Chapter 32

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 she derived 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 woman wants 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."

The young lady smiled. As she turned her head to look at him, a gasp tore from her lips. "Bridget!" she exclaimed.

Anthony halted abruptly and followed Rose's gaze. Bridget wore a white gown with a light blue sash. His eyes traced over her slender form, partially hidden by her gown. He ached to seize her skirts and place his hands on her thighs once more. Anthony remembered how they had looked—so pale, soft, and slender. She smiled at him, and his breath caught in his throat. It took a few seconds for Anthony to realize that Bridget was accompanied by her sister Lady Anna and Mr. Russell.

Rose lifted her skirts lightly and hurried over the path. She embraced her friend and grasped her hands. Anthony joined them at a much slower pace. As he approached, he took the time to appreciate Bridget's form. Since he had returned to painting, he noticed more about her. Bridget's shoulders were smooth and round, narrowing to slender arms and delicate fingers.

"Lady Anna!" Rose exclaimed. "Mr. Russell! What a pleasant surprise to see all of you out!"

Anthony caught Bridget's eye. There was something wrong. He had not noticed it from afar, but now that he was nearer to Bridget, he could see that her smile was edged. Forced, even.

"Bridget," he greeted.

"Anthony."

Bridget's brow furrowed. Something worried her. Was it what he had done in the garden? Bridget hadn't seemed upset by his actions that day, but perhaps she had thought more about what happened. Maybe in the time since, she had decided that she did regret letting him touch her.

"Did you receive an invitation to Lady Emily's ball?" Rose asked.

"We did," Lady Anna said.

"I am told that it will be especially grand," Rose said.

"How are you?" Anthony asked, lowering his voice.

"I am fine," Bridget said. She sounded as though she did not entirely believe what she said.

Anthony furrowed his brow. "Shall we join your promenade?"

"Please," Lady Anna said.

As they walked together, Lady Anna and Mr. Russell led the way. Rose linked her arm with Bridget's, and Anthony found himself awkwardly following with the lady's maid trailing a few paces behind him.

He wanted to speak to Bridget, but he did not yet have the opportunity. Eventually, Rose would—hopefully—release Bridget's arm, and he would be able to walk alongside her and slowly create some distance between themselves and the rest of their group.

"I feel like I must say something," Lady Anna said. "I have been told that someone asked my father for permission to propose."

"So I did," Mr. Russell said.

Rose exclaimed in excitement. "That is wonderful! How romantic!"

"Congratulations," Anthony said.

Mr. Russell chuckled. "I intend on proposing during Lady Emily's ball," he said, "so we might be formally engaged. Then we shall have the wedding whenever you wish."

"As soon as we feasibly can," Lady Anna said. "I cannot wait to be your wife."

There was a brief pause. Lady Anna looked at her sister, and for just an instant, Lady Anna's warm smile seemed to fade. Something was awry.

"Your Grace!" Rose exclaimed. "Oh! There is Lady Emily now! We must speak to her!"

Anthony glanced at Bridget, wanting to remain with her and ask about what upset her so. Rose had already darted away, heedless of Anthony's dismay. The lady's maid hurried after her mistress. Anthony sighed and gave Bridget an apologetic look.

"Until next time," he said, trying to put all his affection and care for Bridget into those three words.

"Until then."

Anthony frowned and continued along the path, leaving Bridget with her sister and Mr. Russell. Several feet away, Rose stood beside Lady Emily, who gestured animatedly as she spoke.

"I am delighted that you will be attending," Lady Emily said.

Anthony joined them, and Lady Emily's head snapped toward him.

"We meet again, Your Grace," she said, bowing.

"Lady Emily," he said.

Anthony thought of the painting with the two lovers, and he imagined placing it in his bedchamber. He imagined bringing Bridget into his chamber and seeing her eyes widen as she took in the painting.

Mr. Russell was going to propose to Lady Anna at Lady Emily's ball. Anthony could not propose, but it occurred to him that he might speak with Bridget. He could show her how much he adored her and explain that he wanted her to be something far more than a lady he was pretending to court.

"I was telling Lady Rose how delighted I am that you will be attending my ball."

"The delight is mine, I imagine," Anthony said. "If I am not mistaken, your ball is the last of the Season, too."

"It is, indeed," Lady Emily said. "It has been quite a busy Season, and it is my intention to see that it has a satisfying end. I have invited nearly everyone."

Anthony had the brief, unsettling thought to ask if Lady Hastings would be in attendance, but he could not ask without raising suspicion as to why he wished to know.