Page 59 of A Wounded Duke's Passion
Anthony drank the last of his brandy in a single gulp, savoring the warm and familiar taste. He began to wonder in earnest why the Duke of Norfolk would choose to wed his lovely daughter to such an old and unpleasant man. For the first time since meeting Bridget, Anthony considered that mystery might be one worth unraveling.
Chapter 27
Although Lady Hastings did not often participate in the ton’s social gatherings, there was no question about her talent in hosting a lavish tea. As Bridget entered the gardens, along with her mother and Anna, she saw elegantly set tables, laden with tea and delicacies. Many preeminent ladies of the ton walked about the gardens, gossiping about the Season’s events.
“It is a marvelous day to host a tea in the gardens,” Bridget’s mother said.
“It looks as though only ladies were invited,” Anna noted.
Their mother nodded. “It does, which is lovely. I do enjoy occasions where only ladies are present. It provides us with the opportunity to discuss subjects men often have no interest in. I adore your father, but I do sometimes wish that I could discuss my love for needlework in detail without having to worry that I am boring or vexing him.”
“I suppose,” Anna said, sounding as though she disagreed.
Bridget suspected her sister would prefer to be having tea with Mr. Russell. She could not fault her for that either, fora small part of Bridget had hoped Anthony would be present. Bridget doubted that she would be bold enough to ask Anthony about their kiss, but she had nearly resolved to pursue him in earnest. The sooner she saw him again, the better. Bridget feared that if she tarried too long, her courage would abandon her.
She considered her mother’s advice, though. There were certain things that ladies did not readily discuss in the company of men, and perhaps this tea would be a good occasion to learn how she might charm Anthony. She might even be able to learn something about how she might turn her feigned relationship with Anthony into something real. That would not solve all her problems, of course, for there was still the matter of the lost dowry. Still, any help would be better than none.
“Your Grace,” said Lady Hastings, approaching them with a warm smile. “I am so pleased that you and your daughters were able to accept my invitation to tea.”
“As am I,” Bridget’s mother said. “It looks as though you have arranged the event beautifully.”
“Thank you,” Lady Hastings replied. “It was certainly a labor of love. I seldom host such occasions, but I have always taken great delight in planning events.”
“Will Lord Hastings be joining us?” Bridget’s mother asked.
“No,” Lady Hastings replied. “He is occupied with business this afternoon.”
“Most regrettable.”
“Indeed,” Lady Hastings replied. “Speaking of gentlemen, I have heard that the Duke of Hamilton is courting Lady Bridget.”
Warmth rushed to Bridget’s face.
“He is,” Bridget’s mother confirmed. “His Grace is quite fond of Bridget.”
“Shall we promenade, Lady Bridget?” Lady Hastings asked. “I know His Grace well. He is an old acquaintance, and I should like to learn more about the woman who has captured his heart.”
This might be precisely the opportunity that Bridget was hoping for. If Lady Hastings did know Anthony so well, she might be able to offer some insight as to how Bridget might be able to accomplish her plan of winning the duke’s affections.
“Please,” Bridget said. “I would like to promenade with you.”
Bridget gave her mother and sister a fleeting smile before joining Lady Hastings. They started along the path which cut through the gardens, filled with long grasses and fragrant flowers. Once they were some distance from the other guests, Lady Hastings sighed. Her smile fell, and her brow furrowed with concern.
“I am glad that you agreed to speak with me,” Lady Hastings said. “I wanted to advise you to exercise caution with the Duke of Hamilton.”
Bridget blinked, startled by how direct the words were. “Caution, my lady?”
“Yes,” Lady Hastings replied. “I am sure you have heard rumors about Lady Anastasia.”
“Of course.”
“His Grace was quite infatuated with her,” Lady Hastings said. “He is a tormented man, haunted by Lady Anastasia’s death and unable to move forward. If you love him, I fear that he will only break your heart.”
Lady Hastings’s words made an awful sort of sense. They would explain why Anthony regretted their kiss. Perhaps he wanted to love her but found himself unable to do so because he still adored Lady Anastasia so deeply.
“It is my fear,” Lady Hastings continued, “that His Grace, because he is unable to forget his love for Lady Anastasia, may seek solace in another woman’s arms without being willing to commit to marriage.”
“I see,” Bridget said.
