What a Reckless Rogue Needs (The Sinful Scoundrels, #2)(97)

“I’m sure it is nothing,” Mrs. Quimby said, turning to her husband. “Do you not agree?”

Margaret took Mrs. Quimby’s arm. “I would never forgive myself if either you or Mr. Quimby fell ill. In fact, it is quite cold out this evening, but there are woolen rugs in the carriage, and you will be comfortable on your journey.”

Nearly half an hour elapsed before Margaret and the marquess returned to the drawing room.

“That woman does not know when to stop talking,” the marquess said. “I can’t very well ignore the reverend, but I cannot abide his wife.”

“Subtlety is lost on her,” Margaret said. “Be glad you were not here, Chadwick. It was a most distressing performance on the part of Mrs. Quimby.”

After Margaret described the events, the marquess groaned. “The woman is completely unaware of others’ feelings.”

“Chadwick, something must be done,” Margaret said.

“Oh, no,” the marquess said. “I’m not stepping in that mud puddle.”

Angeline sagged against the sofa. “She is unbearable. One hates to wound her, but apparently no one has ever curbed her prattling.”

“I very much doubt she will change at this late date,” Colin said. “Father, I suggest that you invite them only for tea.”

“We’ve set a precedent,” the marquess said. “It can’t be avoided now.”

“Lord Chadwick,” Angeline said, “perhaps you could suggest to the reverend that he include some examples in his sermon of how we learn more from listening than speaking. Then when Reverend and Mrs. Quimby call, you can always bring up what a wonderful sermon it was and how he and Mrs. Quimby are such wonderful examples. Every time Mrs. Quimby prattles, bring up the subject of your favorite sermon.”

“Excellent idea, Angeline,” Margaret said.

The marquess’s eyes gleamed. “Clever, Lady Angeline.

“Well, I’m for bed,” the marquess said. “It has been a long day.”

Everyone else agreed. Soon, Angeline and Colin found themselves alone.

“If I didn’t know better, I would think they planned this,” Angeline said.

He cupped her face. “I’m sorry for the disturbing evening.”

“We weathered it,” she said.

He kissed her gently. “I have business in London, and I leave tomorrow.”

Angeline laid her head on his shoulder. “You’re planning to call him out.”

“Something must be done,” Colin said.

She was so afraid of losing him. “He may not even be there,” she said.

“Bellingham sent word. He is luring him.”

“Oh, God,” she said.

He wrapped his arms around her. “You’ve nothing to worry about,” he said. “All the plans are in place.”

“What if something goes wrong?” she said.

“It won’t,” he said.

“No, Colin. It’s not worth risking your life. Do you know what it would do to me if something happened to you?”

“I know this is hard, Angeline, but I promise that all will be well very soon. I won’t risk my life. I am my father’s only heir, after all, and I do want to live. There is so much I wish to share with you. When I return, I will be expecting your kisses.”

“Please be careful. I could not bear losing you.”

“All will be well,” he said. “I promise.”

She looked up at him. “I wish you would not go.”

“I know, but I will not rest until he is made to pay for what he did. When it is all over, I will return to you and demand kisses.”



The day after Colin left, the duke requested a meeting with Angeline after breakfast in the marquess’s study. Angeline’s stomach clenched. She’d missed her father so much and did not know what to expect from him. He had only spoken warmly to her that one time at Sommerall, and he’d ignored her for the most part afterward. She took a deep breath, lifted her chin, and walked inside the study.

Her father stood and made her a very formal bow.

“Angeline, my closest friend in all the world gave me a dressing-down. I am doubly ashamed of having failed you.”

“Papa?” His red-rimmed eyes alarmed her. “Are you ill?”

“No, but I despise myself for letting you down. I should have booted that bastard out of our house immediately. I let him take me in, and I could not even look you in the eyes because I failed you. If I had been a better father, he would not have hurt my little girl.”

She ran into his arms. “Papa, he played us both off each other. We didn’t know until it was t-too late.”

“I cannot change my mistakes, but I beg you to forgive me.”

“I love you, Papa,” she said. Oh, she had missed him so much.

“I also am ashamed because I made it seem that I favored Penny over you. I didn’t mean to do it. I just felt a responsibility to her. She was so lonely after you and your mother went to Paris. If not for your little sister, I think I might have gone mad. I missed you and your mother so very much.”

“We will be a whole family again, Papa.”


“I have much to mend,” he said, “but I would very much enjoy playing chess with you again.”