Chapter 43：I already do

―Does that mean we can display horrible table manners? Mr. Wilcox grinned mischievously. ―Of course. And we can have as much dessert as we want. Feel free to only have dessert if you wish, he said. During the dinner, Brad sat next to Leo and asked him, ―Has my sister come around yet?

―Why didn't you tell me that she was opposed to the marriage? Leo had to ask it. He wanted to know why his best friend failed to mention that important piece of information to him before the wedding. ―Because I thought you two would be a good match.

You were certainly better than Harrison Grant Jr. I figured once she got a chance to know you, she'd realize that too. Besides, I had encouraged you often enough to approach her, but you were too shy to do it.

This was the only way I could think of to force you to spend actual time with her. Was I wrong for being somewhat devious in my role as a matchmaker? ―I'm not a big proponent for forcing women to do things that they don't want to.

―Which is why I didn't tell you that she was opposed to it. I got a chance to talk to her earlier today, and she didn't seem all that upset. She didn't exactly thank me for my part in the scheme, but she blushed an awful lot when I asked her how things were going between the two of you.

I know my sister. She's falling in love with you. Besides, I notice you're keeping her around for a month. Aren't you technically going against her wishes for an immediate annulment?

―Point taken, he conceded. ―Look, she's not complaining about being with you. She was running out of the church right before the wedding but today when I talked to her, she was talking about decorating the parlor. She got over the wedding jitters pretty quick.

Leo closed his eyes. He had no idea she tried to run away from marrying him. It was depressing to think she was that eager to get away from him. Opening his eyes, he turned back to Brad and asked, ―How many people know that she was so adamantly opposed to the union?

―Very few. A lot of them are wondering what all the annulment talk is about. I just tell them that since you two didn't know each other to begin with, you agreed to live together, platonically of course, for a month to see how well you suit each other. I overheard that you two were caught kissing in the parlor on Monday and yesterday.

Leo hid his annoyance. Why did people delight themselves in gossip? He was amazed that he could even sneeze without the whole town knowing about it. ―I suppose if we do consummate the marriage, then everyone will be talking about that as well.

―Since we're all waiting to see whether or not it's going to last, you can bet on it. Face it. You two are every gossiper's dream come true. ―And you're on that list? He shrugged.

He could almost hear them talking amongst themselves: Did it mean that they were falling in love or was it merely an appearance? He was relieved when dinner ended and his uncle waved him over to Mr. Walker and Mr. Leroy.

He joined them in the den where they could have some privacy from the other men who had gone to the parlor to talk. Once he sat in a chair next to his uncle and across from the other two men, he allowed himself to relax. It was nice to be able to forget about the town gossip for a while. His uncle was the first to speak.