Page 47 of A Wild Spinster for the Duke
Perhaps, this development could help her forget about the unrequited love she had for the Duke as well. It could indeed work out in her favor.
“Bridget?”
She lifted her head to meet her father’s gaze just as he spoke again, and she replied solemnly, “I understand, Father. I will do what is necessary to ensure our family’s financial security.”
Leonard, who had been expecting a vehement clash of wills, was more than taken aback by his daughter’s unexpected compliance. His eyebrows rose in inexplicable confusion as he sought confirmation.
“Bridget, I believe you heard me correctly? Perhaps you’ve been tuning me out all this while, child?”
Bridget, her eyes heavy with exhaustion, lifted them wearily to meet her father’s gaze again. She gave him a nod of silent affirmation, a gesture laden with resignation and an undeniable hint of sorrow.
A heavy silence followed, and she saw Leonard grappling with his own emotions. She saw the way he looked at her, and she wondered how much of her pain he could sense.
Elliot was right, after all. Their father did care, he just struggled with finding the right way to show that he did. She wished she had tried more to help him instead of assuming the worst about him.
Leonard moved closer to Bridget, and she saw in his eyes that he was searching for the right words to say to comfort her, bless his heart. She reached out and held his hand, smiling tiredly at him.
“Oh, Bridget!” he exclaimed, his voice thick with emotion. “My sweet, sweet girl.”
That was enough for her. She didn’t need him to say anything more, she realized. His presence alone was enough, and seeing him struggle with expressing himself had unlocked something else inside her. She had her father’s love.
At last, he rose from the chair and made for her door. He turned to her, and she saw a resolve settle over him. His face, his posture. He seemed to stand taller, his mind made up.
“I am grateful for your acquiescence. Tomorrow, we shall depart for London, where opportunities await.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
The Fadden household had finally arrived in London, and as their carriage gently trundled down the road, while her parents discussed and marveled at the newly constructed sites, Bridget’s expression remained as solemn as it had been for days.
Her mother, noticing this persistent gloom, began trying her utmost to uplift her spirits, engaging in lively chatter about the grandeur of the upcoming event.
“Oh, Bridget, my dear, just imagine the splendor of the ball tonight! The dazzling gowns, the delightful music, and the handsome dance partners awaiting you,” she squealed softly and reached for her daughter’s hand.
“You must dance with Lord Harrington. Perhaps you will even catch the eye of the charming Mr. Westley. You’ve heard of the recent accomplishments of his new business, have you not?”
Ruth tried to keep her expression from falling at her daughter’s lack of response. She waved it off and grinned even wider. “Nevertheless, I have written quite a few names on your card! Only eligible and respectable bachelors, of course.”
She carried on, chattering excitedly, yet despite her well-intentioned efforts, Bridget remained silent, her disinterest palpable. It was evident that her heart was not swayed by the allure of the ball in any manner.
The Countess pursed her lips before continuing, “See here, there is also the handsome Lord Baron, and Lord Smithswaver, whom I quite believe?—”
“Ruth, if the girl does not wish to have many dances, then she does not have to.” Leonard’s voice cut through the air suddenly, surprising both women.
The box fell into a stunned silence as his words sank in. Bridget’s heart thumped, unsure of how to respond to her father’s unexpected intervention. Her mother’s eyes widened with astonishment, mirroring her confusion.
Her father turned his attention directly to her, his gaze filled with a rare tenderness. “Bridget,” he began, his voice softer than she had ever heard it before. “You needn’t feel obligated to wholly conform to Society’s expectations on this matter, as you’ve always wished.”
A little smile graced his lips as he nodded at her. “This is your night, one of great importance as we have discussed. I choose totrust you, and I give you the freedom to choose your dances as you please. Focus on enjoying the ball above all else.”
The weight of her father’s words settled upon her, leaving her speechless. It was a stark contrast to his usual demeanor, and she was left confused between feeling gratitude or bewilderment.
She nodded, unable to find the right words to express her thoughts. She caught her mother’s jaw drop from the corner of her eye and nearly burst into laughter.
The air in the carriage felt lighter, yet Bridget’s mind raced with questions. She wondered what had prompted her father’s change of heart.
She watched her mother glance at her father, her eyes filled with a mix of curiosity. It was clear that she, too, was grappling with the unexpected turn of events.
Still, both of them knew better than to question Leonard’s kind actions. The man was an enigma.
