“Hurry, or we’ll be here for dinner.” Gramma’s voice floated out from within the confines of the coach. “Plenty of time for that when you are married,” she said as Prue settled beside her and Jack sat opposite with his back to the horses. “When is this wedding to be, then?”
“We were just discussing it, Gramma. Jack is to purchase a special license so we don’t have to pick which of our churches is to read the banns and then have to wait for three weeks.”
“Good.” Gramma nodded. As the horses leaped forward, she settled into the corner and closed her eyes.
Jack leaned over and took Prue’s hand.
“I’m not asleep,” Gramma said.
They grinned at each other.
Prue talked about the wedding, a small one—and Jack, the honeymoon, a brief stay in Brighton before their return to live at Jack’s estate.
“Shall we attend the Season next April?” he asked.
“Won’t you be too busy?” It was an oblique reference to Jack’s work, which had not been mentioned.
He smiled, as if he read her thoughts. “I intend to resign before the wedding.”
“You won’t miss it?”
“No. It does not seem to fit in my life anymore. I prefer to spend more time at my estate, which, to my shame, I have left the running of to others. Now I am keen to make improvements.”
“I should like to help,” she said, unable to hide her eagerness. “Papa treated me as he would have treated the son he and Mama hadn’t been blessed with, taking me with him and instructing me on estate matters. It has been my dream to put that knowledge into practice.”
“I am counting on it,” he said. “And if you can’t accompany me throughout the day…” He paused, and his meaningful look brought warmth to her cheeks. “Then we shall discuss the day’s news during dinner.”
*
When Damian joinedJack that evening in the club library, he took a chair beside him, his gaze assessing. “Something has changed since I saw you last; you look like the cat who snatched the fish.”
Jack grinned and then turned to the waiter to order a bottle of wine. “I have a good deal to tell you, but first, something particular to ask of you.”
“What is it? Don’t keep me in suspense.”
“Will you be my best man at my wedding to Lady Prudence?”
“Jack!” Damian leaped out of the chair and leaned over to thump Jack on the back. “Congratulations! So, you have been caught in the parson’s mousetrap. You were so resistant to the idea of marriage, I didn’t think to see the day! Sharing your life with the right woman is wonderful. Lady Prudence must be an exceptional lady.”
Jack’s smile widened in approval. “She is.”
“I would be pleased to. I have always wanted to return the favor. Where and when is the wedding to be?”
“Because Prudence is still in mourning, it will be a quiet affair held at St. Mary Magdalene in Richmond, in a sennight.”
“A handsome church,” Damian said. “And where will you hold the wedding breakfast?”
“It will be held at Prudence’s great-grandmama, Lady Aldridge’s ancient, Gothic mansion in Richmond on the Thames.”
“I cannot wait to tell Diana. She will be thrilled for you.”
“I would like Prudence to meet my friends before the wedding. What are my chances of enticing Hugh and Lucy to come to town?”
Damian laughed. “They’ll be here with bells on.”
“Good. I will arrange it for, say… Friday next?”
“Suits me.” Damian stood as more of their friends entered the room. “I wish I had put that bet in White’s betting book.” He waved the three gentlemen over. “Jack has news that will surprise you.”
