Page 62 of When a Duke Loves a Woman
“Eames,” Collinsworth said. “Dearwood.”
Eames’s gaze came back to Thorne. “We were sorry your wedding did not go as planned. Unfortunate that your bride took ill. I hope your sister has recovered, Collinsworth.”
“She has,” Thorne said, before Collinsworth, who was shifting uncomfortably in his chair, could respond.
“Glad to hear it,” Dearwood said. “The wedding will go on then?”
He couldn’t quite bring himself to admit the truth of it. “We’re still working out the particulars.”
“We shall look forward to attending once again when the time comes,” Eames said. He bowed slightly. “Do give our best to Lady Lavinia. Your Grace, my lord.”
They strode away, an arrogance in their strut that made him want to trip them.
“Impertinent young swells,” Collinsworth muttered. “Did you catch the mocking in their tone?”
He had, but rather than responding, he simply sipped his whisky.
“Why did you not tell them the wedding was off?”
“Because it would start a chain of rumors that would change with each telling until eventually it would be reported I’d murdered her or some other silly nonsense. It would be better to announce it in theTimesso one version is read by all. I’ll see to the matter on the morrow.”
“Good God, Thorne, I’m sorry for this muck up.”
Oddly, he wasn’t. Certainly, it would be troublesome to sort everything out and he regretted he’d be unable to carry through on his promise to his father, but he had a greater sense of loss regarding the fact he no longer had an excuse to see Gillie. “I don’t suppose you’d sell me the land.”
“Unfortunately, one of my more cunning ancestors placed it in a trust detailing that it can be used only as a dowry for a daugh—good God, Hedley and Trewlove are heading in this direction.”
Thorne shoved himself to his feet as the two men approached. Collinsworth followed suit. Seeing the two at such close range, he couldn’t help but believe the earl had the right of it. Trewlove was Hedley’s son.
“Thorne,” Hedley said. “I believe you met Mick Trewlove when he married Lady Aslyn.”
“Indeed.” He held out his hand. Trewlove took it, but it was less a shake and more a squeeze. Thorne returned the favor, asserting himself, communicating he was not one to be intimidated. When they finally released their hold on each other, he introduced the earl, but it was obvious Trewlove’s sole interest resided with him.
“I believe you may have made use of my carriage recently,” Trewlove said, his blue gaze direct as it held Thorne’s.
“Indeed. I was most appreciative of it and your sister’s tender care.”
Although Trewlove reacted not at all, Thorne wasn’t convinced his jaw wasn’t on the verge of making an acquaintance with the man’s fist. “She is a remarkable woman, your sister.”
“She is not as tough as she appears.”
“I’m well aware.” Based on the muscle flexing in Trewlove’s cheek, he was rather certain that his jawwasin danger. “I would not take advantage.”
“I should hope not. It would not go well for you.”
“So your sister informed me.”
Trewlove grinned. “She does tend to speak her mind. I’m glad to see you’re on the mend.”
“Thank you.”
With a brisk nod, Trewlove walked off, Hedley at his side.
“What was all that about?” Collinsworth asked.
A warning to stay clear of Gillie. Pity Mick Trewlove didn’t realize his sister was worth the risk of encountering the man’s fist. Ignoring his friend’s question, he said, “You love your wife.”
“Undoubtedly.”
