Page 30 of Dueling with the Duke
“No, I am fine,” Bridget replied. “I was thinking of one of my books. What did you say to me?”
“I said I am glad you can be amicable with him. I don’t want anything to ruin my wedding day.”
Bridget leaned forward in the bed, showing Margaret she was not in pain even though she was still, and she took her sister’s hand in her own.
“It will be perfect,” she assured. “You have my word on that.”
Margaret took a deep breath and composed herself. Although she was the younger sister, she acted like the older one, caring for Bridget both physically and emotionally.
“Good,” she replied, brightening immediately. “That makes me so happy, and I will tell you something else that makes me happy, Sister.” She leaned in as if she were about to reveal information that should be taken to the grave.
“Lord Michael?” Bridget asked with a smile.
Margaret nodded her head happily. “Yes, Lord Michael.” She almost giggled. “Isn’t he a fine man?”
“I don’t know much about him, but I can see how happy he makes you, and that is enough for me, Margaret. That is the only thing that matters. If he makes you happy and makes you feel like you are the center of his world, then he is a man you should spend the rest of your life with.”
Bridget could talk about reputation and respect, but she knew enough about Lord Michael to know he measured up in both areas.
“That makes me even happier to hear you say that,” Margaret admitted. “He is a good man, and he treats me better than any man has before. He makes me feel things I have never felt before.”
Bridget could not help but be caught up in her sister’s happiness.
Marriage was not for Bridget, but it suited Margaret very well. She had been annoyed after her riding accident, and the Duke irritated her more and more, even if he had been somewhat a gentleman by helping her, but she could forget about her anger and ire when her sister was so joyous.
Bridget sat up a little straighter in bed and did not have to feign her happiness. She leaned forward again, and even though she was still in pain, it was not as intense as before.
“What do you feel, Margie? You must tell me!” She raised her eyebrows.
Margaret giggled and leaned in toward her. “I will tell you.” She looked around as if someone might overhear the secret information, then turned back to her sister with a smile. “I think I am falling in love with him.”
It was impossible not to feel that love when Bridget saw the look on her younger sister’s face. Margaret was feeling so much joy that she was trying to stifle it to remain composed.
Bridget took both of her sister’s hands and gripped them tightly. “That is the most wonderful thing I have ever heard. You are very lucky to feel that way, and it is obvious to me from seeing how Lord Michael is around you that he has feelings for you, too.”
“Do you think?” Margaret asked.
“I am sure of it.”
Margaret squeezed Bridget’s hands, the glee transferring from one sister to another.
“He makes me feel unlike anything I have felt before,” she gushed. “I always believed I would be paired with a man and I would not love him, but I might grow to love him. I had always hoped I would find love first and then marriage, but this is far better than I could ever have hoped. When Mother arranged this marriage, I was a little angry at her, but she found me the best man possible.”
Bridget did not believe that was true, especially since she knew the marriage was arranged to help the family financially, but she was happy it had worked out for Margaret.
“I know Mother loves you very much and only wants the best for you. She chose a good man for you, but you are the reason you are feeling this way, Margaret.”
Margaret looked at Bridget with a little confusion.
“You have always believed in love,” Bridget clarified. “You accepted the arranged marriage, and you went into it with a loving heart instead of closing yourself off. You are falling in love with Lord Michael, but your willingness to be open and love means he has fallen for you, too. I have known you longer than most, and any man would fall in love with you, Sister.”
“You always know the right things to say.” Margaret smiled. “I very much look forward to Lord Michael and my wedding day. I am nervous about starting a new life, but I know it is the exact place I am meant to be.”
“And there will be more to come that night,” Bridget said slyly.
Margaret pushed her sister playfully on the shoulder. It caused some irritation in Bridget’s ribs, but she didn’t show it.
“I’m a little nervous about that,” Margaret admitted.
