“I have never suffered from the disease that inflicts so many,” Finn sighed. “I believe it’s called running off at the mouth,” he added, and was relieved when he heard Will’s chuckle.
“It is so rare to hear you apologize I am almost tempted not to accept. Alas, seeing the distressed look on your face, however, I fear I must.”
Finn looked out over the guests as the realization of just what this man’s friendship had come to mean settled upon him. He had not had many chances in his life for male companionship. Becoming guardian to headstrong twins at age sixteen tended to hinder friendships, but now he had Will in his life he wanted to keep him there.
“I’m not distressed. That look is simply because you took the last crab patty and I wanted it,” Finn said. “And I do apologize; I just rarely have the need to.”
Will chuckled again. “And there is the arrogant man I know so well.”
“I’m not arrogant,” Finn denied, and then when Will didn’t speak he added. “I’m not.”
“Of course you are. You’re never challenged unless it’s by me or your brothers, and usually you always get your own way in everything, again unless I’m around to stop that happening. I’m sure you’ll select a wife with no backbone, which will mean there is no one in your future questioning you. Therefore, I feel duty bound to do so.”
“I’m rapidly regretting that apology,” Finn muttered.
“Your brothers do their best to annoy you regularly and upset your narrow existence, but even there you are able to deflect, regroup, and walk away unscathed. It does my heart good to see you shaken now and again, Finneous.”
“I don’t lead a narrow existence,” Finn protested. “I lead a full and busy life.”
“Alone, with no one to naysay you.”
Finn looked over the dancer’s heads until he found Phoebe. She was smiling sweetly at Phillips, who in return was about to fall into her chest.
“I like my life,” Finn added, and to his ears he sounded defensive.
Will was silent for a while before saying, “Do you know, Finn, I think you should get to know my wife’s sister better. She is really a sweet- natured woman.”
Finn snorted. “I think not, my friend. Miss Langley and I may enjoy sparring with each other, but there is little doubt that a closer acquaintance would not be healthy for either of us.”
“Still intent of finding that perfect, sweet, and biddable wife you told me about one drunken night in India?”
Finn shook his head. “I wish you would forget that conversation.”
“Well, are you?”
“Yes,” Finn spoke softly. “It is my fondest wish, and I believe the search will soon end.”
“I know that when your mother handed the twins to you and fled, everything changed in your life, and that you wish for a wife who bears no resemblance to her. However, you have a lively wit and intelligence, Finneous. Can you not see that finding a woman with neither will leave you unhappy?”
Finn sighed. He wished he had kept his mouth shut on that drunken night. He’d told his friend far too much, it seemed. “Just because she is not outspoken does not mean my future wife will be dull, Will.”
“True,” Will nodded. “But having my own bossy, outspoken and determined woman, I want everyone to share my happiness.”
Finn laughed as Will had wanted him to.
He was subjected to another long look, and then Will stuck out his hand which Finn took.
“I wish you well then, my friend, with your hunt. However, I would ask you to remember one thing.”
Finn didn’t think he was going to want to remember what Will said, but he nodded anyway.
“Life cannot always run to plan, my friend, and remember that not all women are equal…some are worth far more effort than others.”
“That makes no sense, Ryder.”
But Will said nothing further and Finn watched him walk to where his wife stood talking with another lady. He slid his hand around her waist and Olivia leaned towards her husband. He could never imagine Phoebe Langley relying on a man for her care and support or, for that matter, leaning into him. Taking a last gulp of his drink, Finn then made his way to Miss Arbinger’s side to claim her for the next dance. At least she was sweet and amiable.
Phoebe tried again to put some distance between herself and her dance partner. After the gentle, sweet-natured Mr. Phillips, Lord Hitchcock was the direct opposite.
“Please observe the correct distance, Lord Hitchcock.”
“Forgive me, Miss Langley. I simply long to be near you.”
Lecherous pig, Phoebe thought, forcing a smile onto her face as he leered down her bodice.