He loved and hated this about her. Her ability to reply with scathing comments when she felt hard done by. Her responses were always quick, and they stung him more than he cared to admit.
“I beg your pardon for my outburst. I seek harmony, especially seeing the impending nuptials,” Bridget said.
I can’t understand this woman.
One moment she was a storm, the next she was offering a heartfelt apology. How could he please someone who turned hot and cold like the seasons?
“Mayhap we could overlook the day’s events and strive to coexist for the sake of Olivia and Elliot,” Bridget continued, meeting the Duke’s gaze once more.
“Being agreeable does not befit you, Lady Bridget.” Abel’s eyes narrowed at her sudden change in demeanor. “I shall oblige you for the sake of my sister, despite our differences.”
“It appears you relish our disagreements.” Bridget’s lips curled into a smile, though it did not reach her eyes.
Abel found himself puzzled again by her quick wit, a mix of fascination and exasperation swirling within him.
“I must bid you adieu now, Your Grace,” Bridget said.
Abel could read her features, and he assumed the day’s activities left her drained and tired. He would have preferred to continue talking to her, but he decided not to impose on her.
He nodded as Bridget curtsied slightly before him and gracefully gathered her skirts to aid her movement before she turned to depart.
Olivia followed in her wake, heading in a direction he presumed led to her chambers.
CHAPTER TEN
Abel’s footsteps echoed softly as he walked through the quiet Fadden gardens, his mind burdened with thoughts of Bridget. He couldn’t shake the image of her disappointed expression from his mind—the way her eyes had avoided his gaze, and the silence that hung heavy between them.
His mind was filled with questions about her refusal to engage with him. There was so much she could have said, so much he realized he wished for her to say.
Every word left unspoken felt like a chasm growing wider between them, and despite how he wished to deny it, the thought of one worried him.
He replayed their last encounter over and over, searching for answers that eluded him. How could he have let things reach this point? What could be pinpointed as the exact reason for her change in behavior?
As he reached the center of the garden, a heavy sigh escaped his lips. The vibrant colors of the flowers seemed muted under the moon’s gaze, mirroring his desolation.
“Don’t you look a sad, sorry sight.”
Lost in his thoughts, Abel hadn’t noticed the presence of the two brothers sitting at the garden center a few feet away from him. He finally raised his head, startled by Hector’s loud remark, to meet their amused and concerned gazes.
Elliot tapped his brother’s arm lightly as he shook his head. “Leave the man alone, Hector.” He sent an understanding look Abel’s way. “Would you like to join us, Your Grace? We’ve grown fond of escaping here to drink away our problems.”
But the younger brother raised an eyebrow as he inspected Abel’s posture. “Brother, I fear our joviality may not be enough to chase away whatever shadows that cloud the Duke’s heart.”
After a warning glare from his elder brother, he shrugged defensively. “It’s all but true, though. We’ve been watching him stand there for minutes, looking like he’s about to be sent off to war.”
Abel, grateful for the distraction, laughed as he approached the pair. “Gentlemen, I appreciate your kind offer. Perhaps a drink or two would indeed help ease my mind.”
As he drew a seat beside them, the flickering candlelight cast a warm glow on the scene. In a swift movement, he filled his glass and downed the contents with a sigh.
Hector had a furrow in his brow as he watched him. Finally, he leaned in and asked, ignoring his brother’s warning glare, “So, Your Grace, what troubles your heart this eve? Pray, do not keep your worries hidden.”
Abel looked up slowly and hesitated for a moment. How could he explain to the men that his thoughts were consumed by their younger sister?
He shook his head softly and took another swig of his drink as he murmured, “It is nothing of great consequence.”
However, ever the astute observer, Hector squinted at him and pressed further. “Well, I believe there is indeed more to this tale.” He paused and added slyly, “Could it be that the cause of your worries has to do with a certain brunette with a sharp tongue?”
Abel froze, his heart pounding in his chest. He raised his gaze to meet Hector’s again, a mix of fear and anticipation swirling in his eyes.
