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…
Bridget had to force her eyes not to tear up at Cam’s words. He had obviously sensed the woman was being ill-treated by her brother, and he wanted to save her from that. She broke into a bright smile in an attempt to soften Cam’s terse statement. “Mrs. Barker, I can assure you this is a good opportunity for you. Lord Campbell is an honorable man, and you will have a nice room to stay in, hot meals three times a day, and even time off.”
Her tightened features relaxed a bit. “That sounds heavenly.”
“Suppose we go to your house and pick up your things.” Cam hesitated a moment, then added, “Is your brother at home now?”
“No.” She shook her head. “He is usually at the pub this time in the afternoon.”
His lips tightened, but he addressed her warmly. “Excellent.” He waved his hand toward the door. “Lead the way, Mrs. Barker.”
After a short ride, Bridget and Cam sat in his carriage in front of Mrs. Barker’s home while she retrieved her things. “That was quite sweet of you.”
His eyes grew wide, and he pressed his palm to his heart. “Egads! Please don’t ever say that where anyone can hear it.”
“Why not? That was a nice thing you did for Mrs. Barker. It’s obvious her brother makes her work and turn the money over to him so he can drink it up. From the looks of it, he doesn’t even leave her enough to feed herself.”
“That may very well be, but you see I must maintain my reputation of being arrogant and overbearing. Isn’t that what you’ve accused me of?” The twinkle in his eyes and his smirk captured a wee bit of her heart.
“Ah, but you are also arrogant and overbearing.” She was tempted to tell him she knew about his experience with his father but didn’t want to get Constance in trouble. The man must have been a horrible person to treat his own son—and heir—in that despicable manner. That still did not explain Cam’s absolute abhorrence of marriage, but while she did not favor the state of wedded bliss herself, she was not one to question his motives.
Bridget gazed out the window as Mrs. Barker hurried from the door, glancing around, most likely expecting her brother to pounce upon her at any moment. Bridget dropped the curtain and turned to Cam. “That house seems to be the perfect spot for our project.”
“Indeed it does. Perhaps we should settle on it if Dunston deems it acceptable. We’ve returned from our last two visits with a baby from one and a distraught woman from another.”
Bridget grinned. “Yes, it appears we need to buy it soon so all those poor souls can stay there instead of returning with us.”
The driver opened the door of the carriage, and Mrs. Barker climbed in. She was flush-faced and panting. “I’m ready, my lord. I want to again thank you so much for this. I promise I will work very hard for you.”
“I am sure you will.” Cam tapped on the ceiling of the carriage, and they were off.
Bridget noted that the lines on Mrs. Barker’s face relaxed, and she never looked back. The poor woman’s life must have been a nightmare.
…
Three nights later, Bridget awaited Cam’s arrival. Tonight they were attending the theater. She was excited to see Edmond Kean perform. Considered the best actor of the day, one could always count on a pleasurable evening when he treaded the boards.
She still got a warm feeling inside when she remembered how Cam had rescued Mrs. Barker. And despite what he’d said, it had been sweet of him to do that. It was too bad he was arrogant and overbearing.
Her feelings toward him had changed from when she’d first set eyes on him. He was no longer that stranger who wanted to rule her life and force her into marriage. Perhaps he didn’t wish to rule her life, but he did hold the purse strings for her project. But then, even in that, he’d compromised so she could move forward without having Papa’s money in hand.
“Lord Campbell has arrived, milady.” Fiona entered her bedchamber, carrying freshly washed linens.
“Thank you.” Bridget tugged on her gloves and left the room.
Lord and Lady Dunmore were accompanying them to the theater, which made it unnecessary for her companion to attend. They’d gone shopping earlier that afternoon, and Mrs. Dressel had collapsed into her bed before Bridget had even bathed and dressed for the evening. She must consider Mrs. Dressel’s future. It had become apparent that either her age or health was not permitting her to fully complete her duties.
After they were all piled into Cam’s coach, Bridget asked, “How is Mrs. Barker getting on?”
When Bridget had told C
onstance the story at tea that afternoon, her hostess did not seem surprised at Cam’s actions. Constance also related that the baby was doing well, eating and sleeping like a little one should. Nurse was a bit discombobulated with having no name to call the little girl, so she had begun to address her as Catherine, the name of her favorite sister.
“Mrs. Barker is doing quite well. Mrs. Bromley assigned her to the kitchen. Cook reports our newest employee is a hard worker and doesn’t complain, no matter which task she is set to.”
“I’m glad. Hopefully, her brother won’t find her.”
Cam shook his head. “I doubt it. But even if he does, he is not her husband to demand she return to his home. He can make noise about it, but when it comes to the law, as a widow and of age, she is a free person.”
