How could she ever forget that day? For a brief moment, the mask he wore slipped, and she’d seen therealColin hiding beneath. But then, just as suddenly, the mask slid back on, more firmly in place than before.
Anne clung to that glimpse of the man beneath the grouchy façade. Why did he hide the gentle, loving man within? What was he afraid of?
She gazed at the girls as they examined some wildflowers. Although running from her problems and seeking diversion from her pain had been how she’d lived for so long, it suddenly felt like a coward’s way out. Marriage to Colin meant responsibility to someone other than herself. How could she leave the girls motherless again? Even if she were a coward, Anne wasn’t cruel. It was time to grow up and face her problems like a woman. To fight for what she and Colin—and the girls—could have as a family.
But first, she needed help.
Colin stretched,his neck aching from leaning over the ledger. A quick glance at the clock indicated he’d been working for over four hours.
Four hours! Undisturbed?The silence shouted a warning. Bereft of Anne’s exuberant chatter which exacerbated the girls’ boisterous natures, the house seemed as solemn as a tomb, reminiscent of the weeks following Margery’s death.
No one had dared disturb him then but rather had left him alone to drown in his grief. It had been a dark time.
But the past month, brightened with Anne’s sunny nature and warm smiles, had lifted him from the gloom and despair. His life had not only become tolerable, but—dare he say it?—joyful.
At least until he’d withdrawn into his protective shell after her recklessness had left her injured.
But at the moment, the previous silence he had embraced like a long-lost friend, burrowing himself into it, weighed heavily.
After a soft tap on the door, Greene entered. “My apologies, sir. Correspondence from the Crown has arrived.” He held the silver salver before him as if it contained the most precious of objects.
Colin straightened to attention and snatched the letter from the tray. His gaze dropped to another letter from Mr. Sedley underneath it, and he plucked it up as well. He held a finger up, indicating Greene should wait.
He opened the letter from the Crown first. If King William had awarded the writ of acceleration, Colin preferred to get the bad news over first.
The Right Honorable Viscount Manning
My Lord,
We have received the request from The Most Honorable Marquess of Stratford and yourself regarding a writ of acceleration.
As you are aware, we do not award admittance into Lords under such circumstances lightly.
The Crown requests your appearance to plead your case in person.
If you do not appear in court by Thursday next from the date of this letter, we will presume you no longer wish topursue the matter.
William R
Thursday! Colin’s gaze drifted to the date of the letter. Sent five days ago, the letter must have been delayed during transport. He peered up at Greene. “Today is Tuesday, correct?”
“Yes, sir.”
Did the king think he could fly to London in a matter of hours? He would have to leave posthaste.
However, the letter from Sedley called to him. Surely, he could take a few minutes to read the man’s missive. With shaking hands, Colin broke the seal and read.
My Lord,
Wonderful news!Recent accounts indicate you have gained favor with the men of the borough and, although not guaranteed, the outcome for the election appears most favorable for your victory.
With the election a week away, one more appearance, especially with your charming wife, would go far in aiding your cause. May we expect you in town this Thursday for a final appeal? I will make all arrangements. Send word immediately if you are agreeable.
Your most obedient servant,
John Sedley
Even if he could fly, Colin couldn’t be two places at the same time. What should he do? Please his father or pursue his own ambitions? Anne’s words echoed in his mind.What about the man you want to be?
