What a Reckless Rogue Needs (The Sinful Scoundrels, #2)(59)

He smiled a little. “I remember Grandfather well.”

“All I got for it was the devil of a head, but when I finally got to see her, I was so relieved. There you were, a wrinkled, red, squalling infant. I was afraid to hold you, but she insisted.

“It was a happy time. You were a healthy boy. She used to sit in that rocker in the nursery in a patch of sun and sing to you. I was so proud of you. I used to show you off to the tenants, the vicar, and all the parishioners. Elizabeth said I embarrassed her.”

Colin looked at his father wonderingly. This was a side of him that he’d never imagined.

“Elizabeth had two miscarriages afterward, and her health declined. She wanted another babe, but I was afraid and took care not to let it happen. She was determined, and we laughed afterward that she’d seduced me. Six months later, she passed away while giving birth to a little girl so tiny she could not have thrived. The babe was…buried with her.”

Colin briefly closed his eyes. “You must have been wild with grief.”

“Your grandmother had passed the year before, but your grandfather came to collect us both. I remember you cried and cried for your mother. It broke my heart.”

“I used to pray for a miracle that she would come home,” Colin said.

He sighed. “Life goes on, son. You were healthy and inquisitive. We spent a great deal of time together. You would sit on my lap while I read to you.”

“I remember,” Colin said. “The History of Little Goody Two-Shoes.”

“You made me read it over and over again. I was tempted to burn it, but I saved it for the day you have brats. I hope they make you read that book repeatedly.”

Colin laughed.

“When it was time to send you to school, I didn’t want to leave you at Eton, but I knew I had to do it. Two years later, I met Margaret’s father. He was in trade of all sorts and had pots of money. One day, the wily man let me see his daughter. I was smitten immediately.” He sighed. “I felt guilty for having feelings for Margaret. It felt as if I were betraying your mother, but you were at school, and I was lost until I met her.”

Colin could hear the melancholy in his father’s voice.

“It was an arranged marriage and hard for Margaret. Her father knew he was ill, and he wanted her to be safe and secure. Back then, she was shy and terrified of living in our world. I vowed then that I would earn her affections, but as it turned out, she earned mine.”

The marquess bowed his head. “I will love you until the end of time, Elizabeth.”

Colin’s eyes burned. He turned away and took out his handkerchief.

The marquess clapped his shoulder. “It’s time to return.”

Colin regarded his father. “Thank you for sharing memories of my mother. It helps.”



That afternoon, Colin managed to evade a group outing and took Angeline to the stables where he chose a mare for her. “We’ll only trot,” he said. “Those side saddles are dangerous. On second thought, I’ll take you up in front of me on Aries.”

“You know I have a good seat,” she said.

“Humor me. Your father will kill me if you fall.”

“Colin, no.”

“Yes, do as I say. Aries is waiting.”

Aries snorted as if he agreed.

The groom helped her up even as she continued to protest.

“Hush,” Colin said. “You’ll enjoy this.”

“I rather doubt it,” she said.

He walked the horse along the path.

“Colin, why even ride if we’re going along at a grandmother’s pace?”

He kissed her neck.

“Keep your eyes on the path,” she said, “or we’ll both fall off.”

“I’ll not let that happen. Hence the slow pace.” He didn’t mention the enticing feel of her bottom against his groin. “You can enjoy the scenery much better at a walk.”


“If I wanted to walk, I would use my legs,” she said.

He laughed. “Relax.”

“What else can I do?”

“That’s better,” he said. Lord, her soft bottom felt too damned good.

“Do you have a destination in mind?” she asked.

“Nothing in particular.”

“I don’t believe you,” she said.

“Just a few more minutes,” he said. Ahead, he saw a spot beneath one of the barren oaks. He halted the horse and slid off the saddle. Then he reached for her and let her slide down his torso.

“You did that on purpose,” she said.

“Did what?” he said, pulling off the rolled blanket.

“If you’re thinking of rubbing down Aries, you are wasting your time. He’s probably put out that you forced him to a sedate walk.”

Aries snorted again and cropped the grass.

Colin took her hand. “Come along.”

“Where?” she said in a snippy tone.

He liked it when she got feisty. “Trust me.”

“Hah!”

He spread the blanket and pulled her down onto it with him.

“Why do I suspect you are scheming?”

“Because you’re smart.”

“If I were smart, I would walk back to the house.”