Chapter 18

Rebellious Nature

The Duke found he enjoyed himself far more than he had expected. He had thought his horse rides and cold water swims would be the highlights of his stay on the estate or gently teasing Bridget, but sitting in the night with her, having a pleasant conversation, was much more enjoyable than any of those things.

There was still a hint of danger in the situation, which only added to its appeal.

"There is one thing I would like to find out," Bridget told him.

"And what is that?"

"You mentioned a few days ago that you might like to discuss Swift or Defoe with me. I wish to know if that is still the case, or if you were only teasing me again to make me think you could go toe-to-toe with me."

Nicholas smiled. He looked at Bridget, taking in her profile. Her blonde hair cascaded down her back like a golden waterfall, and the moon had come out enough to bring out the green in her eyes like the depths of the ocean. Her cheeks were still rosy, as if they had been painted on. She was a beautiful woman.

"Do you have nothing to say?" she asked. "I knew you were only trying to use your charm on me."

The Duke smiled again—he relished a challenge.

"Not at all," he said. "I was merely weighing what I wanted to say before I responded. I have read many of Jonathan Swift's books and did not know which one to comment on. He writes with such wit and humor while still poking fun satirically at society, don't you think?"

Bridget tried to hide her surprise and continued to look straight ahead at the sea. She took her time before speaking.

"I agree with all of that, and so would most people. Did you hear that from someone else, or is that your opinion of him?" she asked.

The Duke smiled some more and placed his hand on his heart. "Do you suggest I am fabricating my response? I have never been so offended in my life. Well, perhaps I have been far more offended on multiple occasions. I will tell you the truth. I have read his books, and that is my opinion. I am fond of many of his works, but Gulliver's Travels has always remained my favorite. On the one hand, it is a splendid work of fiction that delights children, and on the other, it is a wonderful satire from which we can all learn. Swift comments on the follies and vices of humanity, and I know enough about them to appreciate his penmanship."

"I will admit that you have surprised me again," Bridget said. "First with Mr. Peaches, and now with Mr. Swift. I apologize if I caused any offense, but you are not what I expected. I was unsure if you have read Swift or Defoe, but I am heartened that you have. You are quite accurate about his scathing social commentaries. He speaks about injustice, and my heart and mind are drawn to those ideas. I believe someday, there will be an end to this injustice, but that day is quite far away."

"If you and I can discuss such things while we're sitting on a wall in the middle of the night, then perhaps that day is not that far away," the Duke suggested.

Bridget turned to look at him, and he gazed into her emerald-green eyes. They sparkled. He could not see in the darkness if she blushed some more, but she quickly looked away, perhaps embarrassed by the situation.

"How about Mary Astell?" Bridget asked. "You also mentioned you have read her works, and she is much more obscure to the populace, especially the male population. What do you make of her arguments?"

"No, I don't think it is fair that you get to question me and I do not get to question you," the Duke countered. "You know a little more about me now, and I wish to know a little more about you."

Bridget pressed her lips together and folded her arms, but her smile shone through. If the Duke did not know any better, he might think she was enjoying his company in the middle of the night. He knew he was enjoying hers.

"What do you wish to know?" Bridget asked.

"I wish to know more about why you are so rebellious," the Duke told her. "Is it because of Mary Astell? I know she is a fierce advocate for women's rights."

"Alright, you have made your point," Bridget conceded. "You know your literature, and I shall not doubt or underestimate you again. Yes, Mary Astell shaped some of my views on the matter, but you can't rely on only one viewpoint. I have always believed that women should have the same opportunities as men, and in time, it will happen. Those views have been bolstered by various authors and philosophers."

"Surprise me," the Duke said. "I can assume some things about you based on what you have said so far about equality for women, but what might I not expect?"

Bridget gazed out at the sea some more as she pondered his question, a dimple in her right cheek popping. The dimple softened her features and brought out her natural glow.

"I don't know if I truly have a rebellious nature, but it is much more fun to describe it that way. I don't think unlike many modern women of what a woman's place in society should be. I believe anything a man can do can be done by a woman and that women should not be considered playthings for men. They are not there to satisfy men and can be so much more."

The Duke felt that the last part was aimed at him. "What if they want that?" he asked.

"To be a plaything?"

"You make it sound rather crass, but sure. What if a woman wants to be with a man in ways that are frowned upon, but it is her decision?" the Duke persisted.

"Then that would be fine," Bridget replied. "If it is her choice, then it is no different than a man making that choice. I would support it if it is what she really wants."

"How about a woman using a man as her plaything?" the Duke pushed.

"I don't support one sex using the other in any way. If a man and a woman are in agreement about what they might like to do, then there is no problem. The problem comes when someone holds power over someone else."

"I might have underestimated you, Lady Bridget. I will admit that I hoped to get a rise out of you by talking about such things, but you have eloquently voiced what I also believe. The more I get to know you, the more I find I am like you and you are like me. How about traditional roles in society? Is there not something to be gained from that? Is it not the natural order?"

"Is there something to be gained?" Bridget asked. "Yes, of course. Is it the natural order? No, I don't believe so. It is only the supposed natural order because it benefits men, and they decided it would be the way it is. I would much rather go out and conduct business and then have a cognac with friends in an establishment after than stay at home and clean and cook while gossiping and eating teacakes."

The Duke burst out laughing. When he saw Bridget turn to face him with a scowl, he quickly stopped.

"I apologize. I am not laughing because of anything you said. I only find it fantastic that you wish to be out doing such things, and from what I know about you so far, you could give any man a run for his money."

"That is one of the best compliments I have ever received," Bridget admitted. "I know from conversing with men previously that they often look down on my views."

"I look up to them," the Duke stated. "Women should get to do as they please, as long as they don't hurt anyone. If I were ever to wed, I should not want a meek woman at home, waiting for me all day to serve me. I would much rather have her by my side than at my back."

"That is all I ask for in life," Bridget said.

"There will be pushback," the Duke informed her.

"There is always pushback when there are new ideas. It is up to the strongest to speak up, and from what you have said to me tonight, I expect you will rise to the challenge, Your Grace."

"I would love to," the Duke replied. "I love a good challenge, and this would be the greatest one yet. You show a lot of strength by standing up for what you believe in, Lady Bridget. I respect that."

"Do you?" she asked.

Bridget's voice changed; it sounded like she needed his approval.

"Yes, of course," Nicholas replied. "You show a lot of strength in everything you do, that much is obvious. It is admirable, and it is how everyone should strive to be. Success or failure does not matter as long as there is conviction and strength, and often, through both of those traits, success comes."

"I like that," Bridget said. She reached down and petted Mr. Peaches. It purred softly.

"What a fine night," the Duke murmured.

"Yes," Bridget agreed.

The cat rolled over onto its back as Bridget petted it, and she leaned closer to the Duke to rub the cat's belly. The Duke could smell her perfume—a mix of bergamot and lavender—and the scent was intoxicating. A slight breeze picked up, carrying the lavish scent to him.

He could not help himself, and he turned to look at Bridget more closely as she petted the cat and leaned in. It was as if the moonlight appeared just for him, the clouds parting and the silver orb bathing them both in a silver glow.

It lit up Bridget's hair, and some strands fluttered in the breeze, dancing just by him. For a moment, the wind seemed to whisper to him.

If you were to wed her, she would walk side by side with you and not behind you.

The Duke quickly shook the thought away. He had no intention of taking a wife, even if she would be a better companion than most. It was not a wife he wanted, but he did want to be closer to Bridget. He did not want anything more than a gentle kiss to end the fine night.

When Bridget looked up at him, time came to a stop. Everything halted, and he could take her in. The moon illuminated her face, accentuating her soft curves. Her deep green eyes were tinted with silver, and looking into them was like looking into her soul. There was a slight smile on her face, her rosy cheeks pushed up, and her dimples on show.

The Duke looked at her lips, and he ached to touch them, but he did not want to ruin the night.

Another slight breeze blew between them, and a lock of hair fell over Bridget's face. The Duke took action and pushed the lock of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear.

How dare it obscure her beauty!

Bridget stared back at him with a look that was easy to decipher. She wanted the kiss, too.

The Duke was careful. He waited to be sure. He did not want to rush and scare her off. He was about to lean in to test the waters when Bridget's eyes widened, and she flinched.

"I must go," she said suddenly.

The Duke nodded, disappointed but understanding.

Bridget leaped up as if a fire had been lit beneath her. She looked the Duke in the eye once more before she turned to flee.

"And Mr. Peaches?" he called.

Bridget stopped and spun around, coming back to retrieve the cat. When she bent down to lift Mr. Peaches, her face came close to the Duke's again, and she hesitated. The Duke waited for her to come to him this time, but she did not.

Bridget stood back up and took the cat back toward the house.

Nicholas was disappointed, but he was overjoyed, too. He had not become intimate with Bridget or even kissed her, but he could not remember a night as enjoyable as that one in a long time. He did not know what would come next with Bridget, but he was excited to find out.