“You’re right, of course,” she said. “Very well. I will reluctantly keep this to myself for now. But please, do visit her soon. I do not know how long I can hold onto this without bursting.”
Michael rolled his eyes at his mother's eagerness, but he knew that her enthusiasm would serve him well. He needed someone to take charge of the wedding preparations, at least on his end. His mother was the perfect person for the job. She was the only person he had to handle such things, to be fair. But clearly, it was something she relished doing.
“Find calm in the fact that I am to marry,” he said. “Soon enough, those who need to know will know.”
His mother nodded, but he no longer knew if she heard him. Her mind was clearly working, and she had a huge smile on her face.
Breakfast ended soon after, and the dowager rose quickly from her seat.
“I shall write to the countess of Tockenham right away,” she said. “She and I can begin discussing the wedding arrangements.”
Michael chuckled, nodding as he, too, rose.
“Very well,” he said. “I will be in my study, as always.”
His mother nodded, once more, but she was already halfway out of the dining hall. Michael smiled to himself. For the first time in ages, he wouldn’t have to lock the door to his study. His mother was getting her way, and she would be busy for quite some time.
With a confident stride, Michael headed to his study, where he planned to clear a space for the vase. He envisioned the vase sitting prominently in the center of his collection, its beauty and rarity a testament to his taste and wealth.
As he carefully rearranged the items in his collection, Michael thought about the Earl's daughter, his soon-to-be wife. He knew little about her, but he was confident that she would be a suitable wife, given her family's reputation and standing in society. As his mother had insisted, he planned to meet her soon. He hoped that she would be as pleased with the engagement as her father was.
Michael was filled with a sense of satisfaction and anticipation as he continued thinking about the impending arrival of the vase to his collection. He would have felt guilty for thinking less about his upcoming marriage, but he had been dreaming of adding the vase to his collection for ages. He had gone to great lengths to secure the engagement to the Earl's daughter, knowing that it was the key to acquiring the vase. Naturally, the acquisition took precedence in his mind. He ignored the niggling question in the back of his mind about whether he was doing the right thing. Everything would work out. He was sure of it.
Michael was heavily focused on his task when he was interrupted by Patterson, announcing the arrival of his cousin, Marcus.
“Good day, Michael,” Marcus said cheerily. “Good to see you again, Cousin.”
Michael offered his cousin a distracted smile.
“Good day, Marcus,” he said. “What brings you by?”
Marcus gave him a hopeful look.
“I need a favour,” he said. “My fencing gear has been stolen. I have taken measures to try to get it back, but I don’t hold out much hope. I was hoping that you would be willing to lend me Finton’s old gear.”
Michael was barely listening. His mind was still preoccupied with thoughts of the vase that would soon be his. He nodded absently, waving his consent with his hand.
“Sure, Cousin,” he said. “You have my permission.”
Marcus chuckled, clearly pleased with Michael’s answer.
“Thank you, Cousin,” he said.
Michael grunted in response, still focused on rearranging the collector’s items in his study.
Marcus stepped closer to Michael, causing Michael to glance at him. His cousin had a strange look on his face that made him pause in his work.
“Was there something else?” he asked, confused.
Marcus scoffed with disbelief.
“You mean, besides your upcoming nuptials?” he asked. “I would consider that a pretty big deal. Congratulations to you, by the way. Forgive me for not saying it before asking you for a favour.”
Michael groaned inwardly. He asked, even though he already knew the answer.
“How did you hear about that so quickly?” he asked.
Marcus shrugged.
