He instead chose to enjoy the entertainment. The fireworks were wonderful, as usual.
The always-present ladies of the e
vening made their way among the crowd, disappearing with a gentleman for a while then returning to search for a new patron.
Over the years, Cam had certainly had his share of paid women, but the thought of shagging a woman in the open, both clothed, then fastening his flap and returning to the fireworks certainly did not appeal. His women of choice were courtesans or mistresses who had belonged to him exclusively during their association. And whom he’d bedded in a much more elegant and gentlemanly manner.
Perhaps the reason he was finding it hard to ignore his attraction to Bridget was the recent dismissal of his mistress, who had started to talk about marriage.
Marriage was simply not for him. He’d accepted that fact and was quite comfortable with his decision. Until of late, and the reason for that was not something he wished to examine.
As he and Miss Lockhart returned to the supper box area, Mrs. Dressel approached him. “My lord, a word, please?”
Miss Lockhart continued to cling to his arm. He turned to her. “If you will excuse me, I need to speak with Mrs. Dressel.”
The chit stuck out her lip and pouted in a way she surely thought was attractive but reminded him only of his young niece when she did not get an extra biscuit. “But I had hoped to enjoy a stroll in the gardens. It’s such a pleasant evening.”
“Please, do not forego such an enjoyable experience on my behalf. I am sure there are several men who would be delighted to escort you.”
He left her glaring at him as Mrs. Dressel led him from the group. He was forced to lean in to hear what she had to say, a bit concerned at the worry in her demeanor.
“I cannot find Lady Bridget.”
Chapter Eight
Bridget could not believe how stupid she’d been to allow Lord Chadwick to lead her into the dark garden pathways.
Once the exhibition had ended, she’d chattered on and on about the spectacle, not paying attention to where they were headed, mistakenly assuming he was leading her back to the supper boxes.
However, after about five minutes, she finally took note of her surroundings and realized he was not going in the direction she’d assumed but had proceeded on a semi-lit path. Several couples were tucked away in small alcoves, the sound of soft laughter and slight moans telling her all she needed to know.
“My lord, this is not where we should be. I wish to return to the supper boxes.” She stopped walking and attempted to pull her arm free.
His heavy-lidded gaze raked her from her toes to the top of her head, with an explicit stop at her breasts. “My dear, you cannot return to the supper boxes by yourself. You are unfamiliar with the area and will easily become lost.” He attempted to pull her farther along the way, but she dug in her heels.
“If that is true, then I demand you turn around and bring me back. Immediately.”
Chadwick raised his hand and traced his finger down her cheek. “You are so very lovely when you are angry. I enjoy spirit in a woman.” He leaned in close and whispered in her ear. “That is especially entertaining in the bedchamber.”
Bridget sucked in a breath. “My lord! This is an entirely inappropriate conversation. I demand you return me directly!”
He wrapped one hand around the back of her neck and the other one about her waist, drawing her against his chest. “My little firebrand. I cannot wait to feel you underneath me, naked and writhing. We will give each other such pleasure.”
She wrestled against his hold, but his strength kept her in place. Beginning to panic, she placed her palms against his chest and pushed. She did not move.
Chadwick placed his two fingers in the neckline of her gown, running them along the edge. “Such smooth, lovely skin.” He bent to place his disgusting lips on her chest, but with the release of his one hand, Bridget yanked back, and the front of her gown tore where his fingers gripped it. In the dim light, Chadwick’s eyes grew wide, as did his smile. He licked his lips while he studied her breasts rising above her stays. “My dear, how very unfortunate. Now no one will believe you have not been compromised.”
Angrier than she’d ever been in her life, she no longer cared if she made a spectacle of herself. Papa’s stable master had made sure she was well prepared for such a situation. Bridget gripped Chadwick’s shoulders and brought her knee up to his groin with all the strength she had.
“Ahhh!” Chadwick immediately sucked in a deep breath and released her. He dropped to the ground, holding his private parts and glaring at her. “Bitch! Don’t think you won’t pay for this.” His voice was raspy as he tried to suck in air.
Bridget turned and fled down the pathway, holding the front of her gown up with her hand. Tears flowed down her cheeks, and it did not take her long to realize she was totally turned around. She dared not call attention to herself by asking for aid with the condition of her gown, so she continued, ignoring more sounds of pleasure and hoping she would eventually find a way out.
She rounded a corner and ran smack into a seemingly brick wall. A warm brick wall. She pulled back, terrified Chadwick had found her. She began beating his chest. “Stop!”
Strong hands gripped her upper arms. “Bridget!”
“Let me go.” She wriggled, attempting to run again.