Chapter 11

After dinner, Teague walked with Simon along the stone terrace that served as the castle’s forecourt. They’d been abandoned by Sir Andrew the moment the man’s lady-wife, Simon’s sister Josephine, had batted her eyelashes at him. The man was incredibly besotted.

In truth, Simon was equally enamored with his wife, Isleen. But she had waved them out the door and settled in to play a game of cards with the Lady Ivy and her sisters, an event for which Teague felt immense gratitude. He needed to talk to someone, and Simon fit the purpose exactly.

“Marriage agrees with you,” Teague said, looking into the darkness of the gardens. The only light came from the moon and the windows of the castle behind them. “And with my sister. You both seem happier now than you were when you met.”

“I hope that holds true for many years to come.” Simon chuckled and looked over his shoulder at the castle, his home, his inheritance. “Isleen has been good for all of us, in truth. She’s a breath of fresh air. Whenever I talk to her, I feel as though I have learned a new secret to life or found a new way to look at things. Your sister is a wonder.”

Teague nodded thoughtfully. “Sir Andrew and Lady Josephine seem equally happy.”

“I couldn’t wish for better for either of them, though I do still point out as often as I can that Andrew was my friend long before he was Josephine’s husband. That must count for some sort of loyalty in our debates. Never seems to, though.” Simon tucked his hands behind his back and cast Teague a curious glance. “You sound somewhat envious of we poor besotted fools. Thinking of trying marriage for yourself? I can highly recommend it, thus far.”

Teague stared down at the stones beneath their feet as they walked. “I have given it considerable thought of late. My life has grown stagnant. Stale. My frustration with everything seeming to remain the same, no matter how hard I work at reform, has seeped into every part of my life. I need change. I need something to look forward to at the end of every insufferable day in Lords.”

“Finding a lady for yourself might help, though I doubt it will solve all your problems.” Simon, to his credit, sounded sympathetic rather than amused.

“Not all of them,” Teague agreed, because he hadn’t lost all his senses. Simon’s reaction to what he said next would determine how many, exactly, he lacked. Perhaps he should have practiced the speech in front of a mirror. Then at least he’d know if he looked as mad as his friend might think him. “I’ve been considering asking Lady Ivy to marry me.”

Simon stopped in his tracks, turning to face Teague with a mix of surprise and skepticism shadowing his features. “Marry Ivy? That’s rather sudden, isn’t it? You barely know each other.”

The weight of his friend’s gaze settled on Teague’s shoulders, a reminder of the gravity of his somewhat impulsive thought. He had thought of nothing else since her revelation at the picnic three days previous. However, the restlessness that had been his constant companion seemed to quiet at the idea of a future with Ivy.

“I know it sounds mad, but something about her...it’s as if she is the answer to a question I have been asking myself for months.”

Simon sighed, the corners of his mouth twitching in a reluctant smile. “From what I know of you, you have always been one to follow your instincts, even when it leads you off the beaten path. But marriage is a lifetime commitment, not a solution to ennui.”

“I am aware,” Teague replied, well knowing the seriousness of his own proposal. “Only, I’ve seen the way you and my sister are together. How you’ve grown. I want that for myself, Simon. Not the stagnant pool my life has become.”

Simon studied him for a long moment before speaking in a cautionary manner. “Then you must ascertain if she is a good match for you, or at least open to the possibility of a future with you. Love doesn’t always start with fireworks, but there must be a spark, Teague. I’ve seen too many of my friends enter marriages the way a martyr goes to the gallows. I don’t want to see you regret your choice nor see my cousin do so. You must consider your happiness. Promise me that.”

Teague nodded, feeling a blend of appreciation and determination. Simon hadn’t dismissed the idea as an impulsive mistake. Teague hadn’t completely lost his senses, then. “I promise,” he said. “I believe there’s something between Lady Ivy and me. Something worth exploring.”

Simon clapped him on the shoulder, a gesture of solidarity. “I’ll stand by you, as always. Just be sure before you take that final step, my friend. Be very sure.”

The exchange left Teague with much to ponder, the seriousness of his intentions now laid bare. Within his heart, the spark Simon spoke of had already flickered to life, illuminating the path forward with greater clarity.

Perhaps it wasn’t enough of a connection yet, but marriages had been built on less and thrived. The curiosity, the possibility of what could be with her, was irresistible in his thoughts. And if the chance existed for something genuine to grow, it was a gamble worth taking. Wasn’t it?

There was an attraction, on his side at least. He found her beautiful, her eyes captivating. He had wondered if those lips of hers, with their slow and gentle smiles, would feel as soft as he suspected when he kissed her.

“You know her brother is pushing for her to wed.” Simon stated the fact as though it was general knowledge.

“Indeed, I have come to understand that.” Teague was a bit surprised Simon knew of it. “Do you think he would object to an Irishman paying court to his sister?”

“Half-sister. I’m not certain.” Simon gave a shrug. “You’re a baron. Respected in Lords, even if some find your ideas radical. An associate to my family, linked by marriage. On paper, you’re an excellent choice for any English woman to wed.”

“I am.” Teague allowed himself a grin. “And I’m a handsome fellow, too.”

Simon choked on a laugh. “I doubt that comes under Lord Haverford’s list of requirements for marital candidates, but it might have an impact on Ivy’s thoughts on the matter.”

Teague chuckled to himself. “Since her opinion matters more, I’ll see what she thinks of the scheme first. There isn’t any point in bothering her brother—half-brother—until I know her thoughts.”

“How do you intend to approach her?” Simon stopped their walk and looked his brother-in-law up and down. “As though it’s a business negotiation, or with some semblance of romantic interest?”

“I wonder if there’s a guidebook for this sort of thing. ‘Impromptu Proposals for the Impetuous Gentleman’—now there’s a title.”

Though he laughed, Simon said, “Be serious a moment, won’t you?”

“Ah. Now I’ve given that matter a lot of thought. I think simplicity is best. Tell me what you think of this….”