“I have come to say my goodbyes.”
“You have?”
“I am returning to London until my wedding,” John shared. “I have no doubt that my caseload has increased tenfold since I left.”
“Have you informed Mother of your decision?”
“I have,” John replied. “I have only just come from her bedchamber.”
“Then I wish you Godspeed on your trip.”
John watched him for a moment, then said, “And I wish you luck with Arabella.”
“I appreciate that, but I do believe she is softening towards me.”
“I am relieved to know that, especially since you are much more tolerable with her around,” John teased.
Colin chuckled. “I don’t disagree with you there.”
John grew serious. “Just don’t give up on her,” he said. “She is a woman worth fighting for.”
“I should never have let her go,” Colin remarked.
“No, you shouldn’t have.”
“At the time, I thought I was doing the right thing,” Colin said dejectedly.
“Fate has been kind to you and given you a second chance with her.”
Colin nodded. “I agree,” he replied. “I have been most fortunate.”
“I do hope to be attending your wedding soon enough.”
“With any luck, it will be shortly after your wedding with Lady Marjorie.”
John smiled ruefully. “Just not too soon,” he joked. “I do intend to have a proper wedding tour.”
Colin could see the happiness etched on his brother’s face. “I am happy for you.”
“Thank you,” John responded. “But this is not a true goodbye, since I shall see you at my wedding.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
“I am hoping that you will stand up with me when I am wed.”
Colin tipped his head. “I would be honored to.”
“Wonderful,” John said, walking over to the door. “I shall see you soon.”
After his brother departed from the study, it only took a moment for Colin to decide that he wanted to go in search of this allusive poacher. He located his butler and ordered his horse to be brought around front.
As he waited in the entry hall, he saw his mother descending the stairs, dressed in a maroon gown. She came to a stop in front of him and asked, “Will you be joining me for breakfast this morning?”
“I will not.”
“Why is that?”
“I intend to go searching for the poacher who is plaguing my lands.”
