With the help of a footman, he located the men, sans Victor Pratt, gathered in Burwood’s study much as they had on his first day of the house party.
Had it only been a scant three days since he’d met Anne and they’d already become engaged? It was enough to make any man’s head spin.
Beckham peered up as Colin entered the room. “There’s the happy groom-to-be now. Allow me to pour you some coffee. It’s strong, and you appear to be in need of some.”
Coffee in hand, Colin took a seat next to Ashton, who examined him with the questioning eyes of a physician. “You have the look of a man fresh off the battlefield.”
The derisive chuckle rumbled in Colin’s chest. “And lost. Apologies, Weatherby.”
“Think nothing of it,” his future brother-in-law said. “You forget, I know Anne better than anyone. She can be, shall we say, overwhelming.”
Beckham emitted a roar of laughter. “Like me! I remember when I first met Miss Weatherby, and I pleaded with Drake to have my back. I’m often too much even for myself. Coupled with Anne,we would probably explode. Thank heavens I have Charlotte to balance me out.”
The idea of balance appealed to Colin, but of course, he hoped to balance out Anne, not the other way around.
Burwood poured himself a cup of coffee. “Are the women still making wedding plans?”
Colin nodded and took a healthy drink of his own. “I told them I didn’t want a fuss.”
Every man there laughed, even Grey.
“Considering you’ve been married before,” Montgomery said, “you should know better. Women place great store in weddings. Even Bea, who is typically exceptionally practical.”
To be honest, Colin didn’t remember much about his wedding to Margery. Their mothers had planned the whole thing, telling him he only needed to be at the altar. He only remembered anticipating the wedding night and being rather disappointed. But they had made it work.
Given Anne’s response to his kisses, he dared to hope for a more passionate coupling.
His mind drifted as the men around him shared stories of their own weddings. Ashton’s took place in Germany due to the nature of his relationship with the duchess. Weatherby followed Alice all the way to India where they were married.
Beckham laughed about how Lady Charlotte glared at him throughout the ceremony. “I had genuine doubts she would actually go through with it.”
“That was a momentous day,” Burwood said. “I believe Honoria will remember it as clearly as she does our own wedding.”
No doubt.Little Kitty, Honoria’s and Burwood’s first daughter, had been born that day.
Not surprisingly, Grey remained silent during the exchange of stories and stared into his cup, but Colin couldn’t help but wonder what was going on in the man’s mind. Was the embrace he witnessed between Grey and Lady Miranda more than a brief dalliance? Did Grey have hopes of marrying the earl’s daughter? Slim though his chances were, the man had been adecorated naval officer and faced more formidable foes than Lord Easton and Lord Montgomery.
Colin pondered Grey’s situation. How would he feel if Ellie or Cassie wanted to marry a man who had no title, and worse, was born on the wrong side of the blanket? He wanted his girls’ happiness, but there were some lines you didn’t cross.
Although Anne wasn’t from a titled family, her family’s connections to Ashton placed them among the beau monde, and based on her dowry, the family’s wealth was large. If Colin ever found himself in financial straits, he might be able to turn to Weatherby for support.
Reassured all would be well, Colin excused himself to seek some solitude.
It would be a good match.
As long as they could keep out of the gossip sheets.
CHAPTER 17
Three days later, when Colin received an answer from the archbishop granting the special license and thanking Colin for his generous donation, the whole house buzzed with activity and preparations.
His parents had arrived shortly after the archbishop’s reply, and although his mother kissed his cheek and wished him happiness, his father appeared less than pleased.
Drawing Colin aside, his father delivered a sharp setdown. “Anne Weatherby? She’s a flighty, empty-headed chit. What were you thinking? The trouble she caused your sister and Burwood. Have you gone mad? Although I’m pleased you’re finally taking your responsibilities to the marquessate seriously, I’m having doubts about your judgement in choosing a bride. Why not Lady Miranda? Easton has been up in arms over her unmarried state. I’m sure he wishes to see her wed before—well... The man doesn’t appear well.”
Neither do you. His father’s pronouncement stirred the fear of failure he’d fought his whole life. He must prove his worth and produce a son. That would make his father proud. Colin couldn’t help but think back on how his father had doted over Honoria’s son,little Henry, and had begrudgingly commended Burwood on producing an heir.
Yet, he couldn’t admit he’d attempted to court Lady Miranda only to be thwarted by Grey. To lose a well-respected lady to a bastard would be something his father would never forgive.
