Page 60 of A Wild Spinster for the Duke
The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of it nearly deafening. Abel could not decipher Leonard’s thoughts from the expression on his face, leaving him uncertain and agitated.
Time seemed to move slower as the silence enveloped them, each passing second amplifying the intensity of the moment.
Leonard’s smile finally broke through, a glimmer of approval shining in his eyes as he nodded at Abel. “I am pleased to see that you possess such integrity, Your Grace.”
But then, silence fell between them, heavy with uncertainty.
Leonard sighed, his expression shifting with contemplation. “However,” he continued, “I cannot accept your proposal at this moment.”
Abel’s heart stuttered at Leonard’s words, the weight of disappointment settling upon him like a heavy shroud. Numbness coursed through his veins, leaving him momentarily speechless.
This was not at all the answer he had anticipated, and the unexpectedness of his response left him reeling.
“It must be Bridget’s decision alone, whether or not to accept your proposal,” Leonard explained, his tone laced with caution.
Abel’s eyes widened, and he instinctively leaned back in his chair as he absorbed the gravity of the man’s words. The realization dawned on him that his fate now rested in Bridget’s hands.
A wave of uncertainty washed over him, leaving him at a loss for words. All he could do was nod, acknowledging the unexpected turn of events.
The room fell into a heavy silence as Leonard called in a servant, his voice carrying authority and anticipation. “Go fetch Lady Bridget. Tell her to make haste to my study.”
As the servant hurried off to carry out Leonard’s request, Abel found himself unable to sit still. Restlessness consumed him, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.
The mere thought of seeing Bridget again stirred a longing deep within his heart. He knew she was still harboring anger towards him, but he chose to hold onto the belief that his proposal would mend the rift between them.
Millions of possibilities danced in his mind, each one fueling his anticipation. His mind pictured the next moment—Bridget would learn of his heartfelt intentions, and all her anger would melt away to be replaced by understanding and forgiveness.
Within the next few minutes, she would become his fiancée, and the very thought filled him with an overwhelming sense of joy.
“Father, you called?”
The sound of Bridget’s voice echoed through the room, causing Abel’s heart to race in his chest. He swiftly rose from his seat, his eyes eagerly seeking hers.
As their gazes locked, he witnessed a myriad of emotions flicker across her face, her eyes widening in astonishment.
But just as quickly as the expressions appeared, her demeanor shifted to one of nonchalance, diverting her attention back to her father.
The anticipation hung heavy in the air as Leonard acknowledged the call, confirming that he had indeed summoned her. He paused, hinting at the gravity of his next words.
“I’ll go straight to the point. The Duke is here to ask for your hand.”
Abel watched the surprise wash over her, her eyes widening in disbelief. In that instant, she turned to him, their gazes locking once more, her unspoken thoughts conveyed through a single look.
Her eyes flicked back to her father. The weight of the decision now rested on Bridget’s shoulders, her father granting her the agency to choose her own path.
Abel’s heart swelled with a mix of hope and trepidation as he witnessed the gravity of the moment. The unspoken connection between them held an unspoken promise, a shared understanding that this decision would shape their futures.
In that charged moment, Abel found himself holding his breath, waiting for Bridget’s response. The room seemed to hold its breath, as if the very walls yearned to know the outcome. The fate of their love hung in the balance, intertwined with the choices that Bridget would soon make.
“The decision is ultimately yours to make, Bridget.” Leonard met her shock with a smile. “The power to accept this proposal rests solely in your hands, should you so desire.”
Bridget’s astonishment was high. With genuine appreciation, a grateful smile graced her face, directed towards her father, acknowledging the trust he had bestowed upon her.
Finally, her gaze, heavy with intensity, locked onto Abel’s as she asked quietly, “Is it true? Do you truly wish to marry me?”
Abel’s heart raced in his chest, the weight of his duty pressing down upon him. He met her searching eyes and replied, his voice steady and certain, “Yes, it is true. Marrying you has become an inevitable duty that I must fulfill, regardless of my personal wishes or desires.”
Bridget’s eyes widened for a fleeting moment, the gravity of the statement sinking in. The seconds turned into an agonizing silence, each passing moment pregnant with unspoken emotions.
