CHAPTER ONE
“Goodness, Bridget! Have you been out riding again?”
Bridget Fadden cringed at the sound of her mother’s upset voice as she dismounted her trusty steed, Brimmer, in front of her family’s stables.
“I wasn’t gone that long, Mother. I only?—”
“How many times have I told you not to ride unsupervised? It’s far too dangerous!”
She let out a sigh as her mother went on.
“Frankly, I’d rather you not ride at all, and you know this. The mere horrors that could befall a woman riding?—”
“Iknow, Mother. I?—”
“Andtodayof all days, Bridget?” The Countess’s scolding only continued as they began walking as fast as they could towards the grand house across the field. “This is a most important day for the family, Bridget. We are expecting guests!”
Bridget let out a small groan and quickened her pace, hoping to escape the lecture, but her mother trailed after her, relentless in her reminder.
“Elliot’s betrothed, along with her brother, the esteemedDukeof Galway, will be at our doorstep at any moment, and you deem it fit to greet them… looking likethis?”
They nodded at the servants nearby as they hurried towards the manor. The sprawling estate stretched as far as the eye could see, with manicured gardens and extra neatly trimmed hedges for the occasion.
Bridget sighed as her mother continued berating her, longing for a moment of respite from the chatter.
“No, Mother. Yes, I understand the significance of today.” She turned with wide, assuring eyes. “I will behave accordingly.”
The two women finally stepped into the grand house, its air filled with a heightened sense of anticipation. The servants scurried about, their movements choreographed with precision, bowing respectfully as the nobles passed by.
The house was of marvelous architecture, a testament to the Earl’s wealth and status. Elaborate moldings adorned the walls, and intricate chandeliers hung from the ceilings, casting a soft glow on the polished marble floors.
As they made their way through the halls, Bridget’s eyes were drawn to the decorations in the building. Newly carved woodwork adorned the door frames, and special occasion tapestries depicting scenes of pastoral beauty draped the walls.
With the hems of their dresses lifted delicately, the women ascended the lavish staircase while the Countess continued to speak, her voice carrying a mix of excitement and anticipation.
“Ah, looking great as ever, dear sister.”
Bridget chuckled at the sight of her second brother, Hector Fadden, leaning against the walls, impeccably dressed as usual.
Hector was two years her senior, yet anyone who laid eyes on them could presume them to be twins. He had never cared about societal positions and most times treated her as an equal… and as their mother said, that only made it harder to tell their different ages.
The Fadden siblings favored each other. While Bridget’s eldest siblings were similar in looks and perfect character—till recent times—one could say Hector was doing his best to make Bridget a perfect pair with him as well, imposing on her his rakish traits.
With a teasing grin, Hector quipped, “I must say, if your plan is to make the Duke’s family think of us as stablemen, then you can rest assured it will be successful.”
“And what’s to be said about you, Brother? You’re surely not the one getting married, yet here you are, dressed better than the groom… for what reason?” Bridget swiftly retorted.
“Ah, but you know me, dear sister.” He twirled around dramatically, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “Ialwaysdress to impress.”
Unable to contain her laughter, Bridget was about to respond with an equally witty retort when their mother intervened, her tone firm. “That’s enough of your banter for the day, you two.”
She cast an accusing glance her son’s way. “And, Hector, how comical is it that you speak about your sister’s current appearance, when you’re the reason she knows how to ride in the first place?”
Hector instantly lifted his hands in surrender, and Bridget grinned triumphantly at the scene.
“We have guests arriving, and we must make a good impression…”
Bridget sent a desperate glance her brother’s way who immediately fell in step with their mother and draped an arm around her shoulders.
