“Rest?” God, he loved teasing her. “I believe I did.”
“Ugh!” She stamped her foot. Luckily, it wasn’t on his.
Honoria left Burwood’s side and glanced between him and his new irate bride. “Is something wrong, dear?”
Colin bussed his sister’s cheek. “Not at all. Thank you for the wonderful wedding breakfast. Although for future reference, Anne really doesn’t like gooseberries. She was trying to win Father over.”
“Oh, dear, I’m so sorry. I worried about having them since they don’t agree with Father, but...well, I thought...”
“It’s fine, Honoria,” Anne assured her.
Honoria gave him an apologetic look. “Well, at least I think itworked. Father can’t stop talking about how wonderful it is to have someone else in the family who enjoys gooseberries.”
Hoping to return to what mattered most—at least to him at that moment—Colin covered his mouth and feigned a yawn. “What time is the ball, Honoria? I was up half the night thinking about the wedding.”
Anne rolled her eyes at him, the minx.
“Since everyone is already here, we’ll start earlier than usual. Say after supper? I don’t want to keep you up too late.” Good grief, even after giving birth to several children, his sister still blushed.
“As always, you are the most considerate of sisters. Do you think everyone will understand if Anne and I disappear for a while for a short rest?”
And the blush deepened. “Of course.”
“Allow me to escort you, Lady Manning.” Colin offered his arm, but Anne refused it.
“You go. I’m not tired.” Fire danced in the Elfin Menace’s eyes.
Damn!The termagant was deliberately putting him off. And from their kisses, he’d hoped she would be more willing.
Honoria’s gaze darted between him and Anne. “Oh, Anne. Perhaps you should rest. Just a little while.”
Honoria’s intercession gave him pause. He shouldn’t have to coerce his wife to come to his bed, and he especially shouldn’t have others do so on his behalf. Shame, sharp and immediate, punched the air from his lungs.
“Honoria, allow me a word with my bride.”
Gently taking Anne’s elbow, he led her to the same isolated corner of the room where Lady Montgomery had relayed his intentions.
“Well?” She leaned on the word with caustic sharpness.
“Anne, please hear me out.”
Her glare scalded him.
“Had I hoped to spend some time alone with you—to explore our marriage? Yes. But I can see you are less than amenable to the idea. The last thing I wish to do is force you into something you don’t want, and I certainly don’t wantto frighten you.”
Her eyes widened briefly before she tore her gaze away. “I’m not frightened.”
“Good. Because you have nothing to fear from me. I will always respect your wishes.”
“It’s just that...I don’t want you to think you can order me around. For anything.”
He laughed at the absurd idea. As if anyone could order his Nymph of Nuisance around.
“I’m glad you find that amusing.” Her words snapped with sarcasm.
“I do, but not for the reason you presume, but from recalling your expression when the vicar reminded you of the vow to obey. I knew then that I was in trouble.”
She gave him a saucy smile. “You didn’t realize that before?”
