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Louisa shook her head. “We’re just teasing. Now tell us how things are going. Truly. It looks like you’ve settled in nicely but we’d be more than happy to lend our assistance.”
Some things in life remained ever constant. Louisa’s desire to jump in and take everyone’s burdens onto her own shoulders was one of them. That tendency had bothered him in the past, making him believe that she saw him as little more than a child. But now he realized it came from a place of love and wanting only to help ease his burdens.
“Everything here is fine. But there is one thing I want to tell you.”
Catherine leaned forward. “Don’t be coy with us.”
He chuckled. While Louisa’s first tendency was to assume something horrible had happened, Catherine’s was to display an unending amount of curiosity.
“I’ve already explained the reason for hosting the ball—”
“You’ve already met someone!” Catherine almost bounced in her seat as she straightened.
His sisters shared a meaningful glance before Louisa spoke.
“Is that true? We’ll be meeting someone at the ball who has already caught your attention?”
“Not exactly.” He almost laughed at the twin expressions of disappointment on his sisters’ faces. “The former marquess has a niece who is still in residence. We’ve formed an attachment, and she has accepted my proposal of marriage.”
This time Catherine did bounce as she reached for Louisa’s hand and extended her other hand toward John. He leaned forward to grasp it, unable to restrain his grin.
“That is wonderful,” Catherine said, squeezing his hand. “I’m so happy for you.”
Louisa reached out to add a hand to theirs. “This is joyous news indeed. When will we be able to meet her?”
John placed his other hand over those of his sisters, giving them one last squeeze before releasing them and leaning back. “She’ll be joining us for dinner. And while I don’t expect you to keep this from your husbands, I would ask that you not discuss it with anyone else before the announcement is made.”
A small frown formed between Catherine’s brows. “You haven’t told your friends?”
Louisa laughed. “He means to use them as a shield against the unattached women when he breaks their hearts.”
John winced. That wasn’t precisely true, but he couldn’t deny his friends wouldn’t be happy to learn they’d be the only bachelors at the ball.
“Actually, I thought to spare Miss Weston the embarrassment of speculation. But I realize now that tongues will wag regardless.”
“So you are planning to tell them?” One corner of Louisa’s mouth rose as though she already knew his response.
“Well, now that you’ve raised the very practical issue of having a shield in place…”
His sisters burst into laughter.
“You are terrible,” Catherine said. “They’re going to murder you for not giving them any warning.”
“I have no doubt they’ll exact some form of revenge, but that is a problem for another time. First we have to survive the ball.”
“And you said we’ll meet her today?” Louisa asked as she rose to her feet.
Catherine followed suit, as did he.
“Of course. She’s nervous, and I think the added guests will help. Her friend, Miss Mary Trenton, is also visiting.”
“That’s silly. I’m sure we’ll like her just fine.” Louisa’s brow furled in concentration. “As for Miss Trenton, I don’t think I’ve met her.”
“I believe I have. She’s the sister to Baron Fairbanks’s wife. It was only the one time, however. If she joins them in town when Parliament is in session, she doesn’t make it a habit of frequenting the social events.”
Louisa had fallen quiet, but the stiff set of her shoulders telegraphed her concern. John knew exactly what she was thinking. He didn’t particularly want to have this conversation, but it would be best to get it out of the way.
“You’re worried.”
