What a Reckless Rogue Needs (The Sinful Scoundrels, #2)(65)

“That is something to consider,” Angeline said. Privately, she thought the woman terribly persnickety. Mrs. Faraday’s numerous complaints about minor issues grated on her nerves, but she maintained her poise.

When Mrs. Faraday examined the ceiling, she said, “Is this a reproduction?”

Angeline exchanged a smile with Colin.

“It is original,” Colin said.

“You’re sure?” Mrs. Faraday said.

“It has been in my family for many years,” Colin said.

“Where are the carpets?” Mrs. Faraday said.

“They faded,” Angeline said.

“I suppose they can be replaced, but that’s additional expense, Mr. Faraday,” his lady said.

“To be sure it is, Mrs. Faraday,” her husband said.

She took her husband’s arm. “I adore the nursery, but I understand you wish to keep the cradle and rocker, Lord Ravenshire.”

“Yes, I do,” Colin said.

“There is much to like, Mr. Faraday,” his wife said, “but I feel I must look at the other one again. This property is priced on the higher side compared to the other. There are some drawbacks, but we will take all into consideration.”

Angeline bit her lip. Really, the woman’s blatant attempts to lower the price were too obvious.

“It is such a difficult decision,” Mrs. Faraday said. “Nothing ever quite suits me.”

Colin cleared his throat. “Mr. Faraday, do you have any questions?”

“No, my lord. I will contact your esteemed father in a week or so. We should have a decision by then, provided we don’t decide to have one more peek at the house, that is.” Mr. Faraday chuckled.

“Come along, Mr. Faraday,” his lady said. “I’ve a mind to see the other place one more time.” She paused and said, “We are serious about the property. The location is especially convenient, as we have family in the area.”

“I understand,” Colin said, his tone neutral.

Colin and Angeline led the way downstairs.

When Colin opened the door, it was raining harder. “Mind your step,” he said as Mr. and Mrs. Faraday hurried to their carriage.

A crack of thunder made Angeline gasp. Colin shut the door and looked at her. “No wonder my father is exasperated.”

“I cannot believe Mrs. Faraday asked if you were certain the painted ceiling was an original.”

They both laughed.


“Your father should not indulge Faraday again. The man has no spine, and his wife is a bit vulgar. Can you imagine how often Mr. and Mrs. Faraday would call at Deerfield?”

“That would certainly be a deterrent to sell to them,” he said.

“Perhaps your father will grant you the property now,” she said. “I’m sure he would enjoy having you close.”

“Are you hungry? We might as well eat luncheon since we have the hamper,” he said. “We can depart afterward.”

She noticed he’d not responded to her statement about him living at Sommerall. Evidently, he did not wish to discuss the matter.

When they reached the breakfast parlor, Colin lit a branch of candles because it was dim.

Angeline served the chicken, ham, fresh bread, cheese, and biscuits. He found a bottle of claret and they drank wine with their meal. Afterward, Angeline sighed. “We didn’t eat even a quarter of the food.”

“It will keep until we return,” he said.

“It is a cozy breakfast parlor. Do you have any memories of this room at all?”

“No, I only have vague recollections of being in the nursery,” he said.

Another loud crack of thunder startled Angeline. Colin opened the shutters. Lightning lit up the sky, and he squinted through the wavy glass. “There’s the carriage. John is taking it to the old barn.”

“Oh, dear,” Angeline said, standing beside him. “I’m glad there’s a safe place for John and the horses.”

Thunder clapped again and lightning snaked through the sky. She rubbed her arms. “Lightning has always frightened me a little,” she said.

“It is dangerous to be out of doors in a lightning storm,” he said.

The wind gusted, and the slanted rain sheeted.

Within minutes something was pounding the roof. He used a napkin to clear the fog on the window. “It’s hail.”

“What an awful storm,” she said.

“We’ll just have to wait it out,” Colin said. “Shall we go to the drawing room? I’ll light a fire, and we can have another glass of wine while we wait.”

She was still rubbing her cold arms. “I wish I’d brought a shawl.”

“I’ll pull a blanket off one of the beds and bring it to you, and then I’ll make a toasty fire.”

“Very well.” It seemed they would not be able to leave until the rain and hail abated. Hopefully, the storm would blow over soon.

He brought the wine bottle and she carried their glasses. He set the bottle on the sideboard. “I’ll be only a moment,” he said.

Thunder kept rolling and the rain and hail pounded the roof. She walked to the window and pulled back the drapes. It was raining so hard that she could make out very little through the wavy glass except sheeting rain. Footsteps thudded and she was relieved to see Colin. “I looked out the window. The rain is drumming the roof.”