John sat on the settee. “You are being entirely too reasonable this morning,” he grumbled.
“Aren’t I always?”
“No,” John replied. “Sometimes you can be downright cantankerous.”
“Perhaps, but I find myself in a tolerable mood this morning.”
John gave him a look. “Did something happen with Arabella?”
A smile tugged at Colin’s lips. “We had a frank conversation last night after the children from the orphanage left, and I learned that she still holds me in some affection.”
“That’s wonderful!” John declared. “When’s the wedding?”
Colin put his hand up. “I said that she holds me insomeaffection,” he said. “I never said she was willing to marry me.”
“But you will persuade her?”
“I hope so, but Arabella can be quite stubborn.”
“As can you.”
“I am well aware, which is why I don’t intend to stop wooing her until I have convinced her to be my bride.”
“How do you plan to do that?”
Colin sighed. “That is a really good question, and I am open to ideas.”
John placed his drink onto the table. “You could buy her flowers,” he suggested.
“I don’t think that will impress her.”
“Jewelry, then?”
Colin shook his head. “I have already thought of that, but I don’t believe it’s what Arabella needs or wants.”
“You could buy her a horse,” John proposed. “She loves riding.”
“That she does, but that is a rather presumptuous gift,” he said. “Don’t you think?”
John shrugged. “I shouldn’t be the only one tossing around ideas.”
Colin rose from his chair and walked over to the drink cart. As he picked up the decanter, he said, “We are going ice skating this afternoon.”
“With any luck, you will be engaged soon after,” John joked.
Colin chuckled as he poured himself a drink. “I do not believe so, but that is a pleasant enough thought,” he responded. “You could always join us.”
“Frankly, I would rather be anywhere else.”
“It could get your mind off Lady Marjorie.”
John groaned. “Why did you have to bring her up?” he asked. “It was nice to have a momentary reprieve.”
“You poor, tortured soul,” Colin teased.
“Thank you,” John said, reaching for his drink. “I am glad someone is finally able to see what I am forced to endure.”
Colin picked up his glass and took a sip. “You are fortunate enough to be engaged to the woman you care for.”
