Beguiling Bridget (Waltzing with the Wallflower #2)(35)
Author: Rachel Van Dyken

For some odd reason, Wilde was hiding behind a large potted plant, his eyes fixated on Lady Gemma with such fervor the world could crumble around him and still he wouldn’t blink.

Anthony tilted his head to the side for a better angle and laughed when he noticed all three of his companions stood frozen in the exact same pose.

“Does it help?” Bridget whispered with her head tilted.

“No,” Anthony muttered. “No matter the angle, still looks like an idiot to me.”

“Agreed,” the others said in unison.

A booming voice interrupted their spying. “Where is he? I’ll tear him limb from limb!”

Anthony turned to see the Marquess of Van Burge cutting a trail through the sea of people.

“Sir Wilde! Where is the blighter?” Lord Van Burge paused directly in front of Anthony. Without hesitation, all four of them extended an arm to point in the direction of the potted plants.

“My thanks.” He nodded and went in pursuit.

“He’ll probably kill him,” Ambrose reflected. “And to think I thought the winter would be boring.”

“Say, I feel a bet coming on.” Anthony smiled. Ambrose met his gaze and matched his with a devious grin of his own.

Cordelia cleared her throat. “How about a wager of sorts?”

Bridget laughed. “I give him four weeks.”

“—To obtain the object of his affection,” Ambrose added, wrapping his arm around Cordelia.

“—And win her love,” Anthony agreed, offering his arm to Bridget.

“After all…” Bridget hooked her arm in his and winked. “Anything can happen in four weeks.”