Colin leaned lower in the saddle as he attempted to coax more speed out of his horse. He glanced over at his brother and saw that John was doing the same thing. Once they reached the top of the hill, Colin reined in his horse and his eyes roamed over his lands. He still couldn’t quite believe this all belonged to him.
His brother’s voice broke through his musings. “How did your visit with Lady Langdon and Arabella go?”
“It was uneventful,” Colin muttered.
“Why was that?”
Colin frowned. “Arabella is so blasted stubborn.”
“That’s not surprising,” John said. “She has been since we were little.”
“I know, but it is quite vexing.”
“How so?”
Colin adjusted the reins in his hand, then said, “Whenever I try to have a frank conversation about our past, she dismisses me out of hand.”
“Why do you suppose that is?”
“I know not, but I do know that I hurt her deeply.”
John gave him a knowing look. “That you did, brother.”
“I want to make it up to her,” Colin said.
“How do you propose to do that?”
Colin shrugged. “I’m not entirely sure, but I won’t stop trying until my dying breath.”
“You do realize that Mother is playing matchmaker between you two?”
“I am well aware.”
John’s gaze left his as he said, “I was hoping to speak to you about something important.”
“I’m listening.”
John paused. “I offered for Lady Marjorie Griffin and she accepted.”
Colin stared at his brother in disbelief. “You are engaged?”
“I am.”
“When did this happen?” Colin asked.
“Right before coming here.”
“Why didn’t you say anything before?”
John met his gaze. “I’m afraid it still doesn’t seem real to me.”
“Well, congratulations are in order!”
With a wince, John admitted, “I am not sure if congratulations are in order, or condolences.”
“I’m afraid I don’t understand.”
John was silent for a long moment before saying, “Her brother caught us kissing in the gardens and demanded satisfaction. I decided to do the honorable thing and offer for Lady Marjorie.”
