What a Reckless Rogue Needs (The Sinful Scoundrels, #2)(91)

“Thank you, Father.”

“I’m sorry to disappoint you about the property,” the marquess said. “It was always intended for you.”

Colin nodded. His thumb smoothed over the pearl frame. “Thank you, Father. If you don’t mind, I’d like to ride over to Sommerall one last time.”

“Of course, take your time. I can send men later to collect the cradle and rocker.”

He nodded. “I appreciate it.”



Angeline led the group indoors. “I don’t know about everyone else, but I’m ready to warm my hands in front of the fire.”

“It is brisk outside,” Margaret said. “Girls, do not leave your wraps on the banister. Take them upstairs.”

Penny and the twins ran upstairs with their wraps. Not long after, the three giggling girls ran back down.

Angeline crossed her arms. “Is this your idea of deportment, girls?”

“We’ll try it with books on our heads after luncheon,” Bianca said.

Margaret held her palms up as if beseeching a higher power for help.

“I’m starving,” Penny said.

“You’re in luck,” Margaret said. “Luncheon is being served now.”

The marquess and Wycoff joined them.

“Papa, I’m surprised you and Lord Chadwick did not go shooting today,” Angeline said.

Wycoff exchanged a look with the marquess as everyone took a seat at the table.

Angeline looked at the marquess. “Where is Colin?”

“At Sommerall,” the marquess said. “You might as well hear it now since we’re all gathered. Mr. and Mrs. Faraday wish to purchase the property.”

Angeline gasped.

“Angeline,” the duchess said in a reproving tone.

“It’s perfectly understandable,” the duke said. “Our daughter recognizes what the property means to Ravenshire.”

When the marquess finished explaining the circumstances, Angeline rose. “Lord Chadwick, may I have the use of a carriage?”

“You should stay here,” the duchess said.

“Actually, Duchess, if you and Wycoff approve, I think Colin would welcome Angeline’s company,” the marquess said. “She was instrumental in assisting him, though I understand there is far more to be done—or would have been done.”

“I will approve,” Wycoff said. “They are adults, after all.”

“Thank you, my lord,” Angeline said. “Thank you, Papa.”

“I’ll make the arrangements for the carriage,” the marquess said.

Margaret rose. “I’ll have a hamper put together. He probably did not eat before he left. This is such a disappointment. I so hoped he would take possession and be near us at long last.”

Thirty minutes later, Angeline boarded the carriage with the hamper. She figured it would feel like the longest carriage drive she’d ever taken, even though it wasn’t all that far to Sommerall. She was glad that no one had complained about her journeying to him without a maid. This had to have been a low blow for him, and she wanted to console him.

When the carriage rolled into the drive at last, John stepped down and offered to carry the heavy hamper. Angeline hurried up the walk. The wind was blowing papery autumn leaves, and the gray sky looked forbidding.

The noise of the carriage must have alerted Colin because he opened the door. She ran straight into his arms. “I came as soon I heard,” she cried.

“Hush,” Colin said. “Come inside out of the cold.”

John set the hamper on the foyer table. “My lord, I await your instructions.”

“Drive the carriage back to Deerfield. Lewis took the other to the barn. Inform him that we’ll depart at four o’clock.”

“Yes, my lord.”

After John left, Colin wrapped his arms around Angeline again. “Thank you for coming.”

“How could I not?” She wiped a stray tear.

He offered his handkerchief. “You’re not weeping over an old house, are you?”

“I was so sure it would be yours.” I wanted it to be ours.

“It’s not the end of the world,” he said. “There are far worse things.”

He hugged her. “Come to the drawing room with me. I have something to show you.”

Why did everything have to fall apart? She knew it was ridiculous to think that way, but they had worked so hard, and she had wanted him to possess the property so that he could have his own home and be near his mother’s grave.

When they stepped inside, he walked to the hearth. “I’ll make a fire. It’s a bit chilly in here.”

“I could prepare a tea tray,” she said. “Margaret sent a hamper.”

“That would be nice,” he said. “Let me help. It’s a bit heavy for you.”

Not long after, he got a decent fire going, and the kettle whistled. He removed it while Angeline added tea leaves to the pot. He poured the hot water and sat beside her.

“While we wait for the tea to get dark, I thought you might like to see my mother’s miniature.”

He took out the box and showed her the pearl-encrusted frame.

“She was beautiful,” Angeline said. “Where did you find it?”