Could they?
Seventeen
Morgan returned to Quin’s Cambridge home the next day, his expression aglow with knowledge. Quin knew his friend had something of interest to share by the way his eyebrows arched as he entered Quin’s study unannounced.
“You’ll want to hear this without delay,” Morgan said.
Quin gestured to a chair. “It’s a bit early for brandy, but…” His voice trailed off as he turned his focus to the sideboard. His nerves were already tight; the offer of brandy wasn’t simply a kind gesture for his friend’s sake.
“Pour” was all Morgan said.
Quin was amused. He stood and strode over to the sideboard, withdrew a decanter of fine brandy, and poured two snifters. He took a sip and then offered the other snifter to his friend.
“Out with it,” Quin requested.
Morgan took a long sip, his eyes closed in appreciation, then leaned forward. “I went to great lengths to make sure my information is correct, mind you.”
Quin waved his hand, having assumed as much already.
“If he’s a scoundrel, he’s done a bang-up job of hiding his tracks. As you said so eloquently earlier, he’s an ‘upstanding citizen.’”
Quin listened intently, not sure why this information didn’t sit well. He took another sip, then returned to his seat behind his desk as he waited for his friend to continue.
“And he’s unmarried,” Morgan added, his expression calculating.
Quin resisted the urge to squirm under his friend’s scrutiny.
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
“I see. And he’s titled… He might be a good option for Catherine,” Quin said, mostly because he was assuming it was the last thing Morgan expected from him.
Morgan shrugged a shoulder. “I’m glad you see it that way. I suggest you recommend it to her when you see her.” He leaned back, his stare unwavering, as if calling his friend’s bluff.
“I don’t feel I’m in a position to recommend suitors, but if she asks, I’ll give her your opinion,” Quin replied, keeping his focus on Morgan, not willing to fold.
“Brilliant,” Morgan replied, his word at odds with the focus of his expression.
“Thank you.” Quin lifted his brandy to salute his friend’s efforts. “I appreciate you looking into it.”
“It’s the least I can do for her. But I feel I should mention one thing.” Morgan took a sip of his brandy, stretching out the moment.
Quin waited for his friend to continue.
Morgan took another sip, and Quin damned his comrade’s flair for the dramatic.
“What is it?” Quin bit out, his patience wearing thin.
“Oh? You’re interested now?” Morgan asked, clearly amused to have pestered his friend to the point of breaking through his calm facade.
“Well?”
“Well what?” Morgan stared at Quin, his expression innocent.
“You’re a pain in the ass.”
“Ahh, compliments.” Morgan lifted his glass in a mock toast. “All I was going to say is this… You’re a bloody idiot if you don’t look in the mirror and tell the person you see in the reflection to offer for Catherine. I’m not blind, and I’m not an idiot. But apparently you are, and you need to chase after her before it’s too late.” Morgan leaned back in his chair and lifted his hands. “That is all.”