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The cretin slowly nodded.
“Do not make me come back for you.” With those words, Cam turned on his heel and strode down the path to the club’s mews to retrieve his horse. He threw a coin at the stable boy and mounted, turning Nettles toward home.
Tomorrow he would deal with his ward.
Chapter Nine
Bridget’s hand flew to her mouth in surprise, and Constance gasped as Lord Campbell came stomping thorough the door to Lady Dunmore’s sitting room the morning after the Vauxhall Gardens debacle.
Without checking the pink-and-white china clock sitting on the fireplace mantel, Bridget knew it was precisely ten o’clock.
“Cam, for heaven’s sake, you scared me to death. Whatever is going on?” Constance took a deep breath and laid aside the letter she was writing.
Bridget closed the book sitting on her lap and prepared herself for the anger radiating from her guardian.
“My apologies, ladies. I did not mean to frighten you.” He bowed in Bridget’s direction. “I would have some time alone with you, Lady Bridget.”
“Is that wise, Cam? I feel I should call one of my burlier footmen to stand guard.” Constance smirked. Despite her words of concern, she knew her brother would never harm Bridget.
Bridget, on the other hand, was not so certain. Not that he would physically hurt her, but her ears would certainly be blistering after his lecture.
“No cause for worries, Sister. I am merely going to remind my ward of the rules of safety and propriety.”
“Oh, Cam, leave off. Bridget is certainly aware of those rules, and from what she told me last evening, her chaperone did not do her duty, and Bridget was manipulated by one of the best. And—she took care of it herself.” Constance rose from her place at the escritoire and joined Bridget on the settee. A show of st
rength, no doubt.
Cam ran his fingers through his hair and rested his hands on his hips. “If last night’s adventure becomes known, she is ruined.”
“No one will find out—”
Bridget held up her hand. “Please stop speaking of me as if I am not present.” She stood and shook out her skirts and regarded Constance. “While I appreciate your support, I have no problem speaking with his lordship.” She turned to Cam. “I am happy to join you in the drawing room.”
He shook his head. “No.”
“No?” Her brows rose. Had that been the only lecture he intended to give her? Speaking with his sister in front of her?
“We are headed to central London. I suggest you fetch your bonnet and pelisse. It is chilly out today.” When she continued to stare at him, his posture eased. “My man of business, Mr. Dunston, has found two buildings he feels might be suitable for your project. We will see one of them today.”
Bridget broke into a smile and clapped her hands, like a small child being offered a treat. “I didn’t know he was searching.”
He placed his knuckle under her chin and tilted her head up. “I promised you I would help if you attempted to find a man who appeals. I don’t renege on my word.”
Something inside her shifted, and her heart did a tap dance. His closeness disturbed her. The oh-so-familiar scent of him drifted between them. Why does this man affect me so?
She licked her dry lips, and his eyes flew to her mouth.
Constance cleared her throat, and as if a bucket of cold water had been dropped on them both, they quickly stepped back.
“I will gather my things and meet you at the front door.” Bridget fled the room, not sure if her excitement was due to whatever had just passed between her and Cam or the idea of actually seeing one of the buildings that might make her dream come true.
Less than ten minutes later, Bridget, Cam, and Mrs. Dressel climbed into the carriage and headed away from Mayfair.
“Where are these buildings?” Bridget was only too happy that Mrs. Dressel had been forced to accompany them, since the lecture she knew was coming from Cam could be postponed. Maybe even forgotten.
Not likely.
“One is close to, but outside of, St. Giles, and the other is nearer to Burrough’s Market. Not the best neighborhoods to be sure, but not the worst, either. The one we are seeing this morning is just outside St. Giles. You mentioned your women would be employed to maintain themselves, so I thought closer to the business areas would be a good choice.”
