Margaret sat beside George that morning in an open barouche with Lady Sheffield on her other side and Mr. and Mrs. Spencer and Miss Crouch sitting on the opposite bench.
“Lady Danbury assures me that boats will be available for romantic excursions around the perimeter of the lake. You will allow me to row you, won’t you, my dear?” George surprised her by asking.
He might have sensed that she was not overly pleased with him, with his decision to make the announcement without her permission. She’d not had an opportunity to speak with him alone.
“I’d like that very much, George.” She called him by his given name despite the presence of others.
She was not overly concerned with pleasing him this morning. Her finger still pained her from where she and Esther had fought unsuccessfully with the ring until finally giving up when Margaret could endure the discomfort no longer. Even this morning, the skin around the blasted thing was an angry red from their efforts.
She quite looked forward to speaking with him privately.
“And you will row me, Mr. Spencer?” Mrs. Spencer appealed to her husband, who, of course, agreed immediately.
“Perhaps Lord Rockingham will take you out on the water, Miss Crouch,” Mrs. Spencer suggested to the other girl.
George laughed beside her. “That boy. I wouldn’t take his attention too seriously. I’m surprised he hasn’t departed already, what with his feet itching for adventure. I wouldn’t dare hazard a guess as to how many broken hearts he’s left in his wake.”
‘But he’s the heir. Surely, he must marry?” Miss Crouch asked in surprise.
“And I imagine he will. In a decade or two. Presently, he’s far more interested in sailing to foreign lands.”
Sebastian had already explained as much to her but to hear it confirmed by his uncle was deflating. Not because she had designs on him herself, of course. But because he would be leaving England and she would not see her friend for years at a time.
Because he had become her friend. A little more, on occasion. But in the end, they could only be friends.
“Why would he want to leave England? Perhaps Miss Drake will change his mind. She seems quite taken with him. There’s also the possibility of him compromising some innocent and then he wouldn’t be going anywhere.” She grinned mysteriously. “You know what they say. Reformed rakes make for the best of husbands.”
“I doubt he would be so careless.” Margaret couldn’t help but defend him, but he must be cautious. There were always those young ladies who would do what they could to trap such a man. Sebastian was an heir to a duke, after all. A little subterfuge was nothing if it meant the girl might become a duchess one day.
Margaret clenched her teeth upon considering the possibility.
It would be a shame of the utmost proportions for Sebastian to be forced to give up his dreams. He would be most unhappy to abandon them and ultimately, so would his bride.
George turned to stare at her curiously. “I cannot help but agree with you. You are already becoming well acquainted with your future family. I am so pleased that he was willing to accompany you on your picnic in my absence yesterday.”
Ah, but would he be if he knew that she’d kissed him?
And again, he referred to the missed outing as her picnic. He’d apologized the evening before for having missed their appointment but then insisted that they’d never made firm plans. She must be more clear with him in the future.
Margaret rubbed the skin around the cool metal that squeezed her finger. “His determination to travel is noble. I’d be shocked if he did anything to jeopardize his ventures.”
No one was given an opportunity to respond just then as the horses were drawn to a halt and a servant presented himself to assist the ladies down to the ground. Margaret was not all that interested in their surroundings. She’d been to the lake more times than she could count and was more concerned with the conversation she must have with George.
Why had he announced the engagement without her consent? And she must wrestle from him the answer to an even more important question. He did want children, didn’t he?
As George halted to greet Lord Riverton, Margaret wandered to the shore and stared across the calm water. A boat skimmed along the surface and she swallowed hard. Sebastian had already been imposed upon to row one of the ladies. Miss Drake, if her eyes did not deceive her.
“Remember when I pushed you out of the boat? And then you tipped it over, nearly drowning both of us in the process?” Hugh had crept up behind her. So much had changed since then.
“And Father took the strap to you,” she reminded him.
That had been a very long time ago. The last time she’d come, however, their mother had yet been alive. Not for the first time, Margaret wondered how her mother would advise her in her present circumstances.
“You miss her.” Her brother, at times, was annoyingly adept at reading her mind.
“Of course.” But then she turned to him. “You do not think I am making a mistake, do you? Marrying Mr. Kirkley?”
“I did not think you would want my opinion. I believe that on more than one occasion you have instructed me most adamantly to mind my own business where your affairs are concerned.”
She exhaled loudly. “More than a decade ago.”
Hugh looked away from her to stare at the couple floating romantically across the lake. “You do not love him.”
For one shocked moment, she thought he meant Lord Rockingham. But of course not. Hugh flicked a glance toward George.
“No. But he is a kind man. And we enjoy similar pursuits when we are in London.”
“Do you intend to spend most of your time in London, then?”
She didn’t really know. Although, George had admitted to her that he anticipated her managing his house in the country. “Perhaps.”
“Do you think you can come to love him? After the two of you are married?” His question caused Margaret to squirm. Leave it to Hugh to get right to the point.
“Perhaps.”
“Perhaps!” he scoffed. “If that is the case, then, as a matter of fact, I do.”
She turned to him in surprise. “You do?”
“Marriage is not to be entered lightly. You know that as well as I. If you are not fairly certain that you are going to love him, then I suggest you rescind your consent.”
Margaret’s gaze followed Sebastian’s silhouette as he easily rowed the small craft through the water. Twirling a parasol that rested on her shoulder, Miss Drake could not have appeared more picturesque.
Was she ready to relinquish her dreams though? By all rights, she might have other opportunities, with some other gentleman, but the odds were not in her favor.
“He made an announcement.”
“I’d rather we weather a scandal, Margaret, than stand by while you endure an unhappy marriage. I suggest you end it with him quickly, though.”
She nodded. “I will think about it. I appreciate your honesty.”
Hugh grasped her elbow and squeezed it. “Don’t wait too long,”
* * *
“Lady Danbury hosts a most entertaining house party!” George commented from beside Margaret where they sat on the grass along with Abigail and the Duke of Monfort. Lady Sheffield, who had been provided with a chair, had joined their smaller party as well. All of them seemed to be content and relaxed after partaking of the picnic Danbury’s kitchen had provided.
“Penelope has always had a tremendous amount of energy and stamina,” Abigail agreed.
“As have you.” Monfort took his wife’s hand and pressed it to his lips. “Would you care to stroll around the lake with me or would you prefer to recline here in the sunshine?”
“Oh, let’s go exploring.” Abigail smiled over at her husband. “I didn’t even know this lake existed.”
Monfort rose and then assisted his wife to her feet. A gentle breeze chose that moment to catch the duchess’ gown and conform it to her shape. Ah, yes, indeed. Abigail was expecting. She w
as perhaps farther along than anyone would have guessed.
Margaret absentmindedly touched her own abdomen. She had been at a similar stage four years ago. She’d endured the first painful anniversary and, in a few days, she would endure the other one.
Mr. and Mrs. Spencer chose that moment to arrive and convinced Lady Sheffield to walk along the shore with them, leaving Margaret alone with her intended most unexpectedly.
“You are quiet today,” George said after they’d watched Lady Sheffield stroll away with the young couple.
This was her moment, and yet, as angry as she had been the night before, and as concerned as she was about the betrothal, Margaret had never been one to enter into a confrontation easily.
“I was not pleased that you announced the betrothal prematurely, without even speaking to me.”
His hand covered hers. “Margaret.” The tone of his voice had her turning to stare into his eyes. He was a handsome gentleman, and his eyes were filled with remorse and tenderness. “I had thought it would make for a delightful surprise but realized my mistake immediately after. I saw it on your face. It was why I did not have the heart to play the game.” He dropped his gaze to where he grasped her hand and squeezed gently. “If you wish it, I will rescind my announcement this evening. I beg your forgiveness and hope that you have not changed your mind.” He lifted his other hand and brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes. “Have you? Changed your mind, that is?”
Margaret turned to stare across the grass and caught sight of Hugh’s son and daughter, Creighton and little Louella Miracle. The twins had just turned one-year-old a few months ago and were hobbling between their two nannies.
“Do you want children, George?” She met his gaze once again.
George watched her closely. “Is that something that you want?”
She swallowed. “It is. More than anything else in the world..” She wanted the opportunity to try again, at the very least.
George blinked a few times. “I would like nothing more than to have a son or daughter with your brown eyes and lovely brown hair—or two. I have no need for an heir, but I would like to become a father.”
His answer surprised her. At last, he had answered the question that had haunted her for days now, and she wasn’t sure how to feel.
He wanted children.
He leaned forward then and dropped a featherlight kiss near her ear. “I look forward to creating that child with you, as well.” His breath was warm as it caressed her skin.
It did not make her shiver. It did not make her want to lean in and press her mouth against his. But he was a kind and respectable gentleman and he wanted to marry her, and he wanted to build a family with her. Last spring, when she’d decided that she might marry again, these had been her primary requirements.
“You could return to London with me, instead of remaining here for the holidays. We could have the banns read at St. George. We should not wait, Margaret.” The warmth in his eyes left no mistaking why.
She nodded. “I do want children, George. I am not greedy. I would be ecstatic to be blessed with even one. But I…” Her eyes stung. “I feel it only fair to tell you that I lost one child four years ago. I am not sure that I am able. But I want to try again. I want another chance.”
He squeezed her hand again. “Then we must begin trying as soon as possible, would you not agree?”
This was what she had wanted all along. She turned again to stare as little Louella Miracle wobbled and dropped onto her bottom. Penelope scooped her daughter off of the ground and pretended to dance with her. The little girl giggled when Penelope placed a kiss on her chubby baby neck.
“Will you marry me still and forgive me for the announcement last night? And shall we return to London together when the party is over?” George asked again.
Margaret nodded. “I will marry you, George, and of course, I forgive you. I would only ask that you consult me in the future when making a decision that affects both of us.” She dropped her gaze to their hands and an uncomfortable sensation tugged at her as she studied the finger that was slightly red and swollen. “I will consider changing my plans and give you an answer tomorrow.”
“But of course.” He leaned forward and this time, pressed his lips against hers. He smiled then. “And you have my promise that I will not share our decision with another living soul until you are entirely comfortable with it.”
He was being sweet. His behavior was what she’d expected from him after she’d first accepted his proposal.
But she had been reluctant to make an announcement at the time.
“The craft looks to be free in a moment. Shall we take our turn, Margaret dear?”
She was going to get exactly what she wanted. She was going to marry George and they were going to try to have a child together. It was exactly what she had wanted.
She smiled brightly at him. “That sounds lovely.”
He assisted her to her feet and led her toward the shore where Sebastian was assisting Miss Crouch onto dry land. The young woman was flushed and smiling while her companion smiled indulgently.
“Now that you have proven the vessel is worthy, would you mind if I hijacked it from you, nephew, in order to treat my intended?”
If Margaret had not spent time with Sebastian recently, she might have not recognized the quick frown that furrowed his brows.
“I am happy to relinquish it.” And then, using a handkerchief, wiped a few drops of water from the passenger seat. He met Margaret’s gaze. “I trust you are enjoying yourself today, Lady Asherton?”
Her breath caught. He looked inordinately handsome this afternoon in only his waistcoat and shirtsleeves. “I am. Congratulations on your second-place finish, in the races.” It had been a competitive competition, until the end.
“Well, I could hardly steal the victory from my host and hostess.” His chagrin drew an unlikely giggle from her. Each entrant had been required to row a passenger. Whereas Penelope had encouraged Hugh loudly, Lord Rockingham’s partner, Miss Drake, had dropped a glove in the water and demanded he row back so that she could retrieve it.
“You must choose your partner more wisely, in the future.”
“Shouldn’t we all?” he rejoined. But his smile did not match the look in his eyes. He stepped away from the boat. “Enjoy your excursion.”
13
Loyalties
“I never had a chance to offer my congratulations,” Sebastian said as he joined his uncle. George was standing to the side of where Maggie and Lady Danbury were playing with the children who had intentionally been included in today’s excursion. Their nannies were currently sitting separately from the guests, presumably to take their lunch uninterrupted.
“I’ll not be satisfied until this marriage business is tied up.” His uncle watched the ladies with a frown, which he quickly twisted into a smile when Lady Asherton glanced over at them.
“I hadn’t expected an announcement until the end of the house party. What made the lady change her mind?” Sebastian wondered, above all, why his uncle would feel rushed now when he hadn’t felt rushed to the altar in all the years preceding this engagement.
George laughed. “Sometimes, you will learn, such decisions must be made for the weaker sex.” He removed a flask from his jacket and turned to stroll away from where the women sat. After taking a long drink from it, he said, “I sensed that Lady Asherton was having a change of heart and I could not afford that.”
Sebastian refused a drink when George offered it to him. “How so?”
George didn’t answer as they meandered farther away from the other guests. “I’ll be honest with you in hopes that you can learn from my mistake.” He stuffed the flask back into his jacket. “I made a few unfortunate investments last spring… in addition to some poor wagers. If I’m to continue my life in the manner I’ve grown accustomed, I’ve need of additional funds.”
Sebastian ought not to be surprised by this information. From the moment his mother had informed him
of his uncle’s desire to marry, he’d considered the possibility. Why, he’d wondered, would George Kirkley sacrifice his bachelorhood now when he’d shown no inclination ever before? Money had been the most logical answer. Sebastian hadn’t considered it problematic before when he’d contemplated George’s prospective bride in the abstract. But then he’d met Margaret. And he’d met her under the most unusual circumstances.
For some odd reason, he’d believed George’s cock and bull story about wanting comfort in his old age. He ought to have realized there was more to it.
“She’s a widow, though. Would you not wish to marry some chit with a dowry?”
“Not at all, my boy. In fact, marrying Lady Asherton presents a far better prospect for a man like me,”
Sebastian was feeling slightly ill at what his uncle was saying. Of course, Margaret’s husband had left her with a small fortune. There would be no contracts, no trusts. Upon their marriage, all of Margaret’s wealth would transfer directly to her husband.
“Her townhouse is located less than a hundred yards from Hyde Park. Exclusive location. The sale of it alone will provide me with a rather healthy income for five, ten years, by itself.” And then he waggled his eyebrows. “Provided I invest more wisely in the future. But even so, I’m certain she has other assets I can draw upon, if necessary.”
“And she is amenable to selling it?”
George laughed. “She’ll be safely ensconced in the country. She wants a child with me, can you imagine that? Once I’ve knocked her up, she’ll be more than happy living at Cragg House, raising the child.”
“She’s agreed to this?” Sebastian clenched his fists at his sides. This man was his mother’s brother. A person he’d looked upon with indulgent affection for as long as he could remember.
He was ashamed at the realization that had he not met Margaret, he might have found this distasteful but also somewhat amusing.
But he had met her, and it wasn’t amusing at all.
“Indeed. And she is anxious that we return to London so that we can marry before the holidays. She’s rather long in the tooth, you’ll agree. Thirty years old! I never pictured myself marrying anyone, let alone a woman in her fourth decade.”
Lady and the Rake Page 12
