he asserted. “You have no real responsibilities.”
Martin took a sip of his drink and eyed him cautiously. “Forgive me for saying this,” he said as he lowered the glass down to his lap, “but you haven’t seemed quite yourself since your father died.”
Edward tightened his grip on his glass as he attempted to squash the raging emotions building inside of him. “You wouldn’t understand,” he remarked in a steely tone, “both of your parents are alive.”
“That is true,” Martin replied, “but I have lost loved ones before.”
“I doubt that.”
Martin glanced down at his glass. “When I was sixteen,” he admitted, “my older sister died when she fell off her horse and hit her head.”
Edward grimaced. “I am sorry. I didn’t know.”
“It was a devastating blow for our family,” Martin revealed. “She was supposed to be married the following week.”
“How horrible,” Edward responded, knowing his words were not adequate.
His friend grew silent. Finally, he admitted, “But my sister was my best friend, and I mourned her loss deeply.”
“As well you should.”
Martin reached over and placed his glass on a nearby table. “There is nothing wrong with mourning the loss of another, assuming it doesn’t consume you.”
Edward’s eyes narrowed. “Are you somehow insinuating that the loss of my father has consumed me?”
Martin nodded. “I am.”
“Well, you would be wrong,” he scoffed.
“Am I?”
Edward quickly rose from his chair. “You would be,” he declared. “And how dare you even make that accusation!”
“It wasn’t meant as an accusation.”
“What was it, then?”
A small frown of concern was on his friend’s face. “It was merely an observation.”
Edward lowered himself back onto the chair. “You do not need to concern yourself over me,” he said. “I don’t require a nursemaid.”
“I never implied that you did.”
Edward took a long sip of his drink, then said, “It shouldn’t matter to you if I am happy with my life or not.”
Watching him closely, Martin leaned forward in his chair. “That is not how friendship works,” he commented. “We look out for one another, care for one another. You should know that by now.”
“I do, but nothing you say will bring my father back,” he snapped. “So, what is the point of even trying?”
“You are unhappy—”
Edward cut him off. “Yes, I believe we have established that.”
Martin frowned. “As I was saying, you are unhappy, and we need to find a way to bring joy back into your life.”
“Now you are starting to sound like Miss Blackmore,” Edward scoffed.
“Good,” Martin responded. “Let’s focus on what brings you joy.”
Edward considered him for a moment, then said, “I enjoy making money and having my investments grow.”
Martin grinned. “That is a good start,” he replied. “What else?”
“My sister brings me joy.”
“I should hope so.”
Edward shook his head. “That is all I can think of.”
“Nothing else brings you joy?” Martin asked.
“I can’t think of anything else,” he said with a shrug.
Martin let out a sigh. “This is going to be harder than I thought,” he muttered. “Many people find joy in riding their horses.”
“I do enjoy riding,” Edward shared. “I go every morning as the sun rises.”
Martin reached over and retrieved his glass. After he took a sip, he asked, “Have you considered taking a wife?”
“What in the blazes?!” Edward exclaimed. “Why would you even ask me that?”
“Because,” Martin started slowly, “having a companion might bring joy back to your life.”
“Or make me more miserable.”
Martin nodded. “That is true, assuming you choose poorly,” he remarked. “What about Miss Blackmore?”
Edward drew his brows together. “Are you earnestly insinuating that I should take Miss Blackmore as a wife?”
Martin laughed loudly, much to Edward’s great annoyance. “Heavens, no!” he exclaimed. “You two would be a terrible match.”
“Then I’m afraid I don’t understand.”
With humor in his voice, Martin explained, “You hire Miss Blackmore to find you a potential bride.”
“Why should I?” he asked. “A wife would bring a whole host of new problems.”
“Or,” Martin began, “you could find someone that would help with your melancholy. Someone who could bring joy back into your life.”
“I don’t think that is feasible,” Edward responded, leaning back in his chair.
“Why not give it a try?” Martin pressed. “After all, you don’t pay Miss Blackmore until you agree to a courtship, meaning it wouldn’t cost you a thing to go along with it.”
Edward reluctantly admitted that his friend made a valid point. “I suppose you make a good argument,” he remarked.
“Of course I do,” Martin said, grinning. “Besides, it’s not as if you are searching for love. Am I correct in that sentiment?”
“You are, but Miss