“Yes, who is it? For heaven’s sake, don’t stand there scratching at the door, just come in.”
The door creaked open, revealing the butler. The man did not seem happy at being snapped at. Nathan felt a twinge of guilt.
“My apologies for my tone,” he muttered. “I am preparing for my meeting with Lord Davenport later. There’s a great deal to manage.”
The butler inclined his head, giving the air of a much put-upon man who bore his lot with fortitude.
“I see you have not finished your breakfast, your lordship.”
Nathan glanced at the barely touched dishes and his own clean, empty breakfast plate. He generally requested to eat his breakfast in his study, so he could get a good start on the day and get a good bit of work done. Generally, he did not eat much on a morning. There was too much that needed doing.
“I’m sure it was delicious,” he said, a trifle lamely. “What was it you wanted, then?”
“Lord Beckett is waiting in the foyer, your lordship.”
Nathan frowned. “Colin?”
“Yes, Lord Whitmore. He said something about a planned riding excursion?”
Nathan remembered in a rush, flushing. “Oh, of course, of course. Oh, heavens, I forgot entirely.”
He glanced down at his half-finished notes, and bit his lip. They would likely not return home until luncheon, and unless he was to skip luncheon entirely – probably not a wise choice, considering that he had not eaten breakfast either – he would have hardly any time to prepare for Lord Davenport’s visit.
I could tell Colin that I’m too busy, or that something has come up. He’d understand, wouldn’t he?
He glanced up, meeting the butler’s eyes. The man’s expression was carefully neutral, but Nathan was sure he saw a flash of disapproval in his eyes.
You’ve already cancelled too many arrangements with your friend, haven’t you?
He bit back a sigh.If I take a short break, I can return fresh to my work.
“Tell him I’ll be down directly,” Nathan said. “I’ll just change into my riding attire.”
The butler’s face relaxed into a smile. “Very good, your lordship.”
***
It was a fresh, crisp morning, ideal for riding. The cool air tinged their cheeks and noses pink, and frosty grass crunched under the horses’ hooves.
For a few moments, Colin and Nathan rode side by side, sitting straight in their saddles, and didn’t talk much. It was a comfortable silence – or at least, it would have been, if Nathan had not been so preoccupied with the work waiting for him back home. Meetings with Lord Davenport were always stressful. Sometimes, he couldn’t help but feel that the man was remembering all too well the time when the Whitmores were not titans of business, but the human version of plain bad luck.
“Louisa’s coming to tea with the family and me today,” Colin remarked, somewhat idly. “My mother keeps talking about her dowry. It’s not sufficient, I know. I keep telling her that I don’t care in the slightest. I’d marry Louisa if she hadn’t a penny but I don’t believe that Mother can understand that.”
“Indeed, she can be rather mercenary,” Nathan agreed. “But she’s happy that you are marrying for love, isn’t she? And Louisa is such a dear girl.”
Colin flushed, beaming the way he always did when Louisa was mentioned.
“Sheisa most cherished young lady. To be candid, I can scarcely fathom my good fortune. She is the very love of my life, and I am resolved to take her as my wife. I consider myself exceedingly fortunate. Yet, at times, I find myself grappling with a sense of ingratitude.”
“Ingratitude? What do you mean?”
Colin shrugged. “I confess I am rather apprehensive as well. The institution of marriage is a grave matter. It has the potential to bring one joy beyond one's most fervent aspirations, yet it may also plunge one into despair. What if I were to err in my choice? What if I prove to be an unsuitable husband? The thought of causing her unhappiness fills me with considerable trepidation.”
“Small chance of that, I should think,” Nathan replied easily. “She adores you, andyouadoreher. I can’t think of any better way to start a marriage. Just be yourself, Colin. You are kind, generous, and cheerful. Keep those qualities, and all shall be well.”
Colin chuckled, shaking his head. “Pray, I knew you would possess the sagacity to offer the right counsel, dear friend. Upon awakening this morn, I found my thoughts in disarray and my heart racing as though it might leap from my breast, for I was quite overcome with trepidation. I said to myself, 'Steady now, my good fellow, take a moment and proceed to visit Nathan as you had resolved. He shall provide assistance.' And indeed, you have. I am most grateful.”
Nathan threw his friend a small smile.
