What a Reckless Rogue Needs (The Sinful Scoundrels, #2)(81)

Colin’s skin prickled. Good God, Harry’s uncle must have died. “Where is he?”

“The main drawing room, my lord.”

Colin shrugged into his coat and ran down the stairs. Margaret sat next to Harry. The duchess and Angeline were there as well. “Harry, old boy.” He clapped his friend’s shoulder.


Harry looked as if he’d not slept in a week. “I decided to make a brief call on my way back to London. My uncle passed quietly and unexpectedly.”

“I am sorry.”

“Would you like another cup of tea?” Margaret asked.

“I’ll get you a brandy,” Colin said.

“Perhaps we should give you both some privacy,” Angeline said. “I am sorry for your loss.”

Colin looked at her gratefully.

“If you need anything, please ring the bell,” Margaret said.

After the ladies left, Colin poured a brandy for Harry and himself. “What can I do?”

“Nothing, really. I’ve got meetings with solicitors, bankers, and estate managers in London. I just wanted to see a familiar face.”

“You’re welcome to stay as long as you wish.”

“My mother and female cousins are taking his death very hard. They’re depending on me. All of them. I find myself wishing I’d paid more attention to my uncle’s lectures about the estate. Instead, I just laughed about the pigs.”

“You’ll manage,” Colin said. “Your uncle had good people working for him. If you need recommendations, Bell will know the right people.”

“I thought you would have returned to London by now, but I checked before leaving the city, and the landlord said you weren’t there.”

It seemed like a lifetime ago since he’d left the Albany. “You look done up, friend. Stay the night and rest.”

He sipped his brandy. “I must return soon. There is a mountain of paperwork and much to learn. My carefree days are over.”

Harry looked bad. “I insist you stay,” Colin said. “The paperwork will keep, but you need to rest.”

Angeline returned to the drawing room and directed Agnes to set the tea tray out. “There are cold meats, cheese, fruit, and a bottle of claret.”

“I’ve persuaded Harry to stay the night,” Colin said, looking at her meaningfully.

“Of course, he must stay,” she said.

The marquess entered the drawing room. “I just heard the news. What can I do?”

Harry shrugged. “Nothing at this time. I’ll manage.”

“I’ve persuaded him to say the night at least,” Colin said.

“Yes, you need a good night’s rest,” the marquess said. “I am sorry to hear the news. Granfield was a good man.”

“I’ll leave you all now,” Angeline said.

Harry regarded her through red-rimmed eyes. “Thank you for your kindness, Lady Angeline.”



Four hours later, Angeline walked into the drawing room. Colin stood at the window and turned in her direction.

“Where is Harry?”

“Poor fellow. He was so exhausted. I convinced him to rest. I checked on him ten minutes ago. He’s sleeping.”

Colin pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m sorry for the delay in our announcement.”

She shook her head. “Your friend comes first.”

“I am reminded not to take family for granted,” he said.

“So am I,” she said.

He squeezed her hands and gazed into her eyes. Something in his chest turned over. He lifted her hand and kissed it. “You are a special lady,” he said.

“Make sure he breaks his fast in the morning,” Angeline said. “He is overwrought and likely to forget.”

“I will, Angeline. He means to leave very early.”

“You will tell him Godspeed for me,” she said.

He kissed her cheek. My God, I think I’m falling in love with you.



Two days later

Colin clasped his hands behind his back and paced in the great hall. He’d awoken early, hoping he might be able to have a private word with Angeline. He’d tossed and turned last night trying to think of exactly the right things to tell her. In the end, exhaustion had claimed him. He would simply have to rely on instinct and honesty.

Running footsteps sounded on the stairs. Bianca and Bernadette hurried down the steps while Angeline followed behind, carrying Hercules. Evidently, the twins were still hiding the dog in their bedchamber.

A ray of sunshine from the high windows promised a clear day. When he caught Angeline’s gaze, something turned over inside his chest. He’d never felt anything quite like it before.

After his sisters ran down the stairs, they were a little out of breath.

“Penny is still sleeping,” Bernadette said, “but Angeline offered to help us train Hercules in the kitchen this morning.”

“Ah.” He smiled at her as she joined them. “It is very generous of you to help my sisters train Hercules.”

“I figured it was best to work with him early in the day before other activities. It’s important that his training be as consistent as possible. He’s a clever dog and will respond well if given the chance.”

Angeline attached his leash and set him down. Naturally Hercules tried to run off and his toenails slipped a bit on the marble. Angeline gently pulled back the leash and said, “Halt.”