What a Reckless Rogue Needs (The Sinful Scoundrels, #2)(15)

“Yes, Mama,” the twins said in unison.

“Why do I suspect you will both forget the moment something else catches your fancy?” the marchioness said.

Angeline liked Margaret very much. She had a witty way of managing her high-spirited girls. Even her scolds were gentle but effective.

“Mama, may we take Hercules for his walk now?” Bianca asked.

“I can see very well you are wild to be out of doors.” The marchioness turned to the duchess. “Do you mind if Penny joins them?”

“Not at all,” the duchess said. “The exercise is good for their health. Do remember your bonnets and wraps, girls.”

The twins and Penny retreated. High-pitched giggles echoed outside the drawing room and eventually dissipated.

“Angeline, do you wish to join them?” the marchioness asked.

“I think I shall take my sketchbook and walk,” she said. “The scenery is so spectacular this time of year.”

After she quit the room, the marchioness sighed. “She is better now, but we shall endeavor to enliven her spirits with walks, drawing, and conversation.”

“She is restless,” the duchess said. “When she begged me to allow her to make over the principle drawing room at Worthington Abbey, I could not deny her. She was excited, and we all saw her talent, but when it ended, she looked lost. Now she spends much of her time walking the grounds and drawing. I confess I worry.”

“She will recover her high spirits,” the marchioness said. “Angeline is strong, never forget that.”

The duchess set her dish of tea aside. “Hopefully we have weathered the worst.”

“I do believe the scandal has already faded,” the marchioness said.

The duchess sighed. “It has faded because my daughter has not made an appearance in London society since breaking her engagement.”

The marchioness set her own cup aside. “She is beautiful and the daughter of a duke. That and her marriage portion will pave the way.”

“I’d always hoped she would make a brilliant match.”

“I hope she finds love,” the marchioness said.

“In our day, parents arranged the marriages,” the duchess said.

“Yes, my father wanted to elevate our family,” the marchioness said. “I was frightened half to death.”

“You were educated as a lady,” the duchess said.

“I learned the nuances from you, my dearest friend.”

The duchess smiled. “More important, you found happiness with your husband.”

“I am blessed to have married a man I grew to love,” the marchioness said. “I wish it for Angeline. She deserves the ultimate happiness.”

“I agree, but I would fail my daughter if I did not council practicality,” the duchess said. “If she is fortunate, there will be affection, but you know my concerns.”

“All will work out. I am sure of it.”

“I received a letter from my son today,” the duchess said.

“I hope Lady Landale is well.”

“My son’s wife is nearing her confinement. I shall have a grandchild soon.”

The marchioness leaned forward. “Why are you not rejoicing?”

“I dread telling Angeline when the baby is born.”

“She will be happy for her brother and sister-in-law,” the marchioness said.

“Yes, she will express outward happiness for her brother and his wife, but it is only natural to wish for one’s own fulfillment. In her situation, she may find the news a reminder of her recent troubles and her lack of a husband.”

“I cannot credit it,” the marchioness said. “She is better off without that deceiver.”

“I agree, but we want our daughters to find happiness in marriage.”

“And our sons,” the marchioness said, “though Colin is not my natural son. I wish that our relationship was not so…guarded.”

“Nonsense, you did an admirable job, but he was eight years old when you married Chadwick. He spent much of his time at school, and you were ill for a long time after losing an infant. You had to regain your strength. Colin’s life was no different than that of any other boy at Eton.”

Margaret clasped her friend’s hand. “You came to nurse and comfort me.”

“You were rewarded with two lovely, spirited girls.”

“I am blessed,” the marchioness said. “I only wish those same blessings for all of our children.” She sighed. “I do wish Colin and Angeline would form an attachment.”

“It has been my dearest wish all these years,” the duchess said. “I suppose we were too obvious today.”

Margaret laughed. “I fear so.”

“It is so frustrating,” the duchess said. “It would be a brilliant match.”

“I would council leaving the matter to Providence,” the marchioness said, “but I suspect Chadwick has taken matters into his own hands.”

“What do you mean?” the duchess said.

“I saw Colin storm out of the house earlier, and when I confronted my husband, he said that he had everything under control. I’m sure he made a muddle of things. Chadwick is as stubborn as a mule, but I shall speak to him. If he presses too hard, I fear Colin will leave and never return.”