FROM HIS PLACE A FEWstalls over, Colin frowned as he replayed in his head the overheard conversation between his sister and Abigail. Had he been such an ogre to his little sister? He didn’t think so. He had always been polite to her. But what did he know about seventeen-year-old girls? He would have to do better.
Going to London and buying her new finery would certainly score him points where his sister was concerned, but it would be a great nuisance to him. He had his hands full with the estate affairs at the moment, and was not looking forward to having to enter society. Dread would be a more accurate way of describing his feelings towards the London season.
But the thing that hurt him the most. What caught at his heart, like the talons of a hawk, were Abby’s dismissive words when his sister had asked her if she liked him. Abigail had laughed as if the idea was ludicrous. Well, maybe in a way it was. But he wished, had hoped... What had he hoped for? That she wouldlikehim that way? That she would be attracted to him?
He would be the first to admit the idea was far-fetched.
His mood ruined, he left the stables and strode towards the house. What he needed was a vigorous training session. The side entrance to the house was close to the appallingly decorated room he had decided to turn into his gymnasium. Maybe Wang would be there, and amenable to sparring.
He found the older man as soon as he entered the room. He was quietly putting together one of his exercise machines.
“Wang. Glad to find you. How’s the gymnasium coming along?”
Wang looked up from his work and nodded in greeting. “Very well. It is almost completed.”
“Excellent. Any machine ready to be used?”
“Not yet. It will be ready in a couple of days.”
Colin bounced on the balls of his feet. The frustration caused an odd restlessness to take hold of him. “Would you like to do some sparring?”
His mentor studied him with disturbingly wise eyes. “You look upset. It is not good to spar when emotions are in turmoil. It dulls the senses.”
“I know. But I need to burn some energy.”
“You should court her.” The comment, delivered in Wang’s usual calm voice, had the impact of a cannonball.
“What are you talking about?”
“Lady Abigail. You like her. It is obvious she is the cause of your altered energy. Sparring with me won’t restore your equilibrium. But courting her might.”
“What if the lady doesn’t reciprocate my feelings?” His voice came out a little strangled, and he cleared his throat.
Wang thought about it for a few moments. “I think she does. And the two of you suit. She is a carer. And you are a protector.”
“Be that as it may, I just overheard the lady tell my sister that she didn’t feel that way about me.”
Wang just regarded him, shaking his head slowly. “You shouldn’t be eavesdropping on others.”
Colin frowned. “I wasn’t eavesdropping on purpose. I unintentionally overheard. I was in the stables and they came in talking.”
“Well, regardless of the situation, you shouldn’t give too much credence to overheard comments. Actions speak louder than words, if one pays attention. And I still think you two would suit. You will never find out if you don’t take a chance.”
Take a chance. Did he dare? Yet how could he not? He feared he was past caution where she was concerned. He needed her in his life. And he would do whatever it took to have her.
