He had backed himself into a corner, and stubborn pride would keep him there.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Bridget’s second wedding was in sharp contrast to her first. There was no glittering service at Saint Paul’s cathedral, nor was there a grand ball with hundreds of people. Her brother and parents were not in attendance.
If Stephen was determined to have but a façade of a marriage, she was most certainly not going to inflict it on her family. She had written to her father explaining the situation and assured him that a trip to London would be a waste.
The only guest Bridget could truly claim as being hers was Lady Naomi Steele. And even then, she was the sister of one of Stephen’s closest friends.
In the end all that really mattered to her on this day, was that the child growing within her belly would be guaranteed to legally have its father’s name. In time, she would deal with the rest.
Lady Bridget Dyson and Sir Stephen Moore were married quietly at her home in front of a small gathering of friends. And Toby.
She had held firm in her determination that the young boy should come and live under her roof. By marrying Stephen, she was now Toby’s sister-in-law. He would be the baby’s uncle once it arrived. Whether her new husband liked it or not, she was building a family. Their family.
As Stephen slipped the wedding ring onto her finger, he leaned in and brushed a soft kiss on her cheek. “You look lovely, Bridget. Positively glowing.”
“Thank you.”
She wasn’t going to give him any more than scant polite conversation. His last-minute request to store some of his personal things at her house had been refused.
You can’t have it both ways, Stephen.
He was either fully invested in them and a future together or he was going to be kept at arm’s length. There was no middle ground when it came to her heart.
Steeling herself for the congratulations of their guests, Bridget went to give her regards to the Duke of Monsale.
Monsale greeted her with a friendly hug, and she accepted his felicitations. “Well, you have managed to get the first battle of this campaign under your belt. You are now Lady Moore. What I am interested in, however, is what your strategy is for winning the war?”
Andrew McNeal was a strange man. Most of her encounters with him had left Bridget with the distinct impression of a cool, aloof creature. Someone whose past had reputedly included time held captive by pirates and whose path to the dukedom had been cleared by the sudden and mysterious deaths of both his uncle and father.
But there were times when she caught glimpses of a softer side. He seemed to have a kind regard for Toby and a magical ability to produce sweets and small toys from out of the depths of his coat pocket whenever the boy was in his presence.
“My new husband has made his position clear. This child was a problem that required a solution. With this marriage, he has dealt with it. It’s just like all the other cases he handles. Results guaranteed,” she replied.
Monsale’s brows furrowed. “I have known that fool for many years. And I also understand the damage that his upbringing has done. Believe me, I know what it is to have terrible parents. But there is something I don’t think either of you have realized.”
The sound of raised voices had Bridget’s gaze settling on her spouse. Stephen was in conversation with Gus Jones and, even from this distance, it was obvious via the shouting and wild hand waving that they were having a spirited argument.
“What’s going on with the two of them?” she asked.
Monsale shook his head. “Mister Jones is headed to France on the late tide tomorrow evening, he is leaving for Portsmouth within the hour. Stephen wants him to delay the trip a day or two, so he can accompany him. Since it is your wedding night and all, Stephen says he is obliged to be with you tonight. But back to the topic of our conversation.”
She tore her attention away from her husband. “You were saying we don’t realize something. What do you mean?”
“Stephen is in love with you. It’s as clear as the nose on his face, which is not in any regard small. And it doesn’t take a quizzing glass to see that you are obviously smitten with him. I am of the firm belief that it is going to take but a little time and a steady hand for you to break down the walls that fool has built around his heart.”
Bridget fought to keep her composure. It would be wonderful if the reality of their situation was as Monsale claimed. If her hopes and dreams could come true. “How am I to get him to see the truth of his heart? I don’t think he even knows he has one,” she replied.
“He does, and it’s not a bad one either. I’ve seen him with Toby. He cares for the boy. He could have easily left his father’s bastard hidden at the family estate or even ignored the lad. Instead, he put him on his horse and brought him to London. Did you know that Stephen sits with his brother most nights and talks to him until Toby falls asleep?”
“No, I didn’t.”
And with Toby now residing under her roof, Stephen would no longer be able to share that tender moment.
Monsale gave a gentle squeeze of Bridget’s hand. “Sometimes you have to teach love to people. And that might include being tough with their emotions. Send Stephen to France. Deny him his wedding night. Make him realize that poor choices have consequences.”
She hadn’t been looking forward to later this evening. To the inevitable showdown over where Stephen would sleep tonight. He wasn’t going to like hearing what she intended to inform him regarding that particular matter.
