I scoffed. “Do you think money will solve this?”
“It solves most things.”
“The Merricks are not lacking money. Miss Merrick’s dowry alone—” I stopped myself, clearing my throat. “I doubt any sum will be enough.”
Colin shook his head. “You’re wrong. Anything they are offered in exchange for their silence could be added to Miss Merrick’s dowry and secure her a much better match than you. Perhaps her parents were even relieved that you didn’t arrive today, considering that you offered absolutely nothing of consequence to their daughter.”
My skin bristled. I deserved to be berated, but Colin’s insults had struck a sensitive chord. I took a deep breath. “Even with all I lack, they still approved of the match.”
“Because Miss Merrick fell in love with you.” Colin’s words stabbed me with guilt. “You broke the poor girl’s heart today, Clark. What would you feel if it were Eloise or Sally who had been left waiting at the church?”
My composure snapped. “There is no need to tell me how horrible I am! I am fully aware.” I bent over to dip my hands in the stream. The cold water served to cool my skin, though my heart still galloped in my chest. “And you? Are you a saint?”
“What?” Colin snapped.
“You have been known to be harsh and unfeeling toward women.” I flicked the water from my fingertips and stood. “How many hearts did you break during the last Season?”
“None.” Colin glared at me. “None of those women loved me. They wanted Eastmere Hall and my fortune.”
“Andyouwanted perfection. The faults you saw in each woman you met were absurd. You have more options for marriage than you know what to do with. Overabundance breeds ingratitude.”
Colin’s anger didn’t rest, his face still tight with a clear lack of amusement. “I won’t accept courtship advice from a man who just left his bride at the church.”
My jaw snapped closed. “Fair enough.” A few seconds passed in silence as I considered my next move. “How soon should I call upon Miss Merrick?”
“As soon as possible.” Colin’s brows drew together. “She has every right to spread the news of your character all over Derbyshire and beyond. If Mrs. Wickerton learns of this, we’re done for.”
I shuddered at the image of our distant neighbor with her gray hair and ruffled mobcap, always jotting down bits of hearsay during church. I was convinced she lived on nothing but gossip, inviting her friends to share a few bites during afternoon tea. I gulped. “Very well. I’ll offer an apology and whatever sum you see fit, and then hopefully we can put this all behind us.” I strode in Colin’s direction with a look of gratitude. “I’m sorry. Thank you for your generosity and gracious understanding.”
Colin didn’t blink. “There is nothing gracious about the way I’m feeling. Or generous.”
I raised my eyebrows. “Pardon?”
Colin worked his jaw over nothing, eyes shifting in thought. “I can’t settle all your mistakes without consequences, Clark. Not anymore.”
I tried to appear unaffected, keeping my voice and posture casual. “Then I’ll find a way to repay you.”
“No.I’llfind a way for you to repay me. It will be on my terms and my timing.”
I studied his stern expression. He was serious. “Well, that’s certainly cryptic.” I gave a hard laugh. “I won’t help you commit a murder, if that’s what you request. Nor will I bury a body.”
Colin’s expression remained stern. “It will be much tamer than that, I assure you.”
I sighed. The man had no sense of humor. “Very well. I’ll carry out whatever debt you call in whenever you decide to do so.” I was ready to put this all in the past. Speaking to Miss Merrick would be painful for all involved, and I wanted to get it over with as swiftly as possible—and before Mrs. Wickerton had the time to alert all of Derbyshire.
Colin extended his hand. “Give me your word.”
I didn’t particularly enjoy being indebted to others, especially Colin, so I could only hope that he would call in his favor soon. I could already feel the curiosity and anxiety building within me. I pushed it aside for now. Colin had never asked nearly as much of me as I had asked of him. It couldn’t be so very bad.
Before I could change my mind, I took Colin’s hand and shook it firmly.
CHAPTER 2
Bath, England
THREE YEARS LATER
ARABELLA
