And as Colin led her back down the narrowstaircase, she had a strange sensation that Victor had saved her from something more compromising than being locked in a closet with Colin.
At the foot of the staircase, he righted the neckline of her gown. “Can’t go back with you looking like this.”
“Like what?”
His fingers lingered on her shoulder, and those lovely green eyes of his smoldered. He leaned close and whispered, “Like you’ve been ravished.”
“Do you think Mr. Pratt will say something?”
With a shrug, he shook his head. “I doubt it. But we can’t have your brother see you like that. We’re not married yet.” His chuckle, deep and delicious, brushed against her skin, creating more gooseflesh in its wake.
She needed to change the subject and get her mind off kissing. “Is it true about Mrs. Merrick?”
“Yes. I believe she plans to go to town and purchase the material and wishes you to accompany her.”
They had yet to make their way out of the maze, and Colin turned toward her. “But before we go, I don’t think Pratt can see us from here, and I still want to explore that freckle.”
Several minutes later, once Colin had finished his exploration, Anne started to believe that marriage to Lord Grump wasn’t such a horrible prospect.
After escortingAnne back to the house, Colin excused himself to speak with Honoria regarding the wedding plans should the archbishop approve the special license.
Colin had little doubt his request would be approved. Among his other talents, writing a persuasive argument was one of his greatest. In fact, he had begun pursuing an MP position in Commons, hoping it would prepare him for the day when he’d take his place in Lords.
Yet, he was in no hurry to take his father’s place, especially given the fact he would only do so at his father’s death. A thread of worryseeped in that that rueful day might be closer than he’d hoped. His father had confessed stomach complaints in passing but had insisted it was simply indigestion.
Colin made a mental note to have Ashton examine him prior to the wedding, then proceeded to check each room for his sister.
He found her with the other ladies in the morning room. “Forgive the intrusion, ladies. Might I have a few words with the duchess regarding wedding plans?”
Always mindful of others’ opinions and concerns, Honoria exchanged a glance with her friends, then gave him a broad smile. “We were actually discussing exactly that. Everyone wishes to help, if that is agreeable with you?”
“Oh, do allow us to assist, Lord Manning,” Juliana said. “Many hands make light work.”
“It would make organizing all the details more efficient,” Lady Montgomery said, a pencil poised above the page of a notebook.
And although he didn’t relish the idea of women he barely knew involved in such a personal part of his life, Colin appreciated efficiency. “Very well.” He gazed around the room for a place to sit. With every available seat occupied, he took up a post at the fireplace mantle.
Mrs. Merrick rose from a comfortable wingback chair. “Please sit here, sir. Since you’ve returned from your walk with Miss Weatherby, perhaps she would care to accompany me to town after I take her measurements for her gown.”
Colin thanked her, and after she exited the room, he sat. “Now, regarding the wedding, I will leave the details to you and my betrothed. I only came here to say that I don’t want a fuss.” Although he directed the statement toward his sister, all the ladies looked at him aghast. Even Lady Montgomery, whom Colin always considered level-headed and practical, stared as if he’d grown an extra head.
Leave it to Lady Charlotte to speak for them. “Anne would not agree. She’s probably planned her wedding in great detail for years. Have you discussedthis with her?”
Sheepish shame poked at his chest. “Well, no. Not in so many words.”
“If I may make a suggestion,” Lady Miranda said. “Tell us what you envision. Then when we meet with Anne, we’ll find a compromise of sorts.”
“An excellent idea, Miranda,” Honoria said.
Colin had his doubts that he and Anne shared a similar vision for their wedding, but he agreed. All of three minutes later, according to the clock on the mantle, Colin had completed his requests.
Alice Weatherby stared. “That’s all?”
Colin frowned. What more did they want? “Yes.”
Once again, the ladies exchanged a meaningful glance.
Not wishing to dwell on it lest it mean they believed his pending marriage was doomed for failure, Colin thanked them and left to find some forthright male company.
