“You have a heart?” Richard teased.
“When it comes to you? Of course, I do.” Blake inclined his head.
Richard smiled at him. “You are getting sentimental.”
“I am not the one getting married. Throwing away a life of freedom for the shackles of holy matrimony.” Blake shook his head in mock disgust. “Ahh, the naivety of youth.”
“Rochester, you are only a few months older than me.” The Marquess laughed.
“You were the one who called me an old man,” Blake retorted.
“That is true.” Richard nodded, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Perhaps it is because you look so much older than your years.”
“That is not what the ladies seem to think.” Blake shrugged.
“On that note, do trynotto seduce the entire bridal party.” Richard gave him a serious look.
“Of course not, I was thinking light flirting at most, and limiting it to one or two delicious women.” Blake affected the most innocent expression he could manage.
“Must you be ‘Blake the Rake’ at every opportunity?” Richard said, a mix of exasperation and amusement in his voice.
“No. But it is more fun than ‘the Duke of Caden’.” Blake shrugged, feeling a pinprick of discomfort as he said his title and hoping it did not show on his face. “Besides, I like keeping things interesting.”
“It is my view that Rochester is a far more interesting person to be around. The rake is entirely too predictable.” Richard gave him a sidelong look.
“Well, I would hate to be predictable. Almost as much as I hate being manipulated.” Blake frowned at his friend, tamping down the irritation stirring within him.
Now it was Richard’s turn to affect innocence. “I am doing no such thing. Simply pointing out my personal preference for one above the other.”
“You would not dream of telling me how to behave.” Blake rolled his eyes, his words light but containing a hint of reproach. They were friends, but he would not be controlled.
Not by anyone.
“I know it would do no good. Though I will say that Cressida has a rather strong sense of propriety and puts great value on etiquette.” Richard flushed a little as he said it, and looked away from Blake.
What do they say? A happy wife makes for a happy life?
Blake tilted his head towards his friend. “And I take it that you are worried my behavior might cause some strife between you and your betrothed.”
“Not worried… Just…” Richard gestured vaguely around them, before running a hand through his hair.
“Do not worry, Rochester. I assure you I will be on my best behavior.” Blake couldn’t help but wink as he said this.
“That is what worries me. I would like minimal scandal at my wedding.” Richard grimaced.
“Of course, though I cannot help it if the ladies insist. After all, you know what unmarried women are like at such occasions.” Blake grinned impishly at his friend. “Did you and Miss Minton not meet at a wedding?”
“And it was an entirely proper meeting and courtship. As you well know.” Richard puffed out his chest slightly, though Blake saw the spots of color on his cheeks darken.
“Yes, I had to practically push the two of you together.” Blake sighed.
“You did push the two of us together.” Richard laughed. “You bumped into me so hard that I bumped into Cressida and had no choice but to apologize for spilling her drink.”
“And so our love match was born.” Blake joined in Richard’s laughter as he remembered how he had orchestrated their meeting.
“Honestly, for a man who cares not for marriage, you were rather invested in our match,” Richard pointed out.
“You are quite mistaken, I simply grew tired of your pining,” Blake said nonchalantly.
