Chapter 7

Abel sat across from his sister as they ventured into town for wedding shopping. Olivia kept peeping out the carriage window, following Bridget and Elliot's carriage with her eyes.

The pair of siblings were accompanying each other for the task at hand.

Olivia turned to Abel, a tense look on her face as she reminded him to be civil with Bridget as soon as their carriages came to a stop. He nodded in response without a single hint of objection.

Olivia's eyes narrowed at his silence and compliance. "Not a word against that, Brother?"

Abel shrugged and kept his eyes out the window next to her head.

Olivia's eyes widened in shock at his sudden change in behavior. "You still haven't told me what took you and Bridget so long searching for that tiny ball in the bushes the other day." Her lips curled in a knowing smile as she inquired, her curiosity evident.

Abel scowled, suddenly feeling uncomfortable with the topic. "It was but a small ball, Sister. Naturally, it took a little while to find."

His tone was defensive, and from the corner of his eye, he caught Olivia's smile, but knowing him, she knew not to push any further.

Abel adjusted his coat as the unspoken knowledge between them lingered. He avoided his sister's eyes, suddenly desperate to be out of the carriage and busy himself with wedding preparations.

Finally, both carriages came to a stop, and the pairs walked in a single group. Time went by quickly, and as they strolled through the cobbled streets, Olivia and Elliot remained silent, exchanging surprised glances as they watched their siblings engage in a spirited conversation.

After Bridget pointed out a bookshop, Abel inquired if she was an ardent reader, only to discover they had a shared interest. In a matter of seconds, they started a vigorous conversation.

"Ah, but do you not find that books like that can be a mere flight of fancy?" Abel questioned, his voice tinged with curiosity. "I prefer the practicality of the real world."

"Your Grace, you underestimate the power of literature." Bridget's eyes sparkled as she responded. "You limit yourself greatly. Fiction holds a mirror to our own lives while still offering different insights into the human condition and helping us understand ourselves from a different light."

Her eyes shone with enthusiasm as she added, "I have been engrossed in the works of a certain Madame Monroe lately. Her books are among my favorites. The wit, the romance, and the societal commentary are beyond captivating."

"You would read such time wasters?" Abel raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

"While I appreciate the elegance of Austen's prose, I find myself more drawn to the thrilling tales of adventure and mystery when I desire fiction. The works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, particularly the Sherlock Holmes series, captivate my imagination."

Bridget chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with friendly disagreement. "Well, while I can understand the appeal of a good detective story, I'd rather be transported to a time of elegance and true romance."

Abel leaned back, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "A spinster? Desperate to learn about romance? What news!"

As Bridget swatted at his arm, he burst into hearty laughter. While she glared at him, he grinned and pushed on.

"The adventures of Sherlock Holmes are filled with intrigue, clever deductions, and unexpected twists. That trumps the elegance of romance any day. The thrill of solving a mystery is by far more captivating than courtship."

Bridget crossed her arms, a challenge in her voice. "I disagree. The dance of courtship is more than meets the eye. It's just as captivating. The subtle nuances of Society, the power of a well-timed glance, and the art of it all hold a charm that cannot be replicated."

Though still holding onto his reservations, Abel couldn't deny the allure of her words as she went on. A newfound curiosity awakened within him, as if a hidden world of imagination and emotion had been unveiled.

"Fine. It seems we have found ourselves at an impasse. Shall we agree to disagree?"

Bridget laughed and shook her head. "Your Grace, I caught your expression a few seconds ago. Just admit, I've convinced you to pick up a romance novel, haven't I?"

Abel's ears were hot as if he was suddenly caught in a shameful act. "Absolutely not."

He shook his head at her and sighed. "So now you shall go around, spreading false rumors of my love for romance literature? This is because of the spinster joke, is it not?"

Bridget's eyes glittered as loud laughter escaped her lips. She continued to laugh, almost unable to get a word out.

"Lady Bridget, since when did you begin to find my company so amusing that it brings forth such laughter?"

Her laughter filled the air even more, a melodious sound that danced with mirth. Her eyes sparkled with delight when she replied, "Your Grace, I assure you, your reputation would not be ruined by romance literature."

Abel couldn't help the smile that spread across his face as her laughter continued. His heart thumped as he stared at the happy crinkles at the corners of her eyes and her pinkened ears as she giggled.

She looked… beautiful.

He couldn't help but be captivated by her infectious joy, and his gaze lingered on her, unable to look away.

Sensing his intense gaze, Bridget allowed her laughter to fade into a soft, knowing smile. Their eyes locked, and the air crackled with an unspoken connection. Time seemed to stand still as they were drawn into each other's presence, the world around them fading into the background.

Yet again, the enchanting moment was abruptly interrupted by the thunderous sound of a passing carriage, shattering the spell that had enveloped them. Startled, the two tore their gazes away from each other, their eyes mirroring uncertainty and confusion.

Awkwardness settled between them as they struggled to meet each other's gazes once more. The air, once filled with an electric charge, now carried a sense of hesitancy. They exchanged nervous glances, their hearts beating in unison yet unsure of how to proceed.

At last, Abel noted the absence of their shopping companions. He met Bridget's gaze with a shocked expression. "Where are our siblings?"

Bridget's eyes widened as the realization dawned on her again. After a shocked few seconds of search, she bit her lower lip.

"I do not know, Your Grace. I fear I hadn't paid much attention to anything else aside from our conversation."

Abel's brow furrowed in surprise as the realization dawned on him too. The bustling town had faded in her presence.

His eyes widened in confusion as he scanned their surroundings again, discovering that Elliot and Olivia were still nowhere to be found.

A sense of worry washed over him quickly, and his fists clenched, his voice laced with concern as he exclaimed, "Where could they have gone? We must find my sister!"

Bridget, too, looked around, searching for any sign of their missing companions. She attempted to reassure Abel, her voice calm but tinged with uncertainty. "They couldn't have gone far, Your Grace. Let's not worry ourselves on the matter."

But Abel scoffed, his frustration evident as he turned to glare at her. "I blame Elliot for this. I knew something like this would happen."

Bridget's confusion deepened, and she questioned him, her voice filled with unpleasant surprise, "Your Grace, nothing has happened. Why are you blaming my brother? What has he done?"

Abel halted in his tracks, his gaze meeting Bridget's in a moment of tension. His eyes roamed over her, his tone filled with accusation as he uttered, "Isn't it obvious? Lord Fadden has had sinister intentions all along."

Bridget's jaw dropped in disbelief, her heart pounding in defense of her brother. She wouldn't tolerate such allegations, and her voice trembled with a mix of shock and anger.

"How dare you suggest such a thing! My brother would never harm anyone, let alone his betrothed!"

Abel growled, his frustration boiling over as he resumed walking, determination etched on his face. His words were laced with urgency. "We must locate them. I simply won't rest until we do."

Bridget's eyes blazed with fury as she followed after him, her steps quick and determined. "How dare you, Your Grace! Retract your words this instant! My brother would never stoop so low!"

Abel turned to face her, his expression hardened. His voice was cold and resolute as he replied, "I have nothing else to say until we find where Lord Elliot has taken my sister. Until then, my suspicions remain."

Bridget's rage intensified, her voice filled with righteous indignation. "Your suspicions? What has my brother done to warrant such careless accusations? Speak, Your Grace!"

Abel's eyes narrowed, his voice laced with bitterness. "Men like your brother, Lady Bridget, are common. They seek to take advantage of innocent women like my sister."

Bridget's face flushed with anger as she retorted, her voice dripping defiance, "You know nothing of my brother's character! Elliot loves Olivia deeply—anyone can see that—and he would never dishonor any woman!"

Abel's voice remained stoic. "In this world, trust can be a dangerous luxury. I will not rest until I find them and ensure Olivia's safety."

"Y-You insolent?—"

"Hold on, aren't those…" Abel interrupted her, placing a finger on his lips as he pointed discreetly behind her.

A short distance away, amidst a crowd admiring a breathtaking view, stood Olivia and Elliot. Without a second to spare, he hurried towards them, his worry evident in his voice.

"Why did you leave without a word? We were concerned."

Olivia, noticing her brother's distress, reassured him with a smile. "We didn't mean to interrupt your conversation. I wanted to see the view, and Elliot kindly accompanied me. We thought you would catch up with us later."

Elliot nodded in agreement as he added, "Indeed, Lady Olivia expressed her desire to enjoy the scenery, and I thought it best to oblige. We meant no harm, I apologize."

Abel's eyes flicked from Olivia to Elliot and then back again. He felt relief at finding Olivia safe. The panic and worry he had felt at her sudden disappearance had been all too real.

His chest still swelled in anger, however. He was angry at both of them for disappearing, but their explanations made sense to him. It still wasn't justification for what they did, though.

Contrary to whatever Bridget thought, his anger was justified. He was wrong for suggesting that Elliot had evil intentions, but he wouldn't have grown suspicious in the first place if they had done the right thing.

"All right, Sister, but be aware—this is not our land, and I would like to know where you are and what you're doing at all times. I would not be able to forgive myself if something were to happen to you under my nose."

Bridget snorted derisively from behind him. "And what, Your Grace, could have happened to her?" Her voice dripped with scorn, and her eyes were hard as flint.

"She was with my brother, her betrothed," she continued angrily. "I do believe that Elliot is more than capable of taking care of her and keeping her safe. Or do you want to tell your lovely sister what you thought her future husband was up to?"

Abel suppressed his anger. It wouldn't do to shout at his soon-to-be sister-in-law in public. When he spoke, his voice was icy.

"I stand behind what I said. Decorum must be maintained for society to function. It was improper and careless of not just Elliot but also Olivia to wander off the way they did without a chaperone.

"Now, while I don't truly think Elliot is a rake, I would advise him to avoid actions in the future that may attract suspicion. My priority will always be defending my sister and her honor, and I will not argue about this with you."

Bridget glared at him, and Abel held her gaze. Why was she so stubborn and infuriating? What was it that made it so hard for her to grasp the most fundamental concepts?

"Well, I know my brother, Your Grace," she said through gritted teeth. "And he has never been anything but honorable his whole life. You have no right to question his honor."

Olivia and Elliot watched the exchange in confusion, the tension radiating from Bridget and Abel.

"Oh, dear, look what I have caused," Olivia whimpered. She grabbed Abel's arm. "Brother, this is all my fault, please. Elliot would never. I was the one who asked to have a closer look at the view."

Abel spared his sister a glance then gave her a tight nod. He turned to Elliot. "I apologize for calling your character into question, but I believe, as a good brother, you would have done the same in my shoes."

Elliot shook his head. "No, Your Grace. I should be the one to apologize. You're right, and I will try to be more careful in the future."

"Oh, not you too!" Bridget exclaimed. "He questions your honor, and you apologize to him?"

Abel pursed his lips, hesitating before responding. "There's no issue in a man being overprotective of his sister, Bridget."

He braced himself, anticipating another argument. His mind hurried to begin formulating words in his defense, and he folded his fingers behind his back in wait.

But to his surprise, Bridget only wore a heavy look of disappointment on her face. After an antagonizing minute of silence, she turned away from him and addressed Olivia instead.

"Shall we go search for the wedding accessories and take some time alone, Lady Olivia?"

Olivia nodded in agreement and exchanged confused glances with Elliot, her face showing just how unsettled the entire affair had made her.

The two ladies walked away, leaving Abel and Elliot alone to deal with the awkwardness of the exchange that had just unfolded.