“And I will not push anyone toward you. I will allow you to accept or reject suitors as you see fit. However, you will make an effort to determine if you truly want to reject every man who presents himself.”
“This still sounds like I’m the only one compromising. What do I get out of this?”
Lord Campbell dropped her hands and took a deep breath. “I will investigate whatever properties you wish to purchase to help women in difficult circumstances.”
“You will?” Her heart thumped with excitement. It would be so much easier having someone help her with her project.
“Yes. I happen to feel a certain, shall we say, understanding of what these women suffer.” His lips tightened, as if annoyed with himself for revealing such a thing.
Well, that was a surprise. How in heaven’s name would a peer of the realm, raised with money, a family, and every opportunity know anything about “difficult circumstances?” As quickly as the pain in his eyes shifted to caution, she knew he would not offer any more information.
Perhaps she was being foolish to consider his offer. Not that she didn’t trust Campbell to keep his word, but truth be known, she was afraid of the idea of suitors. She’d never planned on one and wasn’t even sure she knew how to play the part of the demure marriage-mart young lady. It all seemed so frivolous and featherbrained. The girls at boarding school had spent many hours planning their come-outs, discussing slippers, ball gowns, and hair ribbons.
She had spent her time dreaming of returning to her father’s estate and riding over the hills of Scotland on Champion, the horse her father had gifted her with when she’d turned fourteen years.
“I accept your compromise. On one condition.”
“What is that?”
“You will not investigate; we will investigate. This is my project. I already have an idea of where the building should be and what size I will need.”
“I am assuming this building is not in the best part of London.” He narrowed his eyes. Again the pompous, overbearing, arrogant man had resurfaced.
“No. Even though I had a friend who was abused, most of the women who need this particular sort of help do not reside in Mayfair.” She crossed her arms, ready for an argument.
“There are dangerous sections of Town that, as your guardian, I cannot condone you venturing into.”
“Had I inherited my father’s money right away, I would have done it all on my own anyway.”
Lord Campbell leaned in close. “But he put a stop to that, did he not?”
Oh, the man was intolerable. “Then there will be no compromise, and I will return to the drawing room.” She pointed to the table behind him. “With my book.”
“No.” He shook his head and placed his hands at his hips. “Very well. You may go with me to investigate. However, you will obey every order I give you.”
She sucked in a deep breath. “Obey? Order?” She shook her head. “No. This is not going to work.” She spun on her heels, scooped up the book, and marched toward the library exit.
Before she could open the door, a large hand slammed against it.
“Please allow me to leave the room, my lord.” She’d had enough of Lord Campbell.
He removed his hand but leaned his shoulder against the door, facing her. “That was a bit heavy-handed of me. But you must understand, if we go together I will be watching for any danger, and if I need to be concerned about you not following my instructions”—he grinned—“it could put us both at risk.”
Her body relaxed and she said, “I understand. I promise I will do nothing to place us in danger.”
Campbell nodded, and they left the library to rejoin the others in the drawing room.
…
Two days later, Cam stood in his sister’s entranceway and chatted with his brother-in-law Lord Dunmore as he awaited Bridget. This time, they were attending an informal dinner party at Lord and Lady Preston’s home with a musicale to follow. Most of the gentlemen guests were those he knew from Parliament, still in Town, working on various bills they aimed to present at the next session.
“I’m glad to hear you have sufficient sponsors for the Welfare of Veterans and Families bill.” Dunmore had been a proponent of the bill from the start.
“It has been a bit of an uphill battle, I’m afraid, but we finally do have enough votes for when we return next spring. I only hope those who have committed do not change their minds in the interim. I wish we had been able to have the vote before Parliament recessed, but we’ll have to see.”
Dunmore turned at the sound of rustling. “Ah, here is Lady Bridget now.”
Cam’s attention was taken by the beautiful young lady descending the stairs. His mouth dried up, and his jaw dropped. This was not the chit who had dressed like a grandmother. This woman could bring the ton to its knees.