever thought crossed her mind, she kept it to herself. “If you will excuse me, Lady Carlisle requires my attention.” She turned back to them with a knowing smile. “Lord Blackwood is eager to meet you. I’m sure he will seek you out shortly.”

Before Bridget could respond, Marjory slipped away into the crowd. Miss Gray watched her depart, then turned back to Bridget with an amused expression.

“Marjory does enjoy arranging introductions,” Miss Gray remarked.

“She is ever the attentive hostess,” Bridget agreed, a hint of irony.

“I suspect she delights in orchestrating more than social niceties.” Miss Gray’s eyes gleamed with mischief.

Bridget arched an eyebrow. “Are you suggesting she has ulterior motives?”

“Not at all,” Miss Gray protested. “Only that she has an eye for potential friendships.” She paused, her gaze thoughtful. “Lord Blackwood is a notable figure, charming and well-regarded.”

“Do you know him well?” Bridget hoped Marjory wasn’t playing matchmaker.

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