“Yes, indeed, Mother, we shall dazzle them with our impeccable manners and irresistible charm.”
“Oh, get off me, Hector. You smell of strange fragrances!” The Countess scrunched up her nose and side-eyed her son.
“Ah, this? This is the latest in town! Most of the ton haven’t set their eyes on a bottle, but you see, your darling son…”
Bridget let out a giggle and mouthed a thank you to her brother, who sent a wink her way as he swiftly steered their mother in the opposite direction.
After a dash to her room and a quick change of clothes, Bridget headed for the drawing room, where her family awaited. Avoiding her father’s disgruntled stare, she moved to stand in position beside her brother.
“Oh, Bridget, I must say, you look positively resplendent in this elaborate creation! Are those frills on your hemchickenfeathers by chance?”
Hector, annoying as ever, wasted no time in pointing out the extravagance of the gown their mother had set aside for the occasion.
“Mm, I’m afraid I can’t tell,” Bridget spoke through her teeth. “Yet, dear brother, it seemsyourattire has taken a rather subdued turn. Are you trying to blend in with the wallpaper, by chance?”
Hector feigned offense, placing a hand on his chest dramatically. “Blending in? Never! Would you believe me if I said I simply thought it would be a refreshing change to embrace a more understated elegance…”
Bridget raised an eyebrow, unable to hide her amusement. “Understated? More like drab, dear brother. You’re usually one to make a grand entrance. Whatever happened?”
Hector leaned in, whispering conspiratorially, “Well, you see, I did save you from Mother’s scolding, but in doing so, I inadvertently drew her attention to myself. Sheinsistedthat I remove my ever-so-costly, fashionable coat.”
He leaned in closer as he added anxiously, “The woman threatened to tell Father that I had taught you how to ride a horse if I refused!”
Bridget stifled a laugh, covering her mouth with her hand. “Oh, Brother, you truly are the victim of your own chivalry.”
Hector nodded, feigning a regretful expression, and Bridget continued, “But we must admit, Mother can be quite the master manipulator when she desires something.”
A playful glint lit up his eyes, happy to gossip about their mother. “Indeed! Ruth Fadden, the respected Countess of Borthwell—she may be known for her kindness and sweetness, but heaven forbid she doesn’t get her way.” He glanced at Bridget, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. “And I dare say, Bridget, you inherited that trait as well.”
She gasped in mock offense, placing a hand on her chest. “How dare you? I am never one to talk someone’s ear off like Mother.”
Hector chuckled and wiggled his eyebrows at her. “My dear sister, you may protest all you want, but I have witnessed your skill in the art of conversation. You are quite the chatterer.”
“You take that back!” Bridget burst into quiet laughter as she smacked her brother across the arm, who joined in her chuckles.
They continued to banter with each other till their eyes finally wandered to their elder brother, who stood a bit far from them, close to their father, looking terribly anxious.
Hector leaned closer to Bridget, a playful smile dancing on her lips. “Aw, look at poor Elliot! He appears as if he’s about to face battle instead of a simple introduction to his future in-laws.”
Bridget stifled a chuckle as her brother continued, his voice barely above a whisper, “I dare say his attire rivals that of a peacock, trying desperately to impress with his plumage.”
Her eyes twinkled with laughter as she pitched in, “His expression is of most importance, though. He looks as if he’s swallowed a sour lemon, with his face contorted in such comical lines.”
Hector nodded, a laugh playing on his lips. “Truly, I fear his face might freeze that way if he doesn’t relax.”
Bridget covered her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter as she glanced at Elliot, who had caught their eye and rolled his own in response. Unable to contain themselves, the siblings burst into quiet giggles at his expense, their shoulders shaking with suppressed mirth.
“It appears we’ve been caught. He somehow manages to always tell when we’re teasing him.” Hector’s voice was filled with amusement as he leaned closer to his sister again. “Look at that eye roll! He’s mastered the art of expressing disdain without uttering a single word.”
Bridget fought to keep her giggles quiet. “He can always tell with how loud you are. Your laughter is akin to a loud pig’s snorts, Brother.”
Hector gasped and swiveled his head in her direction. “How dare you? The sound of my joy is the sweetest tune known to man.”
“Oh, indeed.” Bridget rolled her eyes and giggled again.
“And you speak of my laughter when yours nearly drove away a suitor that one time?—”
“Brother!” Bridget’s eyes widened in disbelief, her laughter breaking as she said, “I would have never thought you would stoop so low merely to?—”
