Chapter 9

Abel released a weighty sigh, his conscience burdened by the sharpness of his previous words. They alighted from their carriages, now back in Borthwell Estate.

His gaze lingered on Lady Bridget, observing her countenance for any sign of forgiveness as remorse gnawed at him for his unkind remarks about Elliot during their recent shopping excursion.

She was a portrait of grace and poise, yet he could discern a shadow of hurt in her eyes as she ignored him.

He could not comprehend why her quietness agitated him so much. All he knew was that he'd rather have her fuming at him in her characteristic way than this version he had to face now.

The harmony they had been cultivating since after the incident of the missing ball faltered as she maintained a stoic silence throughout the remainder of the day.

Their recent journey had also marked a departure from their usual conflict, revealing shared interests that Abel found surprisingly delightful. So it frustrated him more that she was quiet, when they could have been conversing.

As they proceeded into the manor, Abel resolved to address the rift that had once more formed between them.

"Lady Bridget, might I beg a moment of your time?" His voice echoed in the hallowed halls of the manor.

Elliot and Olivia, who were with Bridget, joined Hector, who was now also in the hall.

Bridget turned to regard Abel, her eyebrow arched in curiosity, awaiting his words with a stoic expression that rivaled his. While in the separate carriages that brought them home, Olivia had cautiously expressed her displeasure with his unchivalrous conduct when she found out what had transpired in her and Elliot's brief absence.

"You must seek reparation, Abel."

Olivia's words echoed in his mind, stirring a newfound resolve within him. The gravity of his actions weighed on him, prompting him to seek redemption in Bridget's eyes.

With a deep breath, Abel began, "Lady Bridget, I deeply regret my disparaging comments about your brother. I assure you, it was not my intention to besmirch his reputation." His tone was earnest. "I must offer my sincerest apologies for the unkind words I spoke in haste. I was merely motivated by concern for the well-being of my dear sister."

Abel shifted from foot to foot. There was one more thing he had to say, but he struggled with how to say the words.

"I also have to admit," he continued, forcing out the words, "that I find you very intriguing and quite interesting. It adds to my agitation, Lady Bridget. Sometimes, I think I am starting to know and understand you. Other times, I realize how clueless I am. I hope you can find it in you to forgive me."

Bridget regarded him with a mix of surprise and gratitude at his heartfelt plea. It seemed that she was seeing a different side of him. She did not seem ready to let him off easy, however.

"You ought to feel remorseful." Bridget's voice was calm and measured. "Truly, the weight of your unkind words should weigh heavily on your conscience. Yet, I cannot help but wonder at the necessity of proclaiming your contrition to me so outrightly."

"I feel it's necessary," Abel said. "I did what I did outright, so it's important that I offer an apology in the same way."

Her expression was unreadable as she crossed her arms over her chest. "I must say, I'm shocked to see you climb off your high horse in such splendid fashion. There may be hope for you, after all."

Abel frowned and balled his hands into fists. Why did she have to make everything so difficult? He swallowed his frustration and tried again.

"I understand that what I said was unacceptable, and I'm deeply sorry for it. However, it is important for you to understand why I felt suspicious of your brother. No, let me finish, please."

Bridget had opened her mouth to retort, and the frown on her face showed that she wasn't pleased with how he shushed her.

"As I said, it is important for you to understand why. Olivia is a young lady, and while I trust her upbringing and character, she's not beyond making mistakes. While Elliot's intentions may have been noble, it doesn't change the fact that they should not have been alone without a chaperone. This was what got me concerned, even if my reaction may have been exaggerated."

Bridget scoffed. "And here I thought that a change had happened. I see I was a little too hopeful to expect that you could change so suddenly."

Abel's eyes bored into Bridget, a flash of irritation flickering across his features. Despite his attempts at reconciliation, she appeared to be focused on turning the situation into a trial of his character.

"Why must every exchange between us devolve into a verbal joust?" Abel's frustration simmered beneath the surface, his astonishment at her sharp retorts apparent.

Bridget's chin lifted dramatically. "I had presumed that your intention was to offer a sincere apology, Your Grace. Surely, you did not expect me to simply accept your contrition without due consideration and go about as if naught had occurred."

Abel's eyes widened in disbelief, taken aback by her boldness. "Are you now dictating the terms of our reconciliation? Did you not yourself emphasize the importance of letting go of grudges?"

"I have naught more to add on the matter. If that is all, Your Grace, I shall retire to my chambers, for the day has been long and wearisome," Bridget declared with her nose in the air, and with a cool nod, she turned to make her exit.

Instinctively, Abel reached out to stop her departure, his hand gripping her forearm. He hadn't planned to do that, and his action shocked him almost as much as it shocked Bridget.

It was so strange that he felt a shiver run through his bones, her skin warm beneath the soft fabric of her dress.

It was unlike anything he'd ever done before, and he felt ashamed about it. All he knew was that he couldn't let her go, leaving things the way they were.

His surroundings faded from view, and he didn't care who watched or what the occupants in the hall would think of his actions. He didn't care. Nothing else mattered to him at that moment.

He had never touched her before, and the sensation it sent through him was like nothing he had ever felt before. There was a stirring deep inside him, and he felt out of breath from the pressure of it.

Bridget gasped sharply and stared at his hand on her arm, wide-eyed like a doe. Slowly, she lifted her eyes until they settled on his.

Time seemed to stop for Abel as their gazes locked, his heart hammering madly in his chest. The moment stretched into eternity until Abel, overcome with embarrassment for the suddenness of his actions, released his hold on her.

A hush fell over the hall, its occupants captivated by the unfolding drama, unable to feign ignorance of the tension that crackled between the two as they watched the exchange.

"Is there aught else you wish to discuss, Your Grace?" Bridget's voice cut through the air like a blade, her words measured and composed. Her tone betrayed a hint of apprehension, and she looked lost in thought.

"I now perceive Elliot to be a man of sterling character as Olivia has fervently asserted," Abel confessed, his voice tinged with sincerity. "My sister's happiness is of paramount importance to me. Though I may not seek a love match for her, as her guardian, it falls upon me to secure her a deserving husband."

Bridget, ever the voice of reason, interjected with a gentle admonition. "It is crucial to speak with compassion when assessing one's character. Elliot's presence assures the safety and well-being of your sister, rather than posing any threat."

"I have witnessed this myself," Abel acknowledged, his gaze softening with understanding. He was touched by the tenderness that bloomed between Olivia and Elliot.

Bridget, firm in her beliefs, ventured to challenge Abel's reservations regarding love matches. "I daresay, a union founded on love is not to be scorned," she remarked. "There are reasons to cherish such alliances, contrary to your apprehension."

"I possess valid reasons for my hesitation regarding love matches." Abel, resolute in his beliefs, conveyed his doubts about such unions.

He recalled the anguish his mother endured and ultimately succumbed to after his father's passing, unable to recover from heartbreak. He sought to shield Olivia from a similar fate, as she was too young to grasp the gravity of such matters, nor was she burdened by his responsibilities as a duke at a tender age.

"I firmly believe that love matches deserve high regard," Bridget said, furrowing her brow.

"I beseech you to peruse the tomes in the manor's library dedicated to romance, for they might enlighten you on matters of the heart."

Abel allowed himself a smile. Only Bridget could offer him an invitation to the library as a reconciliatory gesture. He considered the offer with some mirth.

"Such tales pale in comparison to the complexities of real life." Ever the pragmatist, he dismissed the notion of literary enlightenment.

"I disagree, Your Grace." Bridget was determined and unfazed.

"Perhaps the fanciful notions derived from such works have contributed to your unmarried status, I presume?"

The question came off harsher than intended, but Abel sincerely pondered why she seemed content with spinsterhood.

Bridget's eyes flashed with fury, clearly offended by his statement. "Might I inquire as to why you, Your Grace, have yet to find a bride? Surely, the task should not prove arduous, as any lady of your choosing should be fit to bear an heir and host grand soirées for the ton."

Abel's countenance darkened, his azure eyes ablaze with ire, though he managed to maintain his composure as he continued to stare at her, unsure of how to respond.

He loved and hated this about her. Her ability to reply with scathing comments when she felt hard done by. Her responses were always quick, and they stung him more than he cared to admit.

"I beg your pardon for my outburst. I seek harmony, especially seeing the impending nuptials," Bridget said.

I can't understand this woman.

One moment she was a storm, the next she was offering a heartfelt apology. How could he please someone who turned hot and cold like the seasons?

"Mayhap we could overlook the day's events and strive to coexist for the sake of Olivia and Elliot," Bridget continued, meeting the Duke's gaze once more.

"Being agreeable does not befit you, Lady Bridget." Abel's eyes narrowed at her sudden change in demeanor. "I shall oblige you for the sake of my sister, despite our differences."

"It appears you relish our disagreements." Bridget's lips curled into a smile, though it did not reach her eyes.

Abel found himself puzzled again by her quick wit, a mix of fascination and exasperation swirling within him.

"I must bid you adieu now, Your Grace," Bridget said.

Abel could read her features, and he assumed the day's activities left her drained and tired. He would have preferred to continue talking to her, but he decided not to impose on her.

He nodded as Bridget curtsied slightly before him and gracefully gathered her skirts to aid her movement before she turned to depart.

Olivia followed in her wake, heading in a direction he presumed led to her chambers.