“Why did you leave without a word? We were concerned.”
Olivia, noticing her brother’s distress, reassured him with a smile. “We didn’t mean to interrupt your conversation. I wanted to see the view, and Elliot kindly accompanied me. We thought you would catch up with us later.”
Elliot nodded in agreement as he added, “Indeed, Lady Olivia expressed her desire to enjoy the scenery, and I thought it best to oblige. We meant no harm, I apologize.”
Abel’s eyes flicked from Olivia to Elliot and then back again. He felt relief at finding Olivia safe. The panic and worry he had felt at her sudden disappearance had been all too real.
His chest still swelled in anger, however. He was angry at both of them for disappearing, but their explanations made sense to him. It still wasn’t justification for what they did, though.
Contrary to whatever Bridget thought, his anger was justified. He was wrong for suggesting that Elliot had evil intentions, but he wouldn’t have grown suspicious in the first place if they had done the right thing.
“All right, Sister, but be aware—this is not our land, and I would like to know where you are and what you’re doing at all times. Iwould not be able to forgive myself if something were to happen to you under my nose.”
Bridget snorted derisively from behind him. “And what,Your Grace, could have happened to her?” Her voice dripped with scorn, and her eyes were hard as flint.
“She was with my brother, her betrothed,” she continued angrily. “I do believe that Elliot is more than capable of taking care of her and keeping her safe. Or do you want to tell your lovely sister what you thought her future husband was up to?”
Abel suppressed his anger. It wouldn’t do to shout at his soon-to-be sister-in-law in public. When he spoke, his voice was icy.
“I stand behind what I said. Decorum must be maintained for society to function. It was improper and careless of not just Elliot but also Olivia to wander off the way they did without a chaperone.
“Now, while I don’t truly think Elliot is a rake, I would advise him to avoid actions in the future that may attract suspicion. My priority will always be defending my sister and her honor, and I will not argue about this with you.”
Bridget glared at him, and Abel held her gaze. Why was she so stubborn and infuriating? What was it that made it so hard for her to grasp the most fundamental concepts?
“Well, I know my brother, Your Grace,” she said through gritted teeth. “And he has never been anything but honorable his whole life. You have no right to question his honor.”
Olivia and Elliot watched the exchange in confusion, the tension radiating from Bridget and Abel.
“Oh, dear, look what I have caused,” Olivia whimpered. She grabbed Abel’s arm. “Brother, this is all my fault, please. Elliot would never. I was the one who asked to have a closer look at the view.”
Abel spared his sister a glance then gave her a tight nod. He turned to Elliot. “I apologize for calling your character into question, but I believe, as a good brother, you would have done the same in my shoes.”
Elliot shook his head. “No, Your Grace. I should be the one to apologize. You’re right, and I will try to be more careful in the future.”
“Oh, not you too!” Bridget exclaimed. “He questions your honor, and you apologize to him?”
Abel pursed his lips, hesitating before responding. “There’s no issue in a man being overprotective of his sister, Bridget.”
He braced himself, anticipating another argument. His mind hurried to begin formulating words in his defense, and he folded his fingers behind his back in wait.
But to his surprise, Bridget only wore a heavy look of disappointment on her face. After an antagonizing minute of silence, she turned away from him and addressed Olivia instead.
“Shall we go search for the wedding accessories and take some time alone, Lady Olivia?”
Olivia nodded in agreement and exchanged confused glances with Elliot, her face showing just how unsettled the entire affair had made her.
The two ladies walked away, leaving Abel and Elliot alone to deal with the awkwardness of the exchange that had just unfolded.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The carriage came to a halt in front of a shop selling delicate wedding gloves, and Bridget and Olivia eagerly stepped inside. As they delicately felt the soft fabrics, they engaged in hearty conversation.
“It’s great that we finally get to spend some time together to do some girly things!” Bridget exclaimed, her smile radiant, as they finally were a good distance away from the men.
Olivia nodded excitedly. “Oh, let’s take a break from wedding shopping!” Her eyes gleamed with anticipation as she spoke, “There’s a newly opened dessert place nearby.”
Bridget’s nose twitched slightly, and she shook her head slowly. “I have to be honest,” she began, her voice tinged with a hint of awkwardness, “I don’t really enjoy desserts.”
