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Judith, who had demonstrated sufficient courage and determination to face dangers that might have daunted many a soldier, smiled at her husband with a tenderness that left no doubt as to the wisdom of their union. If his eyes were suspiciously bright, he attributed the condition to the draught that had plagued the kirk throughout the service.
The wedding breakfast was an exceedingly lively affair. Blackthorn Hall had seldom witnessed such a gathering, and the company appeared determined to compensate for the anxieties of recent weeks with an abundance of laughter, excellent food, and rather more champagne than Renforth considered strictly necessary.
The gentlemen of his troop were particularly enthusiastic in their celebrations. Their wives were scarcely less so. Renforth had just persuaded himself that the afternoon might proceed without further demands upon his forbearance when Patience Stuart approached him.
“Colonel, I understand you have offered Basil and Judith the use of your town house.”
“Indeed. They must reside somewhere when they return to London.”
“That was exceedingly generous of you.”
“Not at all. The house has more rooms than I require, and Baines is already familiar with the arrangements. Besides, I should hate to see him squander his income on lodgings when there is perfectly suitable accommodation available.”
Patience regarded him with an expression he had come to recognize as the prelude to a lecture. “I suppose their company will be no hardship to you, will it?”
“Assuredly not. Baines has lived beneath my roof for years.”
“Precisely, and now that the others have established households of their own, I expect you are beginning to regret having encouraged them all to marry.”
“Madam, I have done nothing of the sort. Indeed, I consider their marriages among my greatest achievements. I have successfully transferred responsibility for five exceedingly troublesome gentlemen into considerably more capable hands.”
“An admirable accomplishment, sir, although I suspect you shall miss having them about.”
Renforth took a sip of champagne. “I have grown accustomed to a certain degree of peace and quiet.”
“I am pleased to know you shant be rattling about that enormous house with no one to keep you company.”
“I do not rattle, madam.”
“Then you shall brood, which is considerably worse.”
“Upon my word, Patience, you are becoming remarkably impertinent.”
“I have been assured that it is one of my more endearing qualities.” She smiled sweetly. “Besides, someone must look after you, since you appear quite determined not to do so yourself.”
“I have successfully managed my own affairs, madam, for a considerable number of years—far longer, I might add, than you have managed your own.”
“Indeed, but a wife might make the next considerable number rather more pleasant.”
Renforth closed his eyes briefly. “Good heavens. Must every conversation with a married woman eventually arrive at the subject of matrimony?”
“Only when the gentleman in question is particularly obstinate.”
“I assure you, I have no intention of marrying merely to provide someone with the satisfaction of managing my household.”
“Of course not, although I daresay there are other advantages to the arrangement.”
“I shall take your word for it.”
Patience laughed. “You may pretend indifference as much as you please, Colonel, but I suspect there is at least one lady who might persuade you to reconsider.”
Renforth regarded her sharply. “I cannot imagine whom you mean.”
“No? How very curious.”
Before he could question her further, Patience excused herself to join the other ladies, leaving him with the uncomfortable suspicion that his officers’ wives had begun to regard his unmarried state as a problem requiring their collective attention.
He was still contemplating the matter when Stuart joined him. “An excellent wedding,” the Major declared.
