At long last, they arrived at the grand ball, a sight to behold in all its resplendent glory. The ballroom was a magnificent display of opulence, shimmering chandeliers hanging everywhere casting a warm, golden glow on the otherwise dark hall.
Walls were draped in sumptuous fabrics, their rich hues reflecting the grandeur of the occasion, and feasts of different tastes were displayed on every far corner.
The air was filled with a heavy excitement as gentlemen in their finest attire and ladies adorned in exquisite gowns mingled and conversed with animated gestures.
The sound of laughter and music filled the air, creating a symphony of joyous anticipation. The atmosphere was electric, charged with the promise of new connections and blossoming love.
Yet, amidst the bustling crowd, Bridget remained solemn, her heart heavy with thoughts that weighed her down. While the beauty of the surroundings was undeniable, it failed to ignite the spark of excitement within her.
Her gaze wandered aimlessly, her mind preoccupied with the complexities of the evening ahead.
“Lady Borthwell!” exclaimed Lady Doonesbury, her voice cutting through the air like a sharp gust of wind.
Bridget sighed inwardly, knowing what was to come as the woman, a friend of her mother, made her way towards them, her presence as imposing as ever.
The obligatory exchange of pleasantries ensued, but Bridget’s attention waned as her mother and Lady Doonesbury delved into a discussion about the latest gossip.
As they prattled on, she remained standing idly by, a mere spectator to their chatter. The words washed over her like a distant murmur, her mind drifting away to more intriguing thoughts.
“Pray tell, you have heard the latest rumor about the Duke of Galway, have you not?”
And then, like a bolt of lightning, at the mention of Abel, Bridget’s attention was completely captured.
“We have not heard from him since the wedding, unfortunately. Whatever has happened now?”
At her mother’s question, Bridget’s heart skipped a beat as she instinctively stepped closer, eager to catch every word that the two women would exchange.
Lady Doonesbury, a mischievous smile playing on her lips, glanced around to ensure their conversation remained private.
“Well, my dear friend,” she began, her voice dripping with intrigue, “it would appear that the Duke is in search of a wife, and he seems to be in quite a hurry.”
Ruth exchanged a surprised glance with the woman, her voice filled with disbelief. “Surely, you jest! The Duke has always been known for his bachelor ways. What could have caused this sudden change of heart?”
Lady Doonesbury leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Rumor has it that his sister’s recent marriage has played a significant role in his transformation.”
She stood upright and grinned happily at the women before her. “So, it seems the Fadden family is to be credited for this change in his romantic inclinations, hm?”
Bridget’s delicate breaths shuddered with anger as she struggled to maintain composure. Thankfully, her mother’s oblivious chatter with Lady Doonesbury provided a thin veil to conceal the storm brewing within her.
How could he? How dare he, after proclaiming his dismissal of love and deeming their kiss a mistake, now be ready to propose marriage to another? The audacity of his actions left her questioning her worth in his eyes.
As her mother’s voice faded into the background, Her mind raced with thoughts of betrayal. Had she merely a pawn in his game, a mere experiment to test if he still had enough power over women’s hearts?
The realization hit her like a thunderclap, shattering the delicate illusions she had woven around their brief romance.
Her gloved hands trembled, the silk fabric whispering her turmoil as she fought to control the tempest within, to maintain the facade of a composed lady of the era as she had promised. Yet, her fury threatened to consume her.
In this pivotal moment, Bridget’s resolve hardened. No longer would she allow herself to be a teary victim of his obvious deceit and manipulation.
She was ready now. She would rise above the pain, reclaim her dignity, and forge her own path from that moment forward.
As the conversation continued around her, she took in a deep breath to steady herself. She vowed to herself that she would not let him see the depths of her fury either.
Instead, she would harness her anger as fuel. And the next time the Duke saw her, she would be happy and very obviously free from him.
Her heartache compelled her to take action. She was in the perfect place to begin her mission.
With a determined smile, she interrupted her mother’s conversation with Lady Doonsebury.
