“I did not pine for her.”
“You did. ‘I do not think I have ever seen such a creature. Oh! How could such perfection exist? Should I talk to her? No, I could not. I should. No. Yes. Maybe?’” Blake imitated his friend’s voice, dancing out of the way as Richard tried to hit him. “That is why I took matters into my own hands.”
“It is a wonder you had time to play matchmaker with so many unmarried women at the occasion,” Richard answered, rolling his eyes at his friend.
“I always make time for my friends. Besides, you know my reputation is rather overinflated in that regard,” Blake said.
Richard snorted. “In what regard?”
“I am not some wanton layabout. A little flirting here and there, some charm and charisma go a long way towards earning even the lightest of affection. But that is all it is.” Blake shrugged. “I do have some morals, you know.”
It is one thing to not plan on marrying anyone and quite another to cause harm through carelessness.
Blake was many things, but he was not careless. He simply valued his freedom and autonomy above all else.
I am, and always will be, my own man.
“And I trust they will be in full force tomorrow night.” Richard clapped a hand on Blake’s back.
“Tomorrow night?” Blake asked, confused.
“My engagement ball. Which you will be attending as my best man,” Richard said. “What, did I not mention that earlier?”
“No, you failed to mention that little fact.” Blake sighed theatrically. “I suppose I shall have to prove just how restrained I can be. Even if it breaks the hearts of the ladies of the ton.”
“It will be good for you.” Richard grinned. “I have heard a little self-restraint does wonders for the soul. Who knows, perhaps you will meet your future wife!”
“Just because you want to shackle yourself forever to another does not mean we all have to.” Blake shuddered. “I am quite happy without a wife.”
“That is simply because you have not met the right woman,” Richard teased.
“That is because she does not exist. I am content to remain a bachelor to the end of my days.” Blake gestured vaguely around them as they began to walk out of the building.
“But what of succession?” Richard’s eyes widened in genuine surprise.
Blake shrugged. “What of it? I have cousins.”
There was a pause as Richard studied him, and Blake forced himself to remain nonchalant. He knew it was odd—most of the nobility were obsessed with continuing their line. He could almost see the unasked question in his friend’s eyes—really?
He could feel Richard’s eyes searching for a sign of joke or earnestness, and he wondered if his friend would ask why.
“You are a rather odd creature, Rochester.” Richard smiled and shrugged.
I am glad he did not ask.
Blake stretched languidly and gave his friend a cheeky grin. “Perhaps. Though what does that say about you that you want me to be your best man?”
“That I too am an odd creature.” Richard laughed and nodded towards Blake as they each clambered into their own carriages.
As Blake took a seat and tapped on the wall, signaling to the driver that they should take off, he breathed a sigh of relief. His secret was still safe.
He shook his head, silently wondering just how many more people would marry. Richard was the third of his friends to get married. Everyone seemed to be tying themselves down.
Not me. That will never be me.
He clenched his fist, fighting back a memory of a man who looked like him.
I will never be him.
