Page 31 of A Wild Spinster for the Duke
Her body felt hot at the possessiveness in his expression, at the thought that he cared for her. This intense connection between them was something she could have never anticipated. She didn’t understand it, and it left her breathless.
Never breaking eye contact, her voice quavered as she spoke softly, her words barely above a whisper. “Your Grace, I give you my word that I will not venture out at night any longer…” She hesitated. “As long as you promise to keep my secret.” She bit her lip before continuing, “Please, you have to understand how important this is to me.”
His gaze remained fixed on her, and she could see his eyes searching hers for any sign of deception. She braced herself for his disapproval, anticipating his scolding or attempts to shame her once more.
Finally, to her surprise, he simply nodded, his expression unreadable.
“I won’t say a word, Lady Bridget,” he agreed at last, his voice steady and resolute. He paused and frowned. “And if you ever wish to go out again while I am still here, I shall come along to escort you. Your safety is important.”
His frown deepened as he went on, “And I will not take no for an answer. It’s not up for discussion. This is my only request if I’m to keep your secret.” He cleared his throat and turned away. “After all, if this ever ends up getting to anyone’s ears, it’d be expected that I at least attempted to safeguard you in some way.”
Bridget’s heart skipped a beat, her cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. This must be the protective nature of his that his sister had spoken of. She couldn’t deny how deeply his gesture touched her, and a smile broke across her face.
“Well then, thank you, Your Grace,” she murmured, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. “It’s good to see that you’re not completely heartless, after all. That’s comforting.”
Bridget’s smile grew as his laughter filled the air. As they continued their journey towards the manor, their conversation took on a lighter tone, and the tension that had once enveloped them dissipated.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Bridget led Abel through a footpath that ran alongside the estate wall. She noticed him roll his eyes as he steered his horse after hers, but thankfully, he bit back whatever comment he wanted to make.
Thanks to their argument, it was already bright enough for her father’s servants to notice her riding back with Abel.
The footpath went all the way to the back of the estate, and with the garden party happening later, all the activity would be happening out front.
The chatter between her and Abel had flowed easier than ever before the entire walk home, but she could not deny the awkwardness that hung in the air between them.
He could have tried to kiss her, she thought, forcing down a blush.
If he tried… I don’t think I could have resisted.
She could still feel his firm yet tender and protective grip around her waist. She hadn’t missed how easy it had been for him to lift her off her horse.
Conversation between them became shorter the closer they got back to her father’s estate, however, and now they rode through the back gate in silence, a million unsaid words hanging between them.
“Thank you for accompanying me, Your Grace,” Bridget said as she dismounted outside the stable.
“The pleasure was all mine,” he mumbled, jumping down from his saddle graciously. “I trust you to remember the terms of our agreement, and I look forward to sharing more early morning rides with you.”
Before she could respond, the stable boy, Griffin, rushed out and grabbed Brimmer’s reins from her. He was halfway into the stables when he blessedly remembered his manners.
“Pardon, M’Lady,” he said as he swirled, bowing low. He glanced at Abel, as if seeing him for the first time, and bowed again. “Er, Your Grace…” He turned and bolted into the stables, leaving the Duke watching after him, slack-jawed.
“What in the heavens…”
“Forgive Griffin,” Bridget said, smiling. “Had a nasty fall last year and bumped his head something fierce. He’s been having gaffes and lapses like this one ever since. He’s quite erratic, really, but he’s great with the horses, so Father kept him. More importantly, he helps me with Brimmer, since I can’t ride her as much as I would love to, and he’s always kept my secret safe.”
“I see.” The Duke had affected his usual stoic demeanor. “I have to go now. Good morning.”
With a sharp bow, he turned around and marched away.
Bridget watched him leave and couldn’t quite decide which she wanted to do more: smother the man with a pillow or suffocate him with kisses.
Bridget felt more alive as she dried her hair. The cold bath was uncomfortable, but it had given her the boost she needed to get through the day.
The coming day promised both excitement and exhaustion. Today was the annual ton gathering hosted by her father in their sprawling estate’s gardens.
Bridget, the unmarried daughter, knew all too well the scrutiny that awaited her—whispers and pitying glances from the gossip mongers about her ‘unsuitable’ spinsterhood. She ignored the impending social storm with steely resolve.
