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He was sitting in the drawing room with his two brothers-in-law before their departure. Once, he’d disliked the Marquess of Overlea on principle, but he’d been young then and unable to see beyond that hatred. Now he had nothing but respect for the man.
He would miss his family when they left, but in that moment he couldn’t wait for them to depart. He had yet to see Amelia that morning. She was probably saying her own goodbyes to his sisters. And then he could finally be alone with her again. Amelia’s friend would still be in residence, but it would be much easier to steal his betrothed away from one guest than from seven.
John took a sandwich from the tea tray before him and demolished it while Overlea and Kerrick discussed where they should stop for the night.
John fixed his gaze on Kerrick, giving in to his curiosity. “You’ll have to tell me the story of your courtship of Catherine. She hinted at some near heartbreak there.”
Kerrick winced. “Yes. Maybe one day I’ll tell you about it. We’ll need something more than tea, however.”
Overlea leaned back in his chair. “I’m glad you’re happily situated here. Louisa never stopped worrying about you over the years, and then when you left London shortly after your arrival…” He lifted a shoulder. “She was concerned you’d be lonely.”
John could only shake his head. “Louisa fell into the role of acting as mother to me and Catherine when our mother died.”
“That might have been true once, but she’s been content to let go of her fretting since our children were born. But she was quite put out with me for not chasing you down and forcing you to return.”
John shook his head. He might not have left Brock Manor in the middle of the night, but his behavior toward Amelia last night had been just as selfish. “That definitely wasn’t the best decision I’ve ever made, but I don’t regret enlisting. If I had it to do over, I would wait to take my leave instead of disappearing.”
“You needed to become your own man. And much as you hated me, I do understand that.”
“Catherine was also worried, but she understood your perspective. She’s been known to take a few risks herself. I almost dread what she’ll want to do when the children are grown and out of the house.”
John could well remember the trouble Catherine used get into when she was younger. Now that he thought about it, it was no wonder Louisa had constantly worried about them. He raised his cup of tea in salute. “Well, here’s to happy endings. Soon I’ll be joining you in wedded bliss.”
Overlea and Kerrick didn’t say anything, but from their knowing smirks, it was clear they suspected he and Amelia had already consummated the physical side of their relationship.
The moment was interrupted by the sound of a throat clearing. They turned to find Louisa standing in the doorway, hands on her hips. “Isn’t it a little early to be drinking?”
“Yes, mother,” John said, standing.
Overlea and Kerrick rose as well. Louisa crossed her arms and glared at them. Catherine popped into position next to her and shook her head.
“You can’t win,” Overlea said. “And since becoming a mother, your sister has become adept at making one wither with a single glance.”
“Well, my cup has tea in it,” Kerrick said, bending down to grab his cup and raise it into view. “I can’t speak for these other characters.”
Overlea lifted his cup as well, and with a sigh, so did John.
“Very good,” Louisa said, smiling warmly at her husband.
John wondered if he was so transparent in his affection whenever he looked at Amelia. He probably was. “Will you be joining us? I can ask for a fresh pot of tea.”
Catherine shook her head. “We had something to eat with Amelia and Mary. I fear it’s time now for us to depart.”
They all stepped out into the hallway, and John couldn’t help but think back to his family’s small cottage. They never would have all fit in that hallway. It was still impossible to believe just how much their lives had changed.
He looked toward the stairs and then down the hall that led to the back of the house, wondering what was keeping Amelia. She wouldn’t miss saying goodbye to his family.
He engulfed his sisters in a hug.
First Catherine, who whispered in his ear, “You did well! I like Amelia very much. I look forward to having her in our family.”
Louisa held on a little longer, and when he finally pulled back, she dashed a tear from her eye.
He examined her expression. “Still worried about me?”
Louisa shook her head. “No, I’m happy and relieved and disappointed that I have to leave so soon. But I miss the children.”
“We’ll see you again in a couple of months for the wedding.” He squeezed her hand and stepped back.
