Page 50 of The Spinster's Stolen Hear
“Louisa? Heavens, no! She’s the most authentic young woman I have ever met,” Colin responded, snorting. “She’s entirely too honest at times. It’s most thrilling.”
“In that case, you can reassure yourself that you know exactly who you are marrying. And as to the element of luck, well, it can be reduced by marrying somebody you truly love, and choosing wisely. You have done both, so there’s no need for you to worry so intensely.”
Colin let out a long, slow breath. “Do you know, I think you’re right. Iambeing foolish, aren’t I?”
Nathan chuckled. “I never said that.”
“No, but you thought it. Iknowyou, you wretch.”
Nathan nudged him gently with his shoulder, and Colin nudged back.
On cue, the church doors opened, and Louisa appeared in the doorway, a vision in silver lace and satin. The congregation rose duly to their feet, whispering and exclaiming at the bride. Louisa, however, never glanced at any of them, not even once. Her eyes were fixed on Colin as she slowly progressed up the aisle.
Colin, for his part, seemed to have stopped breathing, transfixed. Nathan bit his lip, holding back a smile, watching the two of them come together. Colin held out his open palm, and Louisa extended a white-gloved hand to put it in. They seemed to see nothing but each other.
Once they turned to face the rector, who was smiling broadly, the service began.
Nathan settled into his seat on the pew, finding that there was a lump in his throat.
He’d known about Colin’s wedding for weeks, of course, and had looked forward to it. Colin deserved happiness, and so did Louisa. They were well-matched, and it was apparent to all that they were in love.
Jealousy, on the other hand, was a nasty, bitter thing, and had no place at a wedding. And yet Nathan found it forcing its way up his throat, burning as it went.
What must it feel like, to love so intensely and be loved back?
Marriage was a part of many, many people’s lives, but how many of them could boast of feeling the same love he saw in Colin’s and Louisa’s eyes when they looked at each other?
When Nathan closed his eyes, he saw Miss Pippa Randall behind his lids, looking up at him with a faint smile, her ice-blue and silver dress swirling around her. His chest tightened, and he swallowed thickly.
There’s no use pretending anymore. I am in love with her.
Well, that did him no good. Love was all very well, but only if it were requited. Andwashis love for Miss Randall requited?
It was hard to tell. Sometimes, he thought so, but at other times, she seemed to be actively avoiding him. Lady Randall certainly did not approve of him.
The ceremony reached the part where the bride and groom exchanged their vows. Nathan’s eyes shot open, as he remembered he was to give out the rings. He was on his feet in in the nick of time, handing over the twin gold rings. Colin took them with an inward-looking smile, a soft expression on his face.
“I now pronounce you man and wife,” the rector announced, beaming.
The congregation broke out into cheers. Nathan spotted his mother, who of course had known Colin for many years, blotting happy tears with the corner of her handkerchief.
And yet I feel nothing beside this hollowness. Why can’t I even be happy on my best friend’s wedding day?
No answer came. Nathan clapped mechanically along with everybody else.
***
The wedding breakfast was a cheerful, informal affair. The dancing had not yet started, and the meal was still progressing. Nathan was seated by the head table, swirling whiskey in his glass and trying to convince himself that he had an appetite.
There were many familiar faces at the wedding breakfast – Henry, for one, and his wife, Eleanor. Miss Randall and her mother were not there, of course, and nor was Katherine, on account of her progressing pregnancy.
Come on, now,Nathan scolded himself.You should be in better spirits. Your friend is getting married.
A quick glance at the head table showed Colin and Louise wrapped in conversation, staring dotingly at each other.
The plump, middle-aged woman nudged Nathan roughly in the side.
“Young love,” she said, nodding at Colin and Louise. “It’s fine to see, is it not?”
