"I merely wish to occupy myself productively instead of sipping tea all day." He didn't wish to fight with some of the few people who still regarded him with genuine affection.
Norman had every right to express concern. Andrew knew what he was doing was uncharacteristic, perhaps even reckless. But it was necessary.
It was a gamble he hoped would prove successful, though part of that gamble required projecting confidence about this marriage that he most certainly didn't possess.
Norman shrugged, though his eyes remained sharp. "And this has nothing to do with your father?"
The question struck Andrew and left him breathless. It had been entirely unexpected. Andrew felt his entire body go rigid, his jaw clenching so hard his teeth ached.
"Why must everything relate to my father?" Andrew shook his head, trying to dispel the bitter taste that always accompanied discussions of the late Duke. "I know you think I harbor an obsession with him, but I have moved beyond his shadow. I have created something worthwhile with my life."
"Those don't sound like the words of a man who has moved beyond anything," Kitty said quietly. Her voice heldno judgment, only gentle observation—which somehow made it worse. "Really, it is quite acceptable to harbor anger toward him still. Many people struggle with family difficulties long after the family member in question has passed."
Norman nodded his agreement, his expression softening slightly. "Your father was hardly a good man, and he had his demons. You worked tirelessly to rebuild what he destroyed after he passed. You're permitted to resent him."
Andrew's throat tightened. He stood abruptly, moving toward the window to place distance between himself and their sympathetic gazes. He clasped his hands behind his back, his shoulders rigid.
"I would prefer not to discuss my father." The silence that followed felt weighted, expectant. Andrew drew in a slow breath, forcing the tension from his shoulders. When he spoke again, his voice was carefully controlled. "I came here to inform you that I'm going to be married."
The effect was immediate and dramatic. Andrew spun away from the window just in time to see the reactions of his dear friends. Kitty's jaw dropped. It opened and closed several times as though she were trying to formulate a response but couldn't quite manage coherent speech.
Norman's eyebrows rose, surprise evident on his face. "You're serious. You've actually found a woman whose father would let her marry you?"
"I hardly thought the day would arrive myself, but I've found a woman who agreed." Andrew's jaw tightened, his voice taking on a warning edge. "And Norman, if you continue to find this amusing, I'll have you written out of my will before the ink dries on the marriage certificate."
Norman's smile faded slightly, though his eyes still gleamed with barely suppressed mirth. "Easy, cousin. I meant no offense. I'm simply... surprised. Pleasantly so."
"But truly?" Norman leaned forward, his expression sobering. "You've found a woman whose father would let her marry you?"
"Yes." Andrew turned from the window, meeting his cousin's gaze directly. "That would generally be the sequence of events when one announces an engagement."
Norman's eyebrows climbed higher. "And who is this paragon of virtue willing to overlook your reputation?"
Andrew ignored the question entirely, changing the subject with deliberate abruptness. "I need you to speak with your sister. Inform her of the engagement."
"And why wouldIbe the one to do such a thing?"
Andrew had the grace to look sheepish. "I may have requested Eleanor's assistance in finding a suitable wife and then proceeded to find one without her involvement. She's unlikely to be pleased about it."
Norman winced, his hand going to the back of his neck. "She's going to be furious, Andrew. Particularly if she's been speaking with prospective families and trying to convince their fathers to view you favorably as a potential son-in-law."
Andrew ran a hand down his face. "I know I'll never hear the end of it. Which is precisely why I need you to speak to her on my behalf. Please, spare me her wrath while I endure the trials of wedding planning."
"She merely wishes to help you," Kitty said, amusement curving her lips.
"She wishes to meddle in my affairs." Andrew shook his head firmly. "I cannot permit that at present. Not when I have secured the perfect match."
Norman gave him a skeptical look. "You've never considered any woman to be a perfect match for you. What makes you believe this particular woman is suited to you? You once told me that you preferred to love all women equally rather than shackle yourself to one."
Andrew stared out the window again, glancing up at the thick clouds drifting across the sky. He had known his past declarations would return to haunt him. If he had simply kept his opinions to himself, he wouldn't be forced to answer for them now.
Instead, he found himself bound to marry a wild, spirited woman—a fact that intrigued him more than he cared to admit.She was already beginning to soften toward him even though she refused to voice what she truly wanted.
The image of her flushed cheeks and hitched breath returned to him with startling clarity, sending heat through his veins. There would come a time, after they were wed, when she would come begging for his touch. He was certain of it.
Ideas were already forming in his mind—all the ways he might tease her, make her pliant in his very capable hands.
A soft touch on his arm pulled him from his thoughts. Kitty had risen and now stood beside him, her expression gentle. "If this is truly what you desire, then we'll support you. And Norman will inform Eleanor."
