The mere thought of being outside with him caused her cheeks to burn in delight and anticipation. As she realized her train of thought, her cheeks got hotter, and she shook off such foolish notions.
No, she didn’t want him to come. That was her reason for leaving in the first place. She needed distance from him. He was infuriating, and she couldn’t be around him.
With that resolve, she attempted to steady herself, doing her best not to listen for the sound of his footsteps behind her, but to no avail.
“Lady Bridget!”
At last, Abel’s voice pierced through the night, reverberating with urgency. Bridget’s heart skipped a beat, and she struggled with the excitement that filled her instantly.
She knew she should ignore him, walk right around and past him to return to the ball, but her feet betrayed her, carrying her further into the darkness of the gardens nearby.
The exhilaration of his pursuit coursed through her veins as she heard his feet patter after her, mingling with the apprehension that danced in her chest.
“Stop, Bridget!”
His voice echoed behind her, laced with desperation. Still, she quickened her pace, her heart racing beyond control. The moonlight cast an ethereal glow on her, illuminating the delicate lace of her gown and the determination etched on her face.
As they finally arrived at the enchanting garden center, Bridget’s breaths came in ragged gasps, her chest heaving.
The gardens sprawled before them, vibrant colors and intoxicating scents all around. Blossoms were in every corner, and the soft murmur of a nearby fountain added a soothing melody to the air.
Abel’s gaze swept across the surroundings, his eyes vigilant, seeming to search for signs of danger or another presence. His expression turned to one of annoyance and frustration as he turned his attention back to her, his voice tinged with authority.
“You have no worthy reason for stepping out, Lady Bridget,” Abel admonished, his tone firm and unwavering. “You are acting irresponsibly, putting yourself at risk.”
At last, Bridget had him all alone. Her heart thumped louder than ever in his presence. Before he could say anything else, she spoke, her tone filled with frustration.
“Why the rush to marry all of a sudden, Your Grace?”
Abel’s eyes flickered with surprise then annoyance. He retorted sharply, returning the question. “And what about you? What was the reason you chose to make such haste? Mingling with gentlemen you barely know, clearly desperate for attention?”
“I shall say that is none of your business, Your Grace,” Bridget countered, her voice dripping with defiance.
Abel scoffed and shook his head, a sardonic smile curling his lips. His frustration was evident in each word. “Oh, the irony!”
Unable to contain his agitation, he began pacing back and forth, his steps quick and restless. Bridget watched him, her irritation growing with each passing moment. His constant movement only heightened her anxiety, fueling the fire of her anger.
She dropped her head in her hands and let out a loud groan. “Why won’t you just admit it, Abel?! Must we go back and forth so many times? Just admit it.” Her eyes flicked back to him, burning with intensity. “We have a connection that cannot be denied!”
Coupled with her addressing him by his first name, her straightforwardness seemed to catch him off-guard, and Abel stopped in his tracks. Met with the intensity of her gaze, he found himself at a loss for words.
“I—You—We do not?—”
“Then why are you out here with me? You could have informed my parents of my whereabouts. Why did you kiss me? Tell me, why won’t you admit that you feel something for me?”
Abel shook his head, yet his words continued to fail him as he tried to formulate a response.
“I-I don’t—Y-You do not?—”
His frustration mounted, and he let out another anguished groan, attempting to gather his thoughts. Finally, his words erupted from him in a passionate outburst.
“Look at what you do to me! You’ve turned me into a mumbling pigeon!” he sputtered as he gestured to himself. “You shouldn’t be here, Bridget!” His voice reverberated with desperation and anger.
“You were to be far, far away, out of sight, and out of my mind for good!”
Bridget’s heart raced in her chest, the weight of his words hanging in the air, mingling with their heavy breaths.
The garden seemed to hold its breath, as if anticipating the outcome of their intense exchange.
