Page 4 of Falling for a Forsaken Marquess
“I’m looking forward to those events,” said Martin. “Your parents are known to throw the best society parties.”
“Agreed,” Charles Malory added, a fellow member William got along with well enough.
“Do you mean to say our events are not up to par?” Jeremy asked.
Martin lifted an eyebrow, observing the bristling man. “Why in heaven’s name is this a competition? We were having a decent conversation, Potter. Do not bring your jealous nature into it.”
Jeremy turned red up to the roots of his hair. “That is not what I meant at all,” he protested.
“It certainly sounded like it,” Charles insisted.
“Well, it is not,” said Jeremy. “I tire of this conversation. I actually have capital news to share with you.”
“Oddly, I do as well,” Charles claimed.
“Are you both sharing the same news?” William asked.
“I do not think so,” said Jeremy. “I doubt anyone has been as lucky in love as I have. This London Season proved to be better than the ones I’ve previously attended. I have found myself a sweet lady whom I’m courting for a little while. I intend to ask for her hand before the fox hunt begins.”
“How long have you been courting her?” asked Charles. “I’ve already asked for my lady’s hand in marriage. We’re set to have a spring wedding next year.”
“I started courting her at the end of July,” Jeremy replied.
“You mean to court her for three to four months before asking for her hand?” asked Charles. “Is that not asking for someone to swoop in and take ...”
The man didn’t complete his sentence as he turned wide apologetic eyes to William. This was the last conversation William had expected to have, especially when he was trying to avoid it.
“I didn’t mean that,” said Charles. “I, uh, wasn’t thinking when I said it.”
“It’s no secret that Jacob and Charlotte betrayed me,” William told him. “You shouldn’t have to avoid similar conversations on my account. Do continue with whatever you wish to say. I won’t be here to hear the rest of it,” he said, rising from his chair.
“Where are you going?” Martin asked. “The meeting is about to start, and you know you cannot miss another one.”
William shrugged his shoulder. “Home, I suppose. The club is welcome to remove my name from its membership. It’ll be one less thing to worry about. Good day, gentlemen.”
Coming to a public place had not been the right choice after all; William should have taken a ride to a quiet area and had only his thoughts to keep him company. The last two months had been stressful with his mother pushing him to attend the London Season and find a bride, but William had steadily refused. Now, he was simply worn out and in need of rest. He took his coat and walked out of the building, closely followed by Martin.
“I wish you would stay,” he said. “We can discuss whatever is bothering you after the meeting.”
“Why don’t you come to the house tomorrow, and we’ll share a bottle of wine?” William suggested. “I’m not one to drink alone, so I’ll need a companion.”
“Surely you do not mean to become drunk?” Martin asked, surprise apparent in his voice.
“Certainly not. A glass or two will not make me ape drunk, old friend. Will you come?”
“Of course,” Martin assured. “Someone needs to help you put your thoughts in order. Is this about your marital situation? Or rather, the lack of it?”
“We’ll discuss it tomorrow,” William insisted.
Martin was well aware that William sometimes suffered from the stress of keeping his parents happy while dealing with their mounting requests. It didn’t seem enough that he regularly watched over his wayward brother despite the man’s betrayal.
William kept abreast of his brother’s movements through the continent, often sending him money to avoid destitution. Jacob had not returned home in the last four years, but it would be too soon if William ever saw him again.
“I’ll bring the bottle of wine,” said Martin, patting his shoulder.
William nodded, taking his horse from the footman. “Until tomorrow.”
He swung onto his horse, kicking its sides gently to drive the creature forward. He returned home quicker than usual and went straight to the library, keeping away from his parents. It was time for him to return to his own estate in Gloucester, but he had promised to remain with his parents until the end of the first hunting season month.
