“I see,” Colin muttered. “But you must have some feelings for Lady Marjorie if you were kissing her.”
“I do,” John asserted. “She is unlike any young woman of my acquaintance.”
“That is promising, then.”
“It is, but I feel guilty and ashamed that I trapped her into marriage,” John admitted.
“Have you spoken to her about this?”
John shook his head. “We haven’t been able to be alone since we were caught in the gardens.”
“Even when you offered for her?”
“I’m afraid not,” John replied. “Her brother was present, and he was glaring at me the entire time.”
“Lord Bristol is not known for his compassion in the House of Lords.”
“I would agree. “
“When do you intend to tell Mother?”
John sighed. “I’m not sure. I know she will be terribly disappointed in me.”
“I don’t believe that will be the case,” Colin contended. “You did the right thing, and you are marrying a woman that you hold in regard.”
“What if Lady Marjorie grows to resent me for what I have done?”
Colin lifted his brow. “Did you force Lady Marjorie to kiss you?”
“No.”
“Then she must hold you in some affection.”
“I know she does, but that was before I forced her into a marriage.”
“Perhaps you are just overthinking this,” Colin said. “There is a chance that Lady Marjorie is feeling the same way as you are.”
John’s shoulder slumped slightly . “I am the third son of an earl and work as a barrister for my income,” he said. “I daresay that Marjorie could have done much better than me.”
“Does she have a dowry?”
“Ten thousand pounds.”
Colin nodded in approval. “That is more than adequate to set up your own household.”
“I agree, but I was hoping to reside in the London townhouse for the time being.”
“You are always welcome, especially since I have no plans to visit Town until next Season.”
“Thank you,” John said.
“When do you intend to get married?”
“The banns should have just been posted, so I expect within the month.”
Colin lifted his brow. “You aren’t sure?”
“Sadly, a lot went unsaid after I offered for Marjorie,” John shared. “I felt like I was being herded out of the room after she accepted.”
