PARENTS OF GROOMS MAKE A PLAN
Eleven o’clock that evening, Aimsley House
Stepping down from the ancient coach, Andrew Comber regarded the front of Aimsley House and grinned.
He felt a stirring in his loins when he remembered what he’d been doing earlier that afternoon. A sense of relief that the young lady he had loved for most of his life had agreed to be his wife. A slight ache in his heart that he’d had to say good night to her only a few moments ago.
Their parting kiss—a stolen kiss as he was about to leave her at Norwick House—had been far too brief and left him wanting to do it again and again.
But mostly he felt a sense of calm now that he knew he’d be spending the rest of his life with her.
Had the ghost of David Fitzwilliam not appeared when he had—if he hadn’t told Andrew what to do to gain his daughter’s hand—Andrew wasn’t sure he would have been successful. That the current Earl of Norwick had been so accommodating when he had paid a call on the gentleman earlier that morning merely reinforced his knowledge that he was doing the right thing by marrying Danielle Fitzwilliam.
Rather proud of what he had accomplished on this day, he entered Aimsley House and greeted Hummel as if he were a long lost friend.
The butler regarded him as if he’d drunk too much at his club, but Andrew ignored the older man’s scowl as he made his way to his father’s study.
He found Adam Comber lounging on one of the sofas, a glass of brandy in one hand and a book in the other. “Father?” he said as he knocked on the door.
Adam lifted his head and gave a start at seeing his younger son. “There you are,” he replied. “We missed you at dinner. A rather lively affair given your brother’s guest,” he added as he straightened on the sofa.
“Didn’t Anthony tell you where I was?” Andrew asked as he gingerly stepped into the study.
“The townhouse. Yes, he mentioned you were giving it a go. Tell me, what did you think of your dinner there?”
Andrew nodded. “The cook is excellent, sir. The company, even more so.”
Giving his son a look of confusion, Adam said, “Oh?”
“Lady Danielle joined me for dinner, Father. I proposed again to her, you see, and this time she accepted,” he replied, his chest puffing out.
“You’re in good company,” Adam replied, his manner rather serious as he stood and joined Andrew in front of the desk.
His eyes darting sideways, Andrew asked, “Does that mean Anthony was successful? With his proposal?”
Chuckling, his father nodded. “Herproposal, as it happens. Indeed. He brought Lady Dahlia to dinner this evening. I don’t think I’ve ever seen those two look so besotted with one another,” he commented.
Andrew blinked. “Anthony?Besotted?” he repeated.
His father chuckled again. “Lady Dahlia even more so,” he said. “She’ll make a right proper countess some day.”
“No doubt,” Andrew agreed.
“So,” Adam said before he inhaled deeply. “We’ll not only be gaining a new babe in this family, buttwodaughters as well. Your mother will be thrilled when she hears your news.”
“Thank you, Father. But one of the terms Lord Norwick set forth is that Lady Danielle and I must marry by the end of April. I plan to secure a license and see if we can’t be married by next week.”
The earl shrugged. “Fine with us,” he replied. “We’re going to need your bedchamber, after all.”
Giving a start, Andrew said, “Oh?” His brows furrowed. “Are you expecting guests?” He almost asked if Daphne’s brother was going to be moving in, too, but thought better of it.
“Just expecting,” Adam said with a grin. “Can’t leave the new addition in the nursery too long,” he added.
Wondering if his father might be teasing him, Andrew dipped his head. “I shall be moved out of my bedchamber before I depart for Greece.”
“Ah, capital,” Adam replied, setting his book on his desk. He drained the rest of the brandy in a single gulp. “I’ll see to it your allowance is restored within the week.”
Andrew blinked. He had almost forgotten about his allowance. “I appreciate that, Father.” He paused a moment. “Do you think I should tell Mother my news now? Or should I wait until breakfast?” he asked, thinking he was about to be dismissed.
