“She mentioned that he was acting strangely,” Margaret continued. “What did she mean?”
“I don’t know,” Bridget lied. “I do remember he was extremely tired when he returned. I think he might have knocked over a vase in the house. You know how hard he works to provide for us all.”
Margaret nodded, looking unsure about what she thought.
“I believe he has to go back to London today on more business,” Bridget added. “He wants to get it all out of the way before the wedding so he can enjoy the day with you.”
Margaret smiled and went back to the seating plan.
Bridget and her mother were not only worried about the Earl ruining things before the wedding but also ruiningthemon the day. If they could find a way to stop him from attending, they would do that.
“Mother and the Dowager Duchess might like to sit together. You should give it another day or two to see if they get on.”
“That’s a good idea,” Margaret agreed. “Mother and Father can sit next to the Dowager Duchess.”
“Exactly,” Bridget said before she picked up the next invitation to fold. “So, you are settled on lilacs.”
“Yes. Do you think that will work?” Margaret asked.
“They will work wonderfully. They will add so much color to the chapel and the great hall after. Oh, I don’t know if I asked. Where is the reception being held?”
“We have decided to hold it at Sheffield House,” Margaret replied. “Lord Michael has told me a little about his life growing up there, and it was hard at times. He wishes to bring some joy to the estate. It will be good for his mother. I don’t know how he can be so loving and joyful after what he has been through.”
It was not Bridget’s place to ask what Lord Michael had been through, but if there had been trauma in his past, it might have also been shared by the Duke. She did not need to pry into the family’s past. They were spending two weeks together, and she would not see much of the Duke after that.
“Because we are having the celebration on the Duke’s estate, Lord Michael and I thought it would be fun to bring in a lot of musicians. Do you remember how we would dance at the events hosted by Mother and Father when we were children?”
Bridget smiled at the memory. “I do remember.”
“We should do it again,” Margaret said. “For one afternoon, we can dance until we can’t dance anymore. That is what I really want. I want to see you dancing again, Bridget. You were always so elegant when you moved, and if a certain duke were to see it, then who knows what might happen.”
Bridget found some more paper and crumpled it to toss it at her sister. “You don’t give up, do you?”
“Not ever,” Margaret replied. “I am as stubborn as they come.”
“And where do you think you got that from?” Bridget asked, putting her hands on her waist.
Margaret smirked. “I learned from the best. Now, you are not leaving me, are you?”
“I have to briefly,” Bridget said. It had been fun, but there was something to do that would go a lot further toward making the wedding a success than helping Margaret with the planning. “I need to go for a walk to clear my head. Then, I have an errand to run, and I will be back to help you plan. That is if you are not busy kissing your sweetheart.”
“Oh, my goodness!” Margaret gasped. “Bridget, you can’t say things like that.” Her face turned red.
“I really am happy for you, Margaret. You have found a good man,” Bridget said.
“Thank you,” Margaret replied.
Bridget left the manor to take a walk and think.
I can't have Father causing a scene here or at the wedding. I only hope he listens to a word I say.
CHAPTER7
Heart to Heart
Bridget greeted her mother and the Dowager Duchess on the veranda as she returned from her walk. She could barely look at her mother as she passed, fearing she would give herself away. She did not want her mother to know she was on her way to talk to her father.
Penelope would try and stop her from talking to Ralph, and she would want to do it herself. Bridget knew it was not her responsibility, but she wanted to save her mother from the stress.
