Page 71 of A Wounded Duke's Passion
Perhaps she was foolish for thinking that she loved Anthony. She had planned to win his love for real, but the conversation with her mother and father had made it apparent that she could not have his affection. Maybe it was time for her to change plans again to something more realistic. If she could not have Anthony’s love, perhaps she could have some pleasure, at least, with a handsome man who she deeply liked.
Lady Emily’s ball was just a few nights away. If she was destined to be like the poor woman in Lady Hastings’s story, forcibly wed to a much older man for whom she bore no affection, Bridget would have at least one night of pleasure with a man who would be kind to her. Even if Anthony did not love her, even if he was just pretending, he at least thought of her as something more than a means to produce an heir.
Chapter 32
Anthony inhaled the warm spring air of the park—the same park where he had first met Bridget and ruined her gown. He smiled wryly.
“Lady Rose,” he said to his ward, who had joined him with her lady’s maid, “have you received any further word from the modiste about when Bridget’s gowns will be ready for her?”
“Within a fortnight,” Lady Rose said, lips twitching in amusement. “You seem rather concerned about it.”
“It is far past time for me to repay my debts to her.”
Anthony walked along the path, thinking about Anastasia and Bridget. He had decided that James was correct. Rather than thinking about all the errors that he had made, it was time for Anthony to move forward. He must seize this opportunity to be with a woman who he loved.
“She would not have held a grudge even if you had not replaced the gowns,” Lady Rose said.
“I know,’ he replied. “She is a kind woman. Kinder than I deserve.”
“Kinder than we both deserve,” Lady Rose said.
“Agreed.”
“But I find it interesting that you would say so,” Lady Rose continued. “I am beginning to wonder if your feelings for Bridget are more than you say they are.”
Anthony stifled a laugh. If only she knew how many days he had spent in his studio and study, speaking to James and trying to sort through his feelings.
“I do like your friend,” he said. “More than I anticipated.”
Lady Rose’s face brightened. She looked as though Anthony had just handed her the world. “If she marries you, she will not be forced to wed the Marquess of Thornton.”
“I said nothing about marriage,” Anthony said cautiously. “As much as I admire Bridget, I do not necessarily believe that… marriage is quite a commitment.”
Besides, he had no indication that she felt anything that deep for him. Certainly, Bridget enjoyed his company, and shederived pleasure from his presence. She had enjoyed his kisses and touches, but that did not necessarily mean that she loved him, much less wanted to marry him.
“So you say,” Lady Rose said, her eyes shining.
“You should be considering your own prospects,” Anthony said. “For a lady who is meant to be on the marriage mart, you have not expressed interest in any particular gentleman.”
“I have time yet to find a husband,” Lady Rose said. “I feel it is more pressing for Bridget to wed and find her happiness.”
Anthony hummed. “Do you hesitate because you feel as though you do not entirely belong among the ton?”
Lady Rose hummed. “Sometimes,” she said. “I feel more like I belong this Season than I did during the last one. My mother seems more comfortable now among the ton. I am pleased to see that she is happy, for she has been so morose since my father died.”
“I see.”
“But I do feel as though I am not what the gentlemen desire,” Lady Rose said. “I am too common for them. I am grateful for you, Your Grace, but I feel as if you are the only reason any young man might have interest in me. No womanwants to be desired because she has the fortune of being a wealthy lord’s cousin.”
“I suppose,” Anthony said. “For what it worth, my lady, the lords in the ton are likewise not particularly fond of being desirable only because of their titles and wealth.”
Lady Rose hummed. “I hope this is not too forward of me, but you are my cousin. Aside from my mother, you are my only family. Surely, it is past time for you to call me Rose?”
“Will that make you happy?”
“It will.”
“Then I shall,” Anthony said, “Rose.”
