What a Reckless Rogue Needs (The Sinful Scoundrels, #2)(92)

“My father had it stowed away in his desk. I suppose he felt a bit guilty keeping the miniature because of Margaret. He gave it to me. So you see all is not lost.”

Angeline bit her lip and nodded, because she was an adult and it was silly to cry on his behalf, but she felt his disappointment in her own heart. “I imagine Mr. and Mrs. Faraday will be kind enough to allow you to pay your respects to your mother periodically.”

“Yes, I’ll speak to them. It shouldn’t be too much of an imposition, I hope.”

She poured the tea. “I confess I’m a little sad. I’d looked forward to replacing the furniture and draperies. We never did get around to discussing a laundry and a spring vegetable garden, but that’s no longer your concern.”

They drank their tea in silence.

She set her cup aside. “Will you be staying through the Christmas holidays?”

“I have business in London. I’ll journey home a few days beforehand.”

She felt as if a clock were winding backward to the first night she’d seen him outside the drawing room at Deerfield. Everything had changed and then settled back to where they started the journey to the house party.

“Would you like to walk to your mother’s mausoleum?” she asked. “I would be glad to accompany you.”

“Thank you. I would like that very much.”

The wind was blowing autumn leaves everywhere. A red squirrel scampered past, reminding her of Hercules. When they reached the mausoleum, he took out the miniature and kissed it. “You will not be forgotten,” he said.

Tears poured down her cheeks.

He took out a handkerchief and blotted them. “I think she would have liked you.” He put his arm around her shoulder and led her back to the house.

“Do you want to walk through once more?” she asked.

“Yes, I think so.” He lit a lantern and led her up the stairs. “Let’s start at the attic, shall we?”

She gave him a weak smile. “We did spend a great deal of time there.”

They stepped inside. “Everything is in order,” he said. “But I don’t see our mouse.”


She laughed.

“I expect my father will send servants for the rest of the items.”

Colin took her hand, and they walked through the nursery. He retrieved the box of tin soldiers. “I think I’ll take this for sentimental reasons.”

They walked into his father’s old room where the shaving stand stood. Then he led her through the connecting door to his late mother’s room.

“Well, the bed didn’t catch fire, but it was a near thing.”

He startled a laugh out of her. “Oh, I cannot believe the things I said and did.”

“You may scoff, but truly it was one of the best nights I’ve ever had.” He looked at her from the corner of his eye. “I hope you have no regrets.”

“I don’t,” she said. I will never regret loving you.

He sat on the edge of the bed and patted the mattress. “Sit with me. There is something I wish to tell you.”

She took a deep breath and joined him.

“I have sent letters to my friends. I gave them no particulars, but, and this hopefully will not unsettle you, they are very aware that Brentmoor mistreated you. Harry and Bellingham are willing and more than able to bring in supporters for you. With your permission, I would like to do everything in my power to restore your good name.”

She stood and walked to the window. When she pulled back the drapes, brown and orange leaves swirled in the wind. “I intended to ask my mother, Margaret, and Charlotte to help.”

“I believe Mrs. Norcliffe will help as well, but I want justice for what he did to you and your family.”

“I don’t know if it is even possible,” she said. “I could refute certain things, but more than one man saw me in the gardens with Brentmoor.”

“He tricked you, and I’m certain it would not surprise anyone, given his bad reputation. I’ll leave the choice to you, Angeline. You don’t have to decide now.”

She thought about the way Brentmoor had manipulated her father. She thought about the way he’d tricked and humiliated her in those gardens, and she thought about all the lies he’d told. All those things welled up inside her.

“I’m tired of worrying about how this is affecting my family. I am furious with that man for what he did to me, and undoubtedly what he has probably done to other women.”

“You’re shaking,” he said.

“I’m shaking with fury. How dare he hurt my family and me? I want him brought down to his knees.”

“Consider it done, Angeline. I promise you, I’ll see him literally brought to his knees.”



Two days later

Everyone had gathered for a walk. Bianca attached a leash to Hercules. Angeline bent down to the dog and said, “Sit.”

Hercules licked her hand.

The marquess strolled by and scoffed.

Colin laughed and then a knock sounded. He walked toward the foyer and saw Ames handing over coin to a man bringing the post. When the butler shut the door, he looked at the addresses and held them out to Colin. “My lord, you have two urgent letters from London.”

He suspected who had written them, but he would say nothing in front of the others. Colin exchanged a long look with his father. Then he said, “Please go on ahead with the walk, everyone. I will join you after I have dealt with a business matter.” He bowed and hurried up the stairs.