Will gave a decided nod. “Phoebe.”
“I’m happy for you. And, not that you need it, but I wholeheartedly approve,” she said, returning his nod. “That girl has a good head on her shoulders and a generous spirit. Excellent qualities in a partner.”
“Thank you,” Will said, noting that she hadn’t saidduchess.
“And I know you’ve been worried all this time about finding someone who would make a good duchess,” she continued, as ifshe could sense his thoughts, “but I think it is better this way. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice everything to the title. Life is short, my boy. And happiness can be so fleeting. When you find it, you must grab hold of it tightly for as long as you can.”
Will had to look away from her shimmering eyes, lest they both become overwrought with emotion. “I intend to.”
“Well then,” she said with a watery smile. “I suppose you had better take yourself over to the Atkinsons next.”
Will waved a hand. “I’m sure Phoebe already told her sisters. I’ll head over there later.”
But his mother gave him an arch look. “Actually, I was referring to her parents. I came down with them on the early train.”
Will must have made some kind of verbal response, but he would be helpless to repeat it. Mostly he wasveryglad Phoebe hadn’t slept in. He threw down his napkin and pushed out his chair. “I’ll be back.”
“Should I tell Cal the news?” his mother asked as he headed for the door.
“No, wait for me,” he managed to call back. “Let me tell him.”
Will didn’t want to miss the gloating look on his brother’s face. He smiled at the thought and hurried even faster to the Atkinsons’ house.
Twenty-Nine
I’m deliriously happy for you, Phoebe, but if you even think of putting me in a lavender bridesmaid’s dress, I’ll scream.”
“Freddie!” Mother admonished.
“Only because it makes me look like the undead,” she added.
Phoebe’s grip on Will’s arm subtly tightened. They had only just told them the news and the wedding talk was already starting.
Her parents had arrived a day earlier than originally expected to prepare for their guests. When Phoebe had slunk back to the house at daybreak after her reunion with Will, she had been greeted by Alex, who broke the news of their parents’ impending arrival along with her own decision to return to London on the early train, using the vague excuse ofa business development.
Phoebe guessed it had more to do with a desire to avoid the Ericsons, but before she could ask, Alex congratulated her on her engagement.
How did you know?
Alex raised an eyebrow.Well, you came in with a ridiculous grin on your face. And I assume you weren’t gone all this time playing checkers.
Phoebe’s answering blush had confirmed it.
“You will wear whatever color your sister decides and look happy about it,” Mother pronounced.
“Even orange?”
“Honestly, Freddie,” she scoffed. “Of course she wouldn’t chooseorange. Why would you even suggest that?” Then she turned to Phoebe. “You won’t, will you, darling?”
“No orange. Or lavender. I actually haven’t thought about it yet.”
“Good,” she said, visibly relieved and continued to debate the merits of different dress colors with Freddie.
Phoebe exchanged a glance with Will, one she hoped communicated her desire to abscond to Scotland immediately rather than endure months of wedding planning.
He gave her a fond smile in return and patted her hand. “They’re just excited,” he murmured by her ear.
“Or still in shock,” she replied.
