“But I am unsure of her affection, and that is agonizing.”
“It’ll all work out.”
John huffed. “Are you a fortune teller now?”
“No, but I am trying to stay positive,” Colin said.
“That doesn’t sound like you,” John remarked. “You are generally a naysayer.”
Dickson stepped into the room with a tray in his hands and turned to John. “A letter was just delivered for you, sir.”
John jumped up and put his drink on the table, then hurried over to the butler and picked up the letter.
“It’s from Marjorie!” John exclaimed, staring at the folded piece of paper.
“Are you going to read it?” Colin asked, bemused.
John unfolded the paper and started reading. After a long moment, he lowered the paper and declared, “She cares for me!”
“That is wonderful news!”
“It is,” John said. “She informed me that the wedding is to be in three weeks’ time and her family will be hosting a luncheon after the ceremony.”
“Where will the wedding be?”
“At her brother’s country estate in Kent,” John shared. “They have a chapel on their lands and the vicar is their second cousin.”
“You will need to inform Mother straightaway,” Colin urged.
“I shall,” John said, folding the note and slipping it into the pocket of his blue jacket. “She will be thrilled by the news!”
“I have no doubt.”
John smiled broadly. “I am engaged!” he exclaimed.
“Yes, you are,” Colin said, returning his smile.
“I’m marrying the girl of my choice, despite the unorthodox way of going about it.”
“I am truly happy for you.”
Their mother stepped into the library. “Why is John announcing he is engaged?” she asked. “I thought that was already established?”
“He just received a letter from Marjorie, and she confessed her undying love to him,” Colin revealed.
Their mother clasped her hands together. “How wonderful!” she said, turning towards John. “I am so happy for you!”
“Thank you,” John responded. “Frankly, it doesn’t quite seem real that I won Marjorie’s affection.”
“A marriage with a foundation of love is all that I have ever wanted for you.” Their mother glanced over at Colin. “For both of you.”
“I am still a long way from securing Arabella’s love,” Colin said.
“I doubt that,” their mother remarked. “I have seen the way her eyes light up when you walk into the room.”
“Regardless, I do not intend to rush her and risk losing her forever.”
“That is wise,” their mother remarked, “but don’t wait too long.”
