Page 15 of Marrying Bluebeard

A splash cuts through the muffled sounds of my struggle, and as the world begins to fade to black, a flash of blue comes streaking toward me. In my foggy state, it looks like a shark. That’s silly. Sharks don’t live in lakes.

My eyelids are heavy, too heavy to stay open.

But they do… have similar…teeth…

Air fills my lungs with a startling rush, and my eyes fly open on a gasp. A dripping Bertrand hovers over me, his gaze brimming with worry. When our eyes meet, he drops his head with a relieved, “Thank god.”

“You.” I touch his cheek, tentatively brushing the soft hair of his beard. I’m shaking all over, but the moment his hand covers mine, holding it in place, I still. This is what it’s like to feel truly safe. I marvel at the thought. “You saved me.”

“And you scared the bloody shit out of me,” he replies, his voice rough. “What were you doing, swimming in this lake?”

“I couldn’t sleep. And I… I was restless.”

“So go for a ride,” he snaps. “Anything would be better than diving into the arms of a vengeful spirit.”

I push myself up, hackles rising. “I didn’t know she was there.”

“How could you miss something like that?” He tunnels his hand through his hair, pulling at the ends. “Anyone born with your ability should have seen that lake was haunted from a mile away.”

“Well, excuse me for being oblivious,” I retort, now fully annoyed. I stagger to my feet, the recent underwater struggle making me wobble. Bertrand catches me under my elbow, steadying me, but I wrench my arm away with a huff. “Thank you for your assistance back there, but I’m fine.” I snatch up my shoes and stockings, not bothering to put them on. Throwing the blanket around my shoulders with a flourish worthy of the stage, I stomp across the grass toward the house without another word.

I feel his gaze on my back the entire way.

11

ADELAIDE

Ifind Julien waiting in my room because of course he’d be there at the precise moment I wish to see him the least. Dripping wet in a dress that’s become more than a little transparent, I secure the blanket around me as I skirt past where he sits at the desk and head to the wardrobe. He waits in pensive silence as I swap out the blanket for my dressing gown, the vein in his forehead bulging as he watches me fuss with the ties. When at last I have no other way to stall, I sit on the edge of the bed and brace myself for what’s to come.

“You…” His voice drips with frustration, and he rubs a hand over his face before continuing. He waves at me, seemingly at a loss for words. “Why?”

“It was hot.” I give him an imperious look. “I went for a swim.”

“You went for a swim,” he repeats, eyes wide with disbelief. “By yourself.”

“It was early. I didn’t wish to disturb anyone.”

“It’s improper,” he seethes. “An unmarried woman running around looking like… like some kind of wild hoyden.”

“I didn’t do anything wrong.” I lift my chin. I will not be lectured to as if I were a child.

“What if someone had seen you?” Julien protests. I opt not to mention someone did. “Your prospects would have been ruined.”

“My prospects,” I scoff. “I swear, that’s all you ever talk about anymore. God, Julien, what happened to the brother who used to see me as a person and not just a business transaction? I’d like that one back, if you please.”

“That’s not fair, Addie.” Julien stands, hands clasped behind his back as he turns to face the window. “You know I wouldn’t push you if it wasn’t absolutely necessary. Just look at Marguerite. Haven’t I done everything I can to support her and Julia?”

“You’ve done well by them,” I admit. “I just wish you’d extend the same understanding to me.”

He turns, giving me a suspicious look. “Are you implying you’re attracted to women as well?”

“No. I’m simply saying I deserve to have a say in who I will or will not marry. I don’t appreciate being manipulated into something that will dictate the rest of my life.”

“I’d hardly call presenting a handsome young option for your consideration manipulating,” Julien protests. “Lord Harrison has shown himself to be kind, considerate, and responsible, and if I’m not mistaken, had you laughing quite a bit during yesterday’s lawn bowls. Yes, he’d add an enormous amount of credibility to the business, but I also believe he’d make you happy.” He takes a deep breath. “I need this, Addie. Father’s scandal⁠—”

“Was his own damn fault,” I interject. “I won’t sacrifice my life for his poor choices. Call me selfish or pigheaded, I don’t care. But I refuse to back down on this. Who I marry will be my choice and no one else’s.”

Julien places his hands on my shoulders, his gaze searching my face. “But you will marry?”