“And if anyone else does question the validity of the marriage, they can review the parish register book themselves.”
“I don’t believe it will come down to that, not anymore,” Colin said. “Mrs. Burkard and her son will remain under my protection, and I dare anyone to try to disparage them.”
Mr. Hardwick nodded. “Mrs. Burkard is a lucky woman to have such a fierce protector as yourself.”
“It is the least I can do.”
Mr. Hardwick reached into his satchel and pulled out another sheet of paper. “I also have the deed for the Cosworth cottage, and I have transferred it to Mrs. Burkard, per your request,” he said, extending the paper.
“Thank you.” Colin’s eyes reviewed the deed. “I do appreciate how quickly you work.”
“As I said, you are my favorite client,” Mr. Hardwick said. “It also helps that my wife took our children to visit her parents this past week.”
Colin rose and put his hand out for the deed. “I have no doubt that Mrs. Burkard will be pleased with the Cosworth cottage.”
“I would imagine that to be the case,” Mr. Hardwick said, rising. “If you need anything else, please do not hesitate to send for me.”
After the solicitor left the room, Colin sat back down, and a smile came to his lips. The Cosworths’ cottage was far enough way to grant Mrs. Burkard and her son privacy, but close enough that he could ensure they were taken care of. He had accomplished what he had set out to do, and it felt wonderful.
* * *
Arabella staredout the window of the coach, admiring the passing countryside and avoiding conversation with her father and stepmother across from her. They’d arrived the day before and had spent the time since criticizing her decision to marry Colin. Frankly, little else needed to be said between them.
Her father’s voice drew her attention. “It is a lovely day for a wedding.”
“I find the weather to be rather drab today,” Augusta remarked.
Arabella took a moment to study her stepmother. She had blonde hair, a thin face, and a large nose. She wasn’t entirely unfortunate to look at, but she was not the beauty Arabella’s mother had been. However, it was her shrill voice that had always grated on the nerves.
“I do worry that thetonwill gossip about how quickly you are marrying after breaking your engagement with Lord Eastwood,” Augusta said.
“Lord Eastwood broke the engagement, not me,” Arabella reminded her. “I’m sure thetonwill understand, since he ran off to Gretna Green with Lady Georgiana.”
Augusta sighed dramatically. “I do hope your actions do not affect our place amongst the Beau Monde.”
“Colin and I only intend to spend time in Town during the Season,” Arabella remarked.
“That is a relief,” Augusta said. “With any luck, thetonwill move onto another scandal and forget about you and your rush to the altar.”
“I wouldn’t say that I am rushing to the altar.”
“Aren’t you?” Augusta questioned, arching her thin eyebrow. “Why not just post the banns and wait three weeks’ time?”
“Colin did not wish to wait that long.”
“Patience is a virtue,” Augusta stated. “Thetonis not kind to people who acquire special licenses.”
“Why is that?”
“It makes people wonder if there were some extenuating circumstances that required you to marry right away.”
“Such as?”
Augusta placed a hand on her stomach. “One might wonder if you are increasing.”
Arabella’s lips parted in disbelief. “I am not increasing!” she said, her voice rising. “How can you even insinuate that?”
“It isn’t what I’m thinking, but theton.”
