Page 19 of A Wounded Duke's Passion
“He will be good for you.” Her father sounded relieved, likely pleased that she had agreed so easily. “I know you may not understand that now, but you will.”
“I am sure.”
Silence settled between them all, heavy and awkward. After what felt like an eternity, their father cleared his throat. “I shall leave you both to your art.”
He left. Bridget listened for the sound of his retreating footsteps before sighing and slumping her shoulders.
“What is he thinking?” Anna asked, her eyes wide with disbelief. “You cannot marry that man!”
“I do not know that I have much of a choice,” Bridget said. “I am sure that our father has good reasons for his decision.”
“That does not change the fact that Lord Thornton is very old and you are not. Besides, after that scene at the Hamilton ball, I cannot believe our father believes him a suitable husband for anyone!” Anna laughed, the sound edged with anxiety. “A man who cannot control his emotions, who lashes out at innocent servants! What could be redeemable about such a dreadful man?”
His wealth, Bridget thought bitterly.
“Perhaps, if you find a better suitor,” Anna said. “then our father will be forced to concede that his choice is flawed.”
“I would have to find one quickly,” Bridget said.
She knew it was futile, though. Even if she did find a genuine suitor, any man would be dissuaded from marrying her once he discovered she had no dowry to speak of. However, her father had not told her that she had no dowry. Bridget narrowed her eyes, thinking. If she just happened to find a superior suitor, she could hardly be blamed for allowing him to pursue her. Bridget’s father would not wish to offend any lord of the ton, so she might be able to buy herself some time.
She thought once more of Rose’s plan for her and the duke to feign as though they were courting. It was a ruse that could not last forever, but Bridget did not need it to be lasting arrangement. She simply needed for the courtship to be long enough for her to find a way to clear her father’s debts or for Lord Thornton to lose interest in her.
“You could do it,” Anna said. “You are witty and beautiful. You are skilled at the pianoforte and a gifted dancer. Any man of the ton would be fortunate to have you as his wife.”
“You may be right,” Bridget said slowly.
If she could not find a suitor, she could certainly pretend to have one. Rose’s plan was just absurd enough that no one would expect it, either. Bridget merely had to coax His Grace into agreeing to the plan.
“I believe I shall retire for the evening,” Bridget said, rising. “I plan to call on Rose in the morning, and I wish to be well-rested for my visit.”
Anna’s expression softened. “Are you going to tell her the dreadful news?”
Bridget sighed. “Anna, I—I must confess that I already suspected that something like this might happen.”
“What?”
“I overheard our father speaking to Lord Thornton about a marriage between us,” Bridget explained, “but I did not wish to distress you with the news. I also thought it best to say nothing until the arrangement was announced, in case our father changed his feelings on the matter.”
“Oh, Bridget! You should have told me,” Anna said gently. “I would have borne the burden of the knowledge with you.”
“I know,” Bridget said, smiling. “Thank you.”
That was precisely why she had not told her sister. It was also why she did not intend to tell Anna about Rose’s plan. Anna deserved an unburdened Season with devoted suitors whose company she genuinely enjoyed. She did not deserve a Season spent worrying about Bridget’s fate.
In the meantime, Bridget would try to find a solution. She had a little while, after all, before Lord Thornton would return to London. She must make the best of it.
Chapter 10
It had been three years since the worst day of his life, the terrible day when Anastasia had fallen from the balcony and died. Since, there had been a void within him. Some days, he managed to survive as though all was well. He could pretend that he did not still feel the gaping hollowness within him. Then there were the days when she seemed to be everywhere, when he smelled the springtime flowers and remembered her cologne. When he saw ladies in pale blue gowns and imagined her. Despite his attempts to bury his pain, Anastasia still seemed to haunt him from beyond the grave.
He took his seat at the head of the table, noting how Lady Victoria and Lady Rose followed his movements with their gazes. As expected, the Dowager Duchess of Hamilton had promptly left after the ball. She had decided to indulge in the springs in Bath.
“The ball was a success,” Lady Victoria said.
Anthony noted the scrutiny in her eyes. “It was.”
He took a sip of his coffee, feigning nonchalance. Lady Victoria and Lady Rose both seemed occupied with their breakfasts, and for a brief moment, Anthony thought he mighthave a peaceful meal. Then Lady Victoria pressed her lips into a thin line and furrowed her brow.
