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“I have never seen a woman love a man as much as Gemma has always loved you,” he said.
Edmund nodded, sighing.
“And for that, I will be eternally grateful,” he said. “But that did not keep me from thinking that she was so perfect that I didn’t deserve her.”
Andrew nodded. His marriage to Rowena was only to be one of convenience, so what Edmund was saying didn’t really apply to him. And yet, as they stood there talking, Andrew found himself wondering again, as he had at the opera, if Rowena might not deserve better, as well.
Edmund patted him once more and gave him a knowing look.
“It wouldn’t be such a bad thing if your marriage turned out to be more than just an arrangement, you know,” he said. “Perhaps give that a little thought.”
Andrew stared at his brother-in-law. How could Edmund have guessed that Andrew found himself attracted to his fiancée? Or was he just trying to give the best advice he could based on his observations?
“Come,” Edmund said, stepping away from Andrew to retrieve his abandoned fencing gear. “It will be dinner time soon.”
Andrew started to follow, then stopped.
“But which of us won?” he asked, smirking.
Edmund chuckled.
“We will call this one a draw,” he said. “Which means the next bout will be double or nothing.”
Andrew laughed heartily and clapped his brother-in-law on the back.
“We have a deal, my friend,” he said.
Back in the manor house, Edmund showed Andrew to the guest chambers before he went to his own, so they could change out of their fencing attire. Wallace met him in the guest chambers with his suit fresh and ready.
“Did you win, milord?” he asked.
Andrew grimaced.
“I did not,” he said. “But the earl has called it a draw and says its double or nothing next time.”
Wallace laughed.
“Might I suggest you practice a little beforehand next time, my lord?” he asked.
Andrew made a face at his valet and snickered.
“Perhaps I will take my losses out of your salary,” he said.
Both men laughed.
When he was dressed, Andrew made his way to the main dining hall of his sister and brother-in-law’s home. They were just seating themselves, and they greeted him warmly when he entered.
“Good evening, Andrew,” Gemma said sweetly. “I understand that your fencing bout went well today.”
Andrew gave Edmund a playful glare.
“For whom?” he asked.
Edmund puffed out his chest and grinned.
“For me, the next time you lose,” he said.
Gemma giggled and Andrew laughed as well. It was nice to have a meal that did not include his overbearing, cold mother. When the first course came, he ate as heartily as a man who had not had a proper meal in days.
