What a Reckless Rogue Needs (The Sinful Scoundrels, #2)(10)

“No. I figured money was the key to my independence.”

“You did it in the event I cut off your funds.”

Colin smiled a little. “You did threaten once or twice.”

“With good reason,” the marquess said. “That affair de coeur with Lord Ogden’s wife could have ended with you planted six feet under.”

He’d been only twenty when Lady Ogden had seduced him, but he didn’t want the conversation to veer off into a blind alley. “First things first. I will take care of estimates for the repairs. If I find that it is currently beyond my means, we could draw up an agreement in which I repay you for the cost of any required loan.” Surely his father would not object.

The marquess tapped his fingers on the polished surface of his desk. “It may well require the services of an architect and all manner of workers. Why should I contribute funds when I have a perfectly good offer?”

“I understand, but I’m more than willing to make a partial payment now,” he said.

The marquess narrowed his eyes. “You failed to answer my question.”

“The primary advantage is that it keeps the property in our family.” Surely he would not sell when his mother was buried there.

The marquess steepled his fingers. “You intend to occupy the house soon?”

“First I intend to inquire about the best men to provide estimates for the work.”

The marquess stood and looked out the window. He was silent for a long moment.

Colin restrained the urge to speak. His father would reveal his concern in his own good time. Interjecting at this point would be foolhardy.

The marquess turned around. “Suppose I approve this plan. Will you personally supervise the renovations?”

Colin frowned. “I certainly intend to make inquiries on the progress.”

“I see.”

“Whatever it is that concerns you, I’m sure I can provide a solution.”

“What happens if there is a problem while you’re in London? Do you expect me to take the reins while you’re carousing?”

“Of course not. I plan to journey to Sommerall once a quarter.”

“And the remainder of the time? Are you willing to give up chasing lightskirts, gaming, and swigging spirits to oversee renovations that might take years to accomplish?”

He doubted it would take years, but he recognized that his father was testing him. “If a problem arises while I’m in London, I will make the journey home.”

The marquess shook his head. “The answer is no.”

Colin was taken aback. “I’m willing to make concessions.”

“I, however, am not. Your responses to my questions were unsatisfactory. You have no real interest in Sommerall.”

“Of course I have an interest in Sommerall or I wouldn’t be here,” he said.

“Precisely,” the marquess said.

Colin winced. “I realize that I’ve been distant of late, but I will remedy the situation.”

“Forgive me, but I have doubts. As I recall, the last time you came home was Easter, and you departed before a sennight. If it were only the one time, I would make an exception, but you’ve kept your distance from all of us for years. Now you expect me to award Sommerall to you when you haven’t earned it. Based upon your notorious behavior, I think it would be foolhardy for me to trust you. You are unwilling to supervise the work, and that tells me you have no intention of leaving behind your wild exploits in London.”

“I will make the journey—”

“My answer stands. If you were truly interested in Sommerall, you would personally see to the work, but you’ve no intention of mending your rakehell ways. I know you’ve become a two-bottle man, and before you accuse me of spying, I assure you I’d rather not know. Unfortunately, gentlemen are competitive and like to rub it in a man’s nose when his heir spends much of his time engaged in disreputable pursuits.”


For pity’s sake he was thirty-one years old and getting a lecture, but he decided to pacify the marquess. “Father, I know I can—”

“Enough. You’re unwilling to commit to this venture. Under the circumstances, you give me no choice but to sell Sommerall.”

Colin clenched his teeth, imagining spending months alone in the countryside. But if he didn’t agree, he’d lose Sommerall forever.

He walked over to the hearth in an effort to calm himself. The worst possible thing would be to let his frustration show, and he couldn’t let Sommerall pass out of his hands.

“Is there anything else?” the marquess said.

Colin took a deep breath and faced his father. “How much is the pending offer?”

“Even if you have sufficient funds to make the purchase, I won’t sell it to you. Obviously, the property doesn’t mean enough to you to make the necessary sacrifices.”

“My mother is buried there,” he said, struggling to keep the tone of his voice even. “How can you sell Sommerall?”

“I’ve already stated my reasons for selling it and won’t repeat them. The meeting is adjourned. Close the door on your way out.”

Colin was breathing like a racehorse. “You cannot sell it.”

“You’ve no say in the matter,” the marquess said. “You’ve shown insufficient interest in Sommerall and your family. I regret having to say no, but based on your actions, I find it difficult to believe you care about anything except gambling, drinking, and wenching.”