“What did you just say?”
Ruth nearly let out a chuckle at the swiftness of the turn of Abel’s neck. At last, she had his attention. She hid her devilish smile as she nodded at him, pushing on.
“Oh, yes. Bridget has been the center of our attention tonight. We want her to be married soon, you see.”
A subtle smirk graced her face as she skillfully wove her words, enjoying the terror in the Duke’s eyes at her revelation. She continued, her voice filled with feigned innocence.
“And my, how beautiful she looks this evening.” Her words dripped a sugared sweetness. “I cannot help but be thrilled that she has finally decided to actively begin her search for a suitable husband.”
As anticipated, the Duke’s reaction was immediate and palpable. His eyes narrowed in Bridget’s direction, his gaze filled with a mix of surprise and possessiveness. Silent daggers seemed to emanate from him, aimed at the gentleman with whom Bridget was currently engaged in a dance.
Ruth watched as he took a moment to collect himself and then made his attempt to respond in a nonchalant manner.
“Indeed, that is quite interesting news.” He nodded curtly, his tone betraying a sharpness that did not go unnoticed by Ruth. She maintained her facade of obliviousness, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Her smile widened ever so slightly as his eyes shifted to Bridget again, and her pupils gleamed with more excitement.
“I have to say, I do find it quite surprising to discover Lady Bridget has finally decided to return to the marriage mart. I was given the impression she preferred the spinster lifestyle.” The Duke’s words echoed through the air with a slight annoyance.
He let out an obviously forced chuckle as a means of damage control. “Then again, it can be said to be a cause for celebration, indeed. My congratulations, Lady Borthwell.”
Ruth reveled in the satisfactory feeling that washed over her. She had successfully stirred the emotions within the Duke. A glimpse of his true feelings was undeniably revealed.
With a glint of mischief in her eyes, she continued to fan the flames of jealousy within his heart. She turned her attention to the man Bridget was dancing with, praising his accomplishments with every word she spoke.
She rattled on about William’s achievements and exploits, listing off reasons why she felt he would be an excellent match for her dear daughter. The Duke’s jaw was tight as she went on.
“Oh, Your Grace.” Her voice dripped with honeyed sweetness as she spoke. “Aside from all that, have you not noticed the undeniable connection between dear Bridget and this fine gentleman?”
Abel’s eyes flicked to her with a heavy glare, and Ruth knew she had hit the nail right on the head this time.
“Their conversation flowed as smoothly as the steps of their dance. It was marvelous. It is quite evident that they have hit it off splendidly. I am ever so happy. I wonder if there really could be a better match at this ball tonight.”
Ruth could tell her happy laughter grated on the Duke’s nerves, so she drew it out as long as she could.
His eyes narrowed, and a mix of annoyance and possessiveness flashed across his features.
When he spoke, his voice, laced with tension, betrayed his true emotions. “I must add, Lady Borthwell, I find it rather perplexing that Lady Bridget would be so drawn to this man.”
His gaze lingered on William in annoyance. “His accomplishments are indeed commendable, but perhaps it could be said she is only running a faster pace than she should?”
He grunted and shook his head slightly. “Does he truly possess the qualities that make him a suitable match for her? He is herfirst dance of the night, is he not? Let us not limit her options. She ought to explore before settling on one alone.”
He turned with accusatory eyes. “It would be expected that you encourage her to do so.”
However, Ruth’s grin grew, her satisfaction evident. She continued to stoke the fire, skillfully pushing the Duke to his limits.
“Ah, but, Your Grace, you underestimate the power of connections and shared interests. Bridget and this gentleman seem to have found a meeting of minds already, a harmony that cannot be denied.”
Abel, seeming unable to contain his jealousy any longer, silently fumed.
Audaciously, Ruth pressed on, her words purposeful arrows piercing his pride.
“Do you not see, Your Grace, how her eyes sparkle with delight in his presence? How her laughter dances on the air as they converse in this dance? This, indeed, seems a connection that cannot be ignored.” Her eyes twinkled some more. “Perhaps I shall advise Lord Borthwell this instant that we have already a solid prospect.”
Abel’s grip on his glass tightened, his knuckles turning white. He wondered to himself how it had not broken yet. His gazeremained unwavering on Bridget, sending scornful glares her way.
Thankfully, just as he was about to snap, the music stopped at last. His heart thumped as Bridget turned. Her eyes met his with surprise, and she approached hesitantly after her dance came to an end.
