Because the wedding was planned so quickly, the decorations were minimal, but the church had been filled with pale pink roses, white baby’s breath, and delicate larkspur. When Anthony promised to be her husband forever, Bridget had felt herself glowing with happiness, and when he kissed her—chastely and gently before all their dearest friends and family—that small token of his love had left her breathless.
The night following the wedding had been ever better. Now, it was the following morning, and Lady Victoria hadresolved to host an especially elaborate breakfast to celebrate their nuptials with their friends and families.
For her first day as Anthony’s wife, Bridget had chosen to wear the beautiful blossom gown. It brought a brightness to her cheeks and contrasted well with the color of her eyes and hair. When she descended the stairs wearing it, Anthony’s breath had audibly hitched, and at once, Bridget knew he was thinking about how much he longed to rip the gown from her and make love.
“Where did you hear that, Mother?” Rose asked.
“From Lady Lyndwood,” she said. “It seems that Lady Hastings left for the country. The ladies of the ton found her assault on Her Grace to be abhorrent, so she fled in disgrace.”
“I heard something similar,” Anthony said, pausing to take a sip of coffee. “Lord Hastings wrote to me apologizing for his wife’s behavior. It seems that before Bridget’s fall, Lady Hastings was spreading terrible rumors about both my wife and me.”
My wife! The epitaph sent a shiver of delight through Bridget. Those two words fell so sweetly from Anthony’s lips, and it still seemed somehow impossible that he would apply them to her of all the ladies that he might have wed.
“Do you intend to take legal action against him?” asked Bridget’s father.
Mr. Russell and Anthony had agreed together to pay her father’s debts in full, and having done that, both seemed to have readily won his favor. She smiled to herself, marveling at how perfectly everything had worked for her. All her family’s problems were solved simply because she had followed her heart.
“Not unless Bridget desires it,” Anthony said. “I considered it because it seems… so unlikely that I could nearly lose two brides by them falling down the stairs. However, Anastasia had been dead for so long, even if the constable were to investigate her death, I doubt that there would be sufficient proof that Lady Hastings was involved.”
Bridget took a deep breath. “I do not know if I wish to do anything either,” she said. “Although Lady Hastings was wrong to do what she did, I believe she has suffered enough for her decisions.”
“She hurt you,” Anna insisted.
Beside her, Mr. Russell nodded. Bridget saw his arm move and wondered if he had covertly grasped Anna’s hand beneath the table.
“I know,” Bridget said, “and she ought not to have done that. However, I imagine that she will not be so reckless again. She is a poor, bitter woman who has never found happiness, and it is my hope that if I show her some kindness, she may begin to reflect upon her deeds and be gentler in return.”
“You are too gracious,” Anna said. “I do not believe that she will learn the lesson you hope.”
“If she does not, I hardly think that matters,” Bridget said. “She is disgraced, and everyone knows what damage she caused. No family in the ton will desire her company, and I doubt Lord Hastings will ever let her out of his sight. She will spend the rest of her days likely in an estate, unable to leave for fear of the gossip that would follow. Besides, given her status, I do not know that the law would have any hold over her. I am offering her mercy of one kind, but she must still face what she has done.”
Anna did not seem entirely convinced, but she nodded nonetheless.
“That is what will make you an impeccable duchess,” Anthony said, smiling. “I am happy to accept the wise counsel of my dear wife.”
Bridget flushed. She lapsed into silence, as she ate her breakfast. Lady Victoria was in fine form, and she seemed to have all the latest gossip on everyone. She confirmed that theMarquess of Thornton was earnestly courting a young lady, the eldest daughter of a newly titled baron who hoped to elevate her station. Catherine, the Dowager Duchess of Hamilton, was still in Scotland, but she had promised to return to London soon to meet Bridget.
“And I hear,” Lady Victoria said, “that there may be yet another wedding very soon.”
“Next week,” Anna said. “I did not wish to mention that, though. We are meant to be celebrating Bridget and her husband.”
“I do not mind,” Bridget said. “I am happy that you and Mr. Russell are to wed.”
“Indeed,” Bridget’s father said, and her mother nodded in agreement.
“Well,” Anna said, “you are right, my lady. I can scarcely bear to wait.”
“Nor I,” David said, gazing at Anna with such deep love that Bridget knew it surely rivaled her own affection for Anthony.
“I am happy for the both of you,” Rose said, smiling.
Bridget felt a sudden sense of mischief overcome her. “Now that my sister and I are wed, we must turn our attentions to procuring a husband for you, Rose.”
Her mouth dropped open in surprise. “You shall not!”
“I think so,” Bridget said. “The Season has not yet ended, after all. Anthony can help me find the perfect love match for you.”
Rose’s head snapped toward her cousin, her eyes wide with shock. Anthony chuckled. “Indeed. I am sure that Bridget and I can find the perfect love match for you, Rose.”
