“But I have considered the benefit her bloodline would bring to this family,” Robert continued. “That is more important to me than any land.”
“You wish to have a golden lineage,” Colin intoned with irony. “Why did you not tell me this? I would have ridden straight to Lady Harriet’s house upon my arrival to introduce myself.”
Robert’s glare could freeze a lake on a hot summer day. “I will not tolerate such sarcasm from you, young man!”
Colin tossed back the rest of his brandy. “When do you wish for me to call upon her?” There was still some sarcasm in his tone but he could not help it.
“They are in Bath now. After you hand in your resignation to Miles, we shall travel there to make itofficial.”
His father had mentioned that Colin would have to forfeit his position at his uncle’s company – yet another thing he didn’t want to do.
“Very well, Father. When do we depart?”
“You have a fortnight to make the necessary arrangements with Miles. I expect you to be ready by then.”
Colin's jaw tightened. Miles had saved him from a dark path when he took him away from England when he was one and twenty, and parting with him had been mostdifficult. Robert had no idea how his selfishness was affecting him, and he was unlikely to find out. Colin did nottell his father he had already concludedhis business with his uncle, giving him more time to himself before meeting Lady Harriet.
“Is that all, Father?” he asked; bracing his hands on the arms of the chair to stand.
“Yes, you may take your leave.”
Colin did leave, feeling as if he had just lost something greatly treasured to him, but couldn't quite placewhat it was.
CHAPTERTHREE
“Colin Smith?”
Colin recognized the voice right away andsmiled. Michael Rogers, his maternal cousin, was approaching his table at White's, where he was currently seeking refuge from everything.
“Your eyes do not deceive you, Cousin,” he drawled as Michael clapped him on the back.
“It is good to see you, Colin.” He sat in the empty chair across from him. “How long has it been? Five years?”
Colin could not help chuckling. “You know it has only been three. It is good to see you, too.”
“Three?” Michael’s eyes widened in mock disbelief. He motioned for a waiter nearby and ordered some beer while Colin downed the remainder of his scotch. “When did you return?”
“Three hours ago.”
Michael’s eyes narrowed. “Three hours ago, yet you are here without merry company. From what, or should I say whom, do you seek refuge?”
“My father,” Colin revealed. Michael had been his only friend before he left England and they had corresponded frequently afterward.
“What has he done?”
“He wishes for me to marry Lady Harriet. Thomas’ intended.” He said; tempted to have another glass despite the fact it was afternoon still.
“And you do not wish to marry her, do you?” Michael asked.
“I knew I'd have to marry eventually but I never gave it much thought, even when the title was passed to me.” He had always imagined seeing the woman before deciding if he wanted to marry her.
“I commiserate with you, Colin,” Michael said. “I had just finished my business in town and was about to leave when I saw you. If you have the opportunity, you are welcome to visit my home in Kent, where you might find some peace before entering the parson's mousetrap.”
Colin thought about his cousin’s proposal for a moment. His father had given him a fortnight before they would visit Lady Harriet. He did not have anything to do in London before then—having already finished his own business with his uncle.
“When do you leave for Kent?” he asked Michael.
“After this drink,” he raised the glass of beer just delivered to him, “and a promise from you that you shall visit us.”