Page 33 of Dueling with the Duke
“We were only talking about the wedding,” she replied instead.
“Have you seen my daughter’s face?” Penelope asked. “Oh, what a mess this is turning out to be. We are supposed to be getting to know your family, and my daughter looks like she has been fighting squirrels.”
“Mother!” Bridget hissed.
“Well, I just don’t think you should be wandering off when we are entertaining guests. Where were you off to anyway?” Penelope asked.
“I was only going for a short walk before everyone was up,” Bridget replied.
“Yes, and look at the mess it got you into,” Penelope chided.
Bridget didn’t want to argue in public with her mother, but there was something comforting about her mother being back to her old self and not crying in her arms. Bridget could be strong for her family, but it melted her heart to see her mother so distraught.
“It was a good thing I was there,” the Duke said.
Bridget almost choked as he said the words, and her eyes widened immediately. She was glad her mother was not looking at her, as she could not control herself after the revelation.
“You were there?” Penelope asked.
“Not for the walk,” the Duke clarified. “I was out riding my horse, and I had only just arrived back at the house when I heard an almighty screeching sound. I thought it was an animal caught by another animal, and I rode toward the terrifying sound only to find your daughter.” He turned to Bridget. “I did not think a person could make a sound like that.”
“Nor did I,” Bridget said through gritted teeth.
“I found her tangled up in a bush and unable to free herself from the prickly stems, so I dismounted and saved her. I was able to help her back to the house so she would rest.”
“My goodness,” Penelope gasped, placing her hand on her chest. “I had no idea that was what happened. I hope you do not think less of us. My daughter is usually much more stable on her feet.”
“I am sure she is,” the Duke agreed.
“Bridget, you must have been glad His Grace was there to save you,” Penelope said.
“Very glad,” Bridget gritted out.
“I have an idea,” the Duke piped up.
Bridget did not like the tinge of amusement in his voice.
“What is it?” Penelope asked.
“I shall accompany your daughter on all future walks. I must admit that I did not know how treacherous the landscape was until I rode out there this morning. The estuary was breathtaking, of course, and I spent a pleasurable fifteen minutes there, but there can be troubles that make the grounds beyond the estate unsafe. I would hate for your daughter to be cornered by a wild animal out there with no one around. Or, become unbalanced again and fall face-first into a bush.”
Bridget might have hit him if they were alone.
“Did you hear that, Bridget?” Penelope asked. “That is very gracious of you, Your Grace. I am sure Bridget will accept the generous offer. Won’t you, Bridget?”
“Yes,” Bridget managed, her teeth clamped together.
“Then it is settled,” the Duke said. “I shall ensure that Lady Bridget never has to walk alone again. I will endeavor to keep her safe so that she makes it to the wedding without another scratch.”
Bridget could feel steam coming out of her ears as the Duke became intent on making the rest of her time as horrid as possible.
CHAPTER13
Keeping Up the Charade
“Now that I know you are in good hands, I shall leave you with His Grace and return to Margaret to ensure everything is as she wishes it,” Penelope said.
“Splendid.” Nicholas gave a dazzling smile.
