Page 29 of King of Rogues
Bridget scowled. “The unknown elements are always the greatest of threats. Believe me when I say I speak from bitter experience.”
Bridget’s late first husband had blamed her for the lack of children in their marriage and dubbed her the Baron Baroness. It was only after she and Sir Stephen Moore had conducted a private affair that Bridget discovered the problem had not lain with her.
“I don’t understand why you refused to let Kitty put your name on the list in the first place? Stephen tells me it has infuriated Monsale no end. I expect he thought you would, and he could then just choose you.”
Hot tears of frustration suddenly pricked at Naomi’s eyes. No one else seemed to understand her point of view. As far as she was concerned, there shouldn’t be a list. It was beyond her comprehension as to why Monsale had even considered one.
“He might well be annoyed by my refusal, but he doesn’t seem to have noticed, or if he has, care that he has hurt me. And I don’t just mean my pride. You of all people should know how demeaning this is for me. Monsale can’t possibly be blind to the affection I feel for him.”
“I see. You mean there shouldn’t be a list? Monsale should have chosen you right from the outset, and his failure to do so is what has hurt you so much. Do I have the right of it?” replied Bridget.
“Yes. You know I have never wanted to take on a husband just because it was expected of me. I’ve seen the love that my friends and siblings have found in marriage. The way you and Stephen are together, takes my breath away. That’s what I want. And if I cannot have it with Monsale, then I shall go without.”
Bridget rose from her seat and came to sit beside her. Baby Elizabeth began to fuss at the sight of her mother. Naomi wisely handed the infant over.
“I know how much it tore at my heart when I told Stephen I was pregnant; and he offered to marry me, but not live under the same roof. Men are strange creatures. He thought that was acceptable but was most put out when I declined to take his surname.”
Her friend’s stubborn refusal to accept anything less than Sir Stephen’s full and heartfelt devotion had seen the rogue finally come to his senses and declare his love to Bridget. From what Naomi had seen, they were deliriously happy with one another.
I want the same from Monsale. He can have my everything if I can have his heart.
“Why can’t Monsale see what happened between you and Sir Stephen and understand that is the path to happiness? We could have the same.”
Bridget sighed. “I know. But don’t forget I was pregnant Naomi; Stephen didn’t have the sort of choice that Monsale has with you. He was never going to walk away from me or our family. The ties that bound us together were too strong.”
Bridget was right. Not only had she been carrying his child, but she had taken custody of Stephen’s orphaned half-brother Toby. She had been holding all the cards.
After last night’s confrontation, Naomi wasn’t sure that there was much else she could do about Monsale. There was one name left on the bridal list, and she would have to hope that fate was about to finally deal her a winning hand.
She just had to find a compelling reason for him not to marry Lady Euphemia. And then be granted the miracle of him finally coming to his senses.
I’m not certain if I can pray that hard.
Chapter Twelve
“Remember to send word if you hear whispers of any developments,” said Naomi, setting her cup of half-finished tea on the side table and getting to her feet.
While Bridget looked ready to fall asleep any moment, Naomi had to go home and get her hair set in time for the ball tonight. This evening Monsale was due to meet the third, and last name on the list. Lady Euphemia Marshall.
She was still in a filthy mood over his words and trickery of the previous night, so hadn’t sent Monsale a note this morning with her thoughts on the earl’s daughter. Unlike Constance and Miriam, Euphemia didn’t have much of a profile to speak of in London society. Her parents, Lord and Lady Marshall were well-respected members of the ton, so Kitty had obviously based Euphemia’s inclusion on the reputation of her parents.
I need something on Lady Euphemia that will render her unsuitable. But what?
Bridget stirred on the sofa and cracked open an eye. “I shall do my best to let you know if anything comes to light regarding Monsale and his plans. But you must know that my husband and his friends hold their secrets. It takes all my feminine wiles to get Stephen to tell me anything. And when he finally does succumb to my efforts, I find that talking is the last thing he wishes to do.”
Heat burned on Naomi’s cheeks. She had a pretty good idea of what went on between a man and woman in the marital bed, but to hear her friend mention it, had her blushing. A tinge of envy sat in her heart. Bridget had won Stephen’s love.
“And besides that, I am so tired all the time at the moment, even if Stephen did make mention of Monsale and his list, there is a good chance I would be sound asleep when he did.”
Bridget shifted the baby to her other shoulder and gave her daughter a gentle pat on the back. A loud burp echoed in the room.
Naomi grinned at her friend. From the happy expression on Bridget’s face, motherhood was everything she had hoped it would be.
She leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on Bridget’s cheek. “I am so pleased for you. If anyone deserves to find happiness, it is you, Bridget dearest.”
“Do not sell yourself short Naomi. You are a catch above all other women. Just don’t let your stubborn nature cost you, the man you want.”
After giving baby Elizabeth Rose a final hug, Naomi took her leave. She stepped out into the narrow hallway and was headed for the front door when familiar male voices drifted to her ears. At the top of the stairs, Stephen and Monsale were saying their own farewells.
