“I have no objection, and personally I believe it would be a good match. Certainly the best offer she’s had thus far.” The man’s sly smile suggested ahidden meaning.
Hadn’t the nymph said she’d never been kissed? Surely if she’d been pursued...?“Has she had many offers?”
Weatherby’s grin widened. “Not many. Now, shall we discuss details of the marriage contract, or do you wish to secure Anne’s agreement first?”
Fully accepting that wooing the elfin menace would take time, not to mention more than a bit of preparing on his part, Colin took a seat. “Let’s get the business out of the way first.”
Thirty minutes later, Andrew, as he insisted Colin call him, extended his hand, the details negotiated and agreed upon. Truth be told, Andrew’s business acumen had greatly impressed him. The substantial dowry, although not especially needed, was certainly beneficial. The only sticking point was a stipulation Andrew had insisted on.
“Once Anne has accepted your proposal, we’ll sign the contract. Let us hope she does so quickly, and we avoid any gossip.”
“You’re speaking of that rag,The Muckraker?”
“Indeed. The culprit had been quiet for so long, we foolishly thought we were finally rid of them. However, from what I understand, the scurrilous reports have resumed.”
“Then I should take my leave and find Miss Weatherby and press my case.”
Soft laughter, accompanied by Andrew’s parting advice, followed Colin out of the study. “Green parlor, Lord Manning. And remember, woo her; don’t address her like she’s a magistrate.”
Right. It had been eons since he’d courted a woman, and even with Margery, due to the fact the marriage had been arranged by their parents, there had been few romantic gestures at the beginning.
Think, man, think.
Flowers! The dahlia had pleased Miss Weatherby, and the guilt over his omission that he’d intended the bloom for Lady Miranda demanded expiation.
He searched the house for his sister until he found her in the music room with the other ladies—all except his future betrothed.
Colin burst into the room.
Standing at the piano, Honoria gazed up, her hand poised to turn a page of music for Lady Montgomery.
Beautiful though it was, the music halted. “Your Grace. The page.” From her seat at the piano, Lady Montgomery peered up at Honoria, then turned her attention in his direction.
The other ladies seated on the sofa and various chairs followed suit until all eyes were on Colin.
“What is it?” Honoria rushed forward, then grabbed his hands. “Something’s wrong.”
His sister had a gift for sensing when someone was in distress, but did he truly appear so distraught?
“Flowers,” he blurted out. “Do you know what type Miss Weatherby prefers? I need some. She smells like sweet pea, perhaps those if you have them?”
Honoria blinked rapidly. Then, a slow smile replaced the concern on her face. “Sweet peas are lovely, but they don’t make the best bouquets. I would suggest something else.” She turned toward the ladies assembled. “Does anyone know Anne’s flower preference?”
“Roses.” The answer came from the most unlikely source: Lady Charlotte. “Red ones.”
“Truly, Charlotte?”
“Yes, don’t you remember? When we all were admiring Juliana’s betrothal ring with the forget-me-nots, Anne huffed and said she preferred red roses because they were more elegant. And I said she was being pretentious.”
Several of the ladies defended Anne, including the Duchess of Ashton. “Although Anne could have phrased her opinion a little less harshly, roses are definitely elegant.”
Colin smiled to himself that the duchess not only defended Anne but couched a setdown of Lady Charlotte in her statement. Regardless, as the ladies debated over flowers, Colin pulled Honoria back to the matter at hand. “You have red roses in the garden, don’t you? I need abouquet right away.”
Honoria tugged his arm, pulling him farther away from the still-debating group of ladies. “Colin, what has happened?”
“I’m offering for Miss Weatherby, and her brother suggested I do something to woo her.”
Eyes lit with excitement, Honoria pulled him into an embrace and whispered, “But, Colin, that’s wonderful. I’d hoped, but I didn’t expect anything so soon.”
