Bridget shook her head. “I am a bit parched, but I think I would rather continue our walk than have you wrestling the other men to gain a glass of warm lemonade. I really do not like sitting still for so long.”
Thinking of her energy and vitality, he said, “Yes. I know.”
They continued on, dodging the small groups of people gathered in the lobby. Everyone wanted to see who was with whom and then gossip behind spread fans about their discoveries.
Sometimes he grew weary of the whole thing. Once Bridget was married off, he would return to his country estate until the next Parliamentary session. By now he would have done that very thing, but keeping her in London to squeeze in as many social activities as possible to find her a husband had kept him anchored in Town. Surprisingly, the thought of escape to the country didn’t bring the contentment it generally did.
Was his lack of enthusiasm due to the fact that he would be all alone again, or was it from the idea of marrying Bridget off?
“Campbell!” The rather loud shout interrupted his musing and had not only Bridget and Cam turning, but also several people looking their way.
Davenport practically shoved Lord Kendall off his feet as he barreled past the older man. Thankfully, the man’s son was with him and kept him from tumbling to the floor as he cast a scowl at Davenport. “I’ve been looking for you.” He barely gave Bridget a glance with his focus completely on Cam.
“What is it?” Even from a few feet away, Cam could smell the odor of alcohol on the man’s breath.
“I thought I would hear from you by now.” When Cam continued to just stare at him, he added, “About the proposal.” He nodded in Bridget’s direction. “You know.”
Good lord, the man had no sense of proper manners or even decency. How Lady Davenport’s father had allowed her to marry this oaf was a puzzle he would never understand. From what Bridget had told him and what Dunston had discovered in his investigation, there was nothing about Davenport to recommend him, regardless of his title. Someone whom a dutiful father should never have entrusted his daughter.
“I don’t think this is the time or place to discuss this.” Cam turned to move away, when Davenport grabbed him by the shoulder.
“I know you’ve been looking into my affairs. I’d like to explain some of it to you.” He hiccupped and swayed on his feet.
Totally disgusted with the drunken lout and the exchange, Cam continued to walk away and spoke over his shoulder. “You may call on me Thursday at ten.”
Seemingly mollified, Davenport gave him a sloppy salute and took a sip from a flask he withdrew from his pocket, spilling some of it down his jacket.
“How is the investigation going?” Bridget asked when they were far enough away from the rest of the crowd that they would not be overheard.
“From my point of view, wonderful, which is not good news for Lord Davenport.”
“That bad?”
“It’s amazing he hasn’t had to leave the country already. But when I am through with him, he will be headed to the first ship out of Southampton.”
“I would rather see him hanged for murder.”
Cam covered her hand with his. “I know, sweeting, and I would like to see such an event myself. But without an actual witness to him shoving Lady Davenport down the stairs, we would never be able to prosecute him. Lords protect their own.”
“And wives are possessions with no rights.” She shook her head, golden-red curls bouncing against her cheeks.
“Unfortunately, yes.”
A footman stepped into the center of the lobby and announced the play was about to resume. A mass of people headed back to their seats.
Bridget eyed him speculatively. “I would like to see someone in Parliament propose a bill to protect women from men such as him.”
“If you are hoping that someone would be me, you might be interested to know the subject has come up before. I had supported the idea of protecting not only women but children as well.”
“You are a good man, Lord Campbell.” She grinned at him.
“Now see here, Lady Bridget. First you call me sweet and now you offer another compliment. It leaves me wondering if you’ve forgotten my overbearing arrogance.”
She laughed softly as he held the curtain open for her to enter the box. “Oh, believe me, m
y lord, I have not forgotten that at all.”
…