Page 3 of A Wild Spinster for the Duke
“That’s enough from you two, wouldn’t you agree?”
Leonard Fadden, the Earl of Borthwell, interrupted their bickering. Instantly, a hush fell over the room as his firm words commanded attention.
Their father’s face bore the weight of seriousness and harshness as his gaze shifted to Bridget alone. “You should not embarrass us in front of our guests, Bridget.”
His tone was edging on cruel as he added, “You must keep in mind your unmarried status and the shame and disgrace you bring upon our family. You, of all people, must watch your actions very carefully this day.”
Bridget felt her chest tighten, an angry tear threatening to escape. Her father had always been stricter and more unforgiving towards her than her mother. It seemed he was always picking at her at every moment.
She clenched her fists behind her dress as her eyes shifted to her elder brother. She could see the worry on Elliot’s face, the fear that they would begin an argument on his big day.
For his sake, she found a reservoir of calm within herself. Despite every fiber of her being screaming to protest, she mustered the strength to finally respond politely to the Earl.
“I assure you, Father, I will be on my best behavior,” she replied, her voice steady and composed.
“Father, have you seen how the garden turned? You were absolutely right in your judgment in switching tools,” Elliot interjected suddenly to distract their father, preventing any further confrontation.
Bridget couldn’t help but hiss under her breath as their father’s focus shifted away from her. Her gaze met her mother’s, who sent her a thankful yet sorrowful expression at how she had handled the situation. She nodded nonchalantly in response.
As always, her mother remained silent, never daring to challenge her father’s harsh words. The Countess despised the growing divide between her husband and her daughter and did everything in her power to mend it but always in private, never in front of others.
“Are you all right, Sister?”
Bridget realized she had been shooting daggers at the innocent floor all this while, her fists still balled behind her dress.
Hector’s voice was filled with empathy and a slight anger as he spoke, “I would have spoken up for you, if not for today being of importance to Elliot. We were both chattering—you did not deserve Father’s harsh words.”
Despite the irritation still brimming within her, Bridget managed to lift her gaze to her brother’s concerned expression with a small smile. She nudged him slightly as she spoke, pushing a tease in her tone.
“This is nothing but the usual treatment from our father, is it not? You need not worry, Brother. Such is my life as a result of my actions, and… I’ve made peace with it.”
CHAPTER TWO
“Istill think it a terrible idea for this marriage to be held so quickly.”
The tastefully furnished carriage trundled down the road towards Borthwell Estate, carrying along with it Abel Wareham, his discontentment clouding the wide compartment.
Sitting across from him, his younger sister’s expression was filled with exasperation as she continuously tried to ease his worries.
“Brother, we have discussed this a multitude of times?—”
“My apologies, what would you like me to say instead, Olivia?” Abel leaned back, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, Sister, aren’t we just thrilled to be on our way to meet your dubious betrothed’s family? I can hardly contain my excitement.”
“Abel, please try to be civil. This marriage is important to me, and I need your support.”
He scoffed, his tone laced with skepticism. “Support? How can I support something I know so little about? You’ve rushed into this, Olivia. Do you even know the man’s family well enough? And again,whythe hurry?”
Olivia’s voice held a note of determination as she defended her choices. “I have spent enough time with Elliot to know that he is agoodman. We may not have known each other for long, but I believe in our connection. I trust him, Brother.”
Abel’s eyes narrowed. “Trust him? Sister, you’re far too trusting. You ought to take more time to truly know a man before making such a life-altering decision. You can’t expect me to stand by and watch you rush into something you may regret.”
Olivia’s voice softened, her eyes pleading. “I understand your concerns, but I have made up my mind. Elliot is kind, honorable, and treats me with respect. He sees the value in me, and I in him. I beg you, try to see things from my perspective.”
“Your perspective? Little sister, you are a diamond of the first water, a lady of grace and intellect, agreed. But do you truly know what lies beyond the confines of our sheltered world?”
He chuckled. “Embroidery and books can only teach you so much. Life is not always as kind as you believe.”
Olivia’s eyes were blazing with irritation as she met his gaze. “I may not have experienced the hardships of the world, but I have learned enough to know what matters to me.”
