What a Reckless Rogue Needs (The Sinful Scoundrels, #2)(96)

“Unfortunately, no. If I did, I assure you, I would be in raptures. The thought of Mr. Quimby and me in the same neighborhood as Baron Overton is one I sometimes entertain.”

“How delightful,” Margaret said.

Now that Margaret had distracted Mrs. Quimby, Angeline released a sigh of relief.

“We will journey there at the end of the month. I do hope to make the acquaintance of Lord and Lady Brentmoor. I have heard she is a great beauty,” Mrs. Quimby said. “Is that true, Duchess?”

“I do not consider beauty a recommendation for making acquaintances,” the duchess said. “Character is the important factor.”

Angeline thought that Mrs. Quimby could not fail to notice the duchess’s chilly reply.

“Oh, to be sure,” Mrs. Quimby said, “but one cannot help noticing great beauty. I wondered if you had an opinion of her looks.”

The duchess lowered her embroidery. “I do not.”

Angeline was certain her mother’s curt reply would quell the woman.

“It is a shame that Lord Brentmoor lost his esteemed father, and of course, his grief must have been large,” Mrs. Quimby continued, “but a fortune will always be welcome, to be sure.” She laughed.

Angeline thought the woman exceedingly vulgar.

Margaret turned her attention to Mrs. Quimby. “Allow me to pour you another dish of tea.”

“That is so kind of you, but I’m not thirsty. Lady Angeline, you did not say whether or not you had met Lord and Lady Brentmoor?”

Unfortunately, the reverend’s wife was not the sort of woman who sensed undercurrents in conversations. Again, Angeline chose to ignore the question.

Margaret rose. “Duchess, let me bring you another cup of tea.”

Angeline noticed her mother’s lips were drawn tightly. Poor Mama to have to suffer Mrs. Quimby’s prattle about Brentmoor.

Mrs. Quimby continued, undeterred. “Lady Angeline, I believe you did not hear my question about Lord and Lady Brentmoor.”

Angeline smoothed out her embroidery. “Mrs. Quimby, the persons you mentioned are not friends of mine.”

“Oh, well, I’m sure Baron Overton would be glad to make the introductions—”

Margaret approached Mrs. Quimby. “Unfortunately, Baron Overton is not here to perform the introductions. May I get you a second cup of tea?”

“Oh, no, I’m perfectly satisfied, though I do thank you. Well, I hope you will have a chance to meet Lord and Lady Brentmoor during the spring season in London, Lady Angeline,” Mrs. Quimby said.

Margaret leaned forward and touched Mrs. Quimby’s arm. “I do beg your pardon, Mrs. Quimby. Would you be willing to play for us? I’m sure we would all enjoy it.”

Margaret spoke to the girls briefly. They left the drawing room, and their voices receded.

Mrs. Quimby prattled on about what an honor it was to be asked to play. Margaret managed to urge her across the room and onto the bench. After setting up the music sheets, Margaret walked away as quickly as possible. She smiled at Mrs. Quimby and turned to Angeline. “I am sorry.”


Angeline sighed. “She has no idea her words are unwelcome, Margaret.”

“My head aches from listening to her,” the duchess said. “Her manners are deplorable.”

“Your headache will be the perfect excuse,” Margaret said. “I will be concerned about contagion when the gentlemen arrive and will ask Chadwick to order the carriage immediately to take them home.”

“Thank you, Margaret,” Angeline said under her breath. “I do not want Mama to suffer any more talk of that fiend and his wife.”

“My concerns are for you, Angeline,” the duchess said.

“I hope the gentlemen are prompt,” Margaret said.

When Mrs. Quimby finished, she turned. “Would one of you like to exhibit? I do not wish to be greedy.” She laughed.

“Please, continue,” Margaret said. “We are all enjoying your performance.”

“She is blind to the feelings of others,” the duchess said. “Margaret, you will have to take her in hand. She will cause problems, because her husband is the vicar, meaning one cannot simply ignore her, which is impossible anyway.”

“I have tried repeatedly to deter her,” Margaret said.

“You are too gentle,” the duchess said. “A woman with her nature only understands the stark truth. You see the way she ignores suggestions, other than to show off at the pianoforte.”

When the gentlemen returned to the drawing room, Angeline caught Colin’s eye. He escorted her over to the window seat. “You look a bit distressed,” he said under his breath.

“Mrs. Quimby is oblivious. I will tell you soon. Margaret is speaking to your father now.”

“Oh, dear,” the duchess said. “I am not at all well.”

Mrs. Quimby halted. “Oh, my. Perhaps another cup of tea would work.”

Margaret hurried to the duchess. “Oh, dear, you are looking pale. I hope there is no contagion. Chadwick, please have the carriage brought round.”

He looked a bit taken aback, until Margaret said, “Chadwick, please do not delay. I could not be easy if Mrs. Quimby and Reverend Quimby remain when there is a possible contagion.”

“Ah,” the marquess said, lifting his chin. “I agree. We cannot expose Reverend and Mrs. Quimby. Let me ring for Ames to arrange matters.”