Her heart kicked and she caught her lower lip between her teeth, turning away to keep him from seeing her blush, but not before she saw him smile.
Holy God! That smile!
Chapter 9
I have found that servants often are a reflection of their employers. My father’s servants are cold and uncaring, while Ashden’s are warm and welcoming. Honestly, Dawnton is feeling more like a home by the day.
“You still have not told me how you got engaged so quickly,” Nathaniel said, walking behind Colin into his study.
“I went to London this morning to offer for her,” Colin replied, choosing what to tell his friend, with caution. He trusted Nathaniel more than anyone in the world but Anna was now his responsibility, and her tale was not his to tell.
“Yes, but how did you meet?” Nathaniel sat in a chair by a bookshelf while Colin poured some brandy into two tumblers.
“At a ball,” he said because Anna had mentioned seeing him at a ball.
“Which one?” Nathaniel’s dark brow rose.
“One of the blasted ones I attended last month. It does not matter.”
“Did you know she was engaged to Lord Darpley?”
“Yes, and it is done with. She is mine now.” Again, Colin felt that possessive strain in his thoughts. He shook his head and handed his friend a tumbler before going to sit behind his desk.
Nathaniel laughed. “You sly fox! I never imagined you would see a lovely woman and decide immediately to steal her from her fiancé.”
Colin raised his glass. “I could not help myself.”
“When is the wedding?”
“In a few days. I am obtaining a special license.”
His friend’s gray eyes contracted. “Is her family here?”
Colin’s jaw tightened. “No. They were not happy she ended her previous engagement, thus, they will not be present for the wedding.”
“How unfortunate,” Nathaniel murmured, downing all of his brandy at once. “I trust you to make the right choices, and you have my approval to marry her.”
Colin chuckled. “I do not recall seeking your approval.”
“Oh, but I know how desperately you want it.”
“I cannot understand your conceit sometimes,” he jested and Nathaniel laughed, rising.
“I should leave you now to see to your…” he waved at the sketches on Colin’s desk, “contraptions. Unless you wish for me to join you at dinner.”
Colin abruptly shook his head. “I will not have you intimidating my fiancée.”
“Charm her, you mean,” Nathaniel smirked.
“You may take that leave now, Nathaniel.”
“Come, come, Colin! You have never declined dining with me.”
A small smile curved Colin’s mouth. “You may dine with us at another time.” He wanted Anna to be comfortable. She had looked anxious when he saw her with Nathaniel earlier, and he was endeavoring to stop it.
“Very well.” Nathaniel placed his beaver hat on his head. “Do have a pleasant evening.”
“You, as well. And will you please tell Chalker on the way to have Mrs. Willis see me here if she is not occupied?”
