Will strode down the length of the parlor and back again for at least the thirtieth time. He had waited all week to be summoned by Eugénie, but had not even received a note to either thank him or refuse his gifts. Why hadn’t he heard from her? One would have thought that after six days of peace offerings she’d relent and invite him to visit, at least for tea. This wasn’t going at all as he’d expected.
He fingered the ring in his pocket. It wasn’t the family heirloom he’d intended for his bride, but it would suit her beautifully, if he ever got the chance to see her again.
There was also the continuing problem of how to wed her. He’d consulted a Danish lawyer. Eugénie was correct. They needed permission from both guardians for her to marry. The solicitor also told Will he would not be allowed to use the power of attorney from his father to give himself permission to marry Eugénie. Secondly, she wasn’t being at all cooperative. Not that it mattered until he’d heard from his father. He closed his eyes, repressing a shudder. Papa would laugh himself silly when he received Will’s request to wed Eugénie. At least he wasn’t going to be humiliated in person.
He turned at the end of the parlor. Why the devil hadn’t she sent for him? Eugénie had to be the most contrary woman he’d ever had the misfortune to meet.
“Stop pacing,” Andrew ordered in an amused tone. “You are going to wear a hole in the carpet.”
Will stared at his so-called friend. “It’s been six days, and I haven’t heard from Miss Villaret at all.”
“When was the last time you went to the house, hmm?” Andrew raised a brow.
If he didn’t watch it, Will would wipe the smug expression from Andrew’s face. “Six days ago,” Will muttered, “when I tried to give her the flowers.”
Now that he’d said it out loud, it sounded a bit ridiculous, but he’d never had to bring a woman round before.
“Six days?”Andrew had his I-can’t-believe-you’re-so-daft look on his face. “Did it not occur to you that after your behavior at the soirée, she might expect a little in-person groveling from you?”
No, he’d thought she didn’t want to see him. “After I was turned away at the door, I had the presents sent to her.” Will ran his hand through his hair. Maybe there was something to be said for being chased. “I’ve been waiting for some sign she’s over being angry with me, and I’ve run out of things to buy.”
“Sent? By the shop?”
Will nodded.
“You have turned into a dullard.” Andrew shook his head slightly in disgust. “You were supposed to have presented yourself to her to have a peal rung over your head.”
Why did no one tell Will these things? “I’ve never had to do that before. Baubles always worked in the past.”
“Yes, with widows and high-flyers. Not a woman you mean to marry.”
Will wanted to kick something or put his hand through a wall. “Why didn’tyousay anything?”
“In case you haven’t noticed”—Andrew closed his eyes briefly—“I’ve been planning my own wedding, which will take place on Tuesday, if the vicar shows.” His voice softened a bit. “Truthfully, I didn’t realize you and Eugénie hadn’t made up until Cicely mentioned it earlier.”
“Oh God.” Will collapsed on the chair. “What a mull I’ve made of it all.”
Andrew pressed a glass of brandy in Will’s hand. “I’d say that about sums it up.”
He’d go to his betrothed first thing tomorrow.
“There is one other thing you should know. Eugénie is deuced upset that you haven’t been by.”
Damn. He’d have to go get more flowers. Mrs. Rordan wouldn’t be happy. Now he’d have to grovel to two women. He took a slug of the brandy as his friend for once said nothing. “Congratulations on your wedding. I’ll stand up with you, of course.”
Andrew smiled. “I wouldn’t have anyone else. By the by, I’ll be moving to Whitecliff’s house after the ceremony. Cicely and I will live there until we go back to England.”
Will nodded. “I understand.”
They were quiet for several minutes, then Andrew said, “What exactly does your father’s power of attorney say about the Wivenly children?”
“The children?” Will didn’t understand.
“You are aware that Eugénie has sisters still here?”
“Yes, of course.” He rubbed a hand over his face. “What of them?”
“It occurs to me that you might not want to leave everyone in St. Thomas when you sail back home.”
