“I think it’s ‘For better than never is late…’”
Collin blinked. “I’m impressed.”
“I’m more intelligent than you expected, and you’re less than I expected. Brilliant day.”
“At that charming insult, I’m going to take my leave.” Collin laughed as he shook Michael’s hand once more. “I’ll keep you informed of any changes, but let’s plan on tomorrow afternoon.”
“Good. I’ll see you then. Try not to do anything else foolish. Please?” Michael chuckled and waved goodbye.
As Collin left, he thought of the rest of the quote from Chaucer, “For better than never is late…” It was the ending that Michael left off that spoke deeper. “Never to succeed would be too long a period.”
Never to succeed would indeed be too long a period.
His life had been marked by lacking success in what mattered most.
But no more.
Better late than never, but it was time to succeed on the things that mattered, like his future.
Twenty-eight
Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.
—Socrates, quoted in Plato’sTheaetetus
Elizabeth awoke with a bright smile, her body tingling with joy as she remembered the evening before. She was betrothed, and to Collin. It was wonderful and hilarious at the same time, since she was certain they’d argue as much as cats and dogs, but she’d never felt more secure and loved than when she was with him, never more confident about being herself.
For so long, she’d lived a dichotomy, feeling like she didn’t belong and brazenly unapologetic about it. And that he loved that about her, why, it was more than she had dared hope or imagine. And that he didn’t want her to change, to be a subservient wife with no thoughts of her own… Elizabeth shuddered at the thought. She couldn’t do that, she wouldn’t. It would go against every bone in her body. But that’s not what he loved about her. She leaned in to her pillow and imagined his face. He had been so tender, yet fierce in his words. He’d evenmentioned her bees. She laughed at that memory. He didn’t leave anything out of the proposal, and it was humbling to be known so completely.
The good.
The bad.
The big things.
The little things.
The vulnerability of it all was unsettling, new, but she also loved the feeling of having her soul laid bare and being loved for it. Who didn’t want that?
A life, a future, a new name, and a joined heart. And as if that wasn’t enough, a constant companion who pushed her, challenged her, teased her, and wasn’t offended when she did the same.
If she had any reservations, it was about meeting his sister. While Collin had assured her that theirs would be a fast friendship, she still was concerned. She knew she wasn’t like most—or really any—of the ladies in London. She was a nobody as far as her pedigree. Her father was knighted; however, Collin was an earl and was expected to marry someone of equal social status, not a bluestocking from Cambridge who had nearly caused a scandal.
She sighed. It would be difficult to be herself and not compromise or dilute who she was but also follow all the social conventions well enough not to cause talk. She wasn’t sure if they’d leave the house while she and her papa stayed at the home of the duke and duchess, but if they did, she’d be mindful.
After dressing and breaking her fast, she sent a note to Patricia, inviting her for a visit. Molly had already started packing, and Elizabeth was hoping Patricia had some advice to offer.
It wasn’t long before Patricia came and all but bounced into the room. “London?” Her smile was bright. “I’m burning with jealousy! What dresses are you bringing?” she asked, then began searching through piles of fabric on the bed.
“Good morning to you too,” Elizabeth said with a grin.
“You can’t take this one.” Patricia lifted a gown and set it on a chair. “You’re staying with a duke and duchess, so dress accordingly!” she chided, though she kept her bright smile. “Ah, this will work, and then where’s that yellow muslin…” She answered her own question and lifted it up, brushed it and set it aside. “Of course, all of these will need to be pressed before you can wear them anywhere, but the staff will take care of that in London.”
“Yes, I’m sure we will be well cared for.” Elizabeth covered her mouth with her hand to keep from giggling at Patricia’s enthusiastic behavior.
“Your nicest gown is a little outdated.” Patricia lifted a white frock from the pile. “It will do, I suppose.”
“I’m not going to meet the Regent or attend any balls, Patricia. It’s not even the season.”
