Page 30 of A Bonny Pretender
Chapter Nine
The Best of Intentions
The next morning
Franklin home, London
Brigid threw backthe counterpane and stretched. Life was so strange. A few months ago, she had thrown a tantrum over being sent here. Now, she’d throw a tantrum if she was sent back. Though she missed her family and home, Frank was here.
The ball had been dream-like. A fairytale Kirsty would have swooned over. She giggled. Swooning might become a favorite pastime if Frank continued kissing her like last night. Now she understood the glazed eyes and silly smiles she’d seen on others. The sly looks and subtle flirtations that had always seemed so artificial and obvious to her. Yes, love had a power that could change a person with the wink of an eye.
Or the brush of lips.
Or the flick of a tongue.
Brigid shivered and planted her bare feet on the thick wool rug. Something had been amiss at the end of the evening, but she was floating off the ground and couldn’t give it much thought. Frank had insisted everything was fine before handing her into the carriage, but even Lady Brecken had been quiet on the ride home. She sighed. It would come to light, eventually.
Frank was picking her up this afternoon for a ride in Hyde Park and then an ice at Gunter’s. She’d been there once with Evie and Lady Franklin. It had been a chilly day, and they’d had candied fruits and hot chocolate. Today the sun shone, and she hoped they could have their ices in the square instead of inside the crowded shop. It was difficult to talk when surrounded by so many people and so many conversations.
Evie and Lord Brecken were already eating when she arrived in the morning room. Her family would never believe she was sleeping until seven or eight. She’d always enjoyed the dawn, but these late nights were tiring.
“It’s a braw morning,” she said, filling a plate with a hearty portion of eggs, a fat sausage, and some toast.
Lord Brecken smiled. “It is indeed, and already a pleasant temperature. Did you enjoy the ball, Miss MacNaughton?”
“More than I expected. I canna believe the hours kept in Town.” She plopped down in a chair, and a maid poured her tea. “I usually rise early and watch the dawn, not see it on my way to bed.” She yawned. “See what I mean?”
“I do. I keep the same early hours when I’m at home. I think you’d like the countryside in Wales. It’s a bit wild like your Highlands.”
“I’ve never traveled farther than Glasgow until now. Wales is beautiful from what I’ve read.” She sipped her tea. “Have ye come to whisk away yer wife?”
Brecken shook his head. “I’m afraid I only came to saturate myself with her presence and hope it tides me over until her return. It’s your fault, you know, Miss MacNaughton.”
“Mine? However did I become involved?” She could tell he was teasing by the glint in his hazel eyes.
“She has a mission, you see. And once her course is set, my wife does not waver. I’m afraid Evie won’t come home with me until you’re either betrothed or on your way back to Scotland.” He laughed. “Her determination is admirable.”
“Don’t you have something else to do, dear husband, other than harangue your wife?” Evie stood and kissed his cheek. “I do believe there are times you appreciate my determination.”
The earl’s ears turned pink, and Brigid hid her smile in a napkin. He rose and bowed to the ladies. “I’ll take my leave before this conversation gets any more scandalous. Behave, ladies.”
“Never,” they said in unison.
*
Same morning
Jackson’s Boxing Academy
Frank landed withhis right just below the jaw, ducked, and followed up with a light left to his opponent’s gut. Charles doubled over and lifted one glove as he recovered.
“I thought it was a tap,” apologized Frank. He hadn’t meant to hurt him; he’d needed a release for his growing tension.
Charles shook his head, then slowly straightened with a lopsided smile. “I enjoyed the brandy a little too much after I left the ball. Lawks! I thought I’d cast up my accounts for a moment.”
“You should have told me.” He held out his wrists, and the assistant began untying his gloves. “I can’t very well claim a victory after my opponent shoots the cat all over the ring.”
“Thank you, my friend. Cousin. Whatever the hell I’m to call you now,” Charles added with a smirk. “I must say I’m glad to have you in the family.”
