A Most Suitable Duchess
Page 16
Indeed, after that first summer, Marcus and Penelope had come to a new understanding, as they realized that they had fallen in love with each other. Marcus had generously given Greenfields over to Reginald, and he and Penelope made Torringford Abbey their home. They still visited Edinburgh from time to time, and talked of going to London next Season. But it was clear that it was here that Marcus’s heart lay.
Just then Penelope caught sight of them and waved, her face breaking into a happy smile. As Marcus smiled back in return, Reginald realized that his brother was a lucky man indeed.
“To think that a year ago, when I learned of the old duke’s will, I pitied you,” Reginald said as they began crossing the lawn. “And then when the advertisement appeared, I felt ashamed for having added to your trials.”
“And now?”
“Now I think Greenfields is only fair recompense for the happiness my meddling has brought you,” Reginald teased.
Marcus grinned. “Indeed I am in your debt. We both are.”
“Reginald, what a wonderful surprise. And see, this is your niece Anna Caroline,” Penelope said, holding up the infant in her arms. “And this is your nephew, Thomas Reginald James, the Earl of Knox. They are four weeks old today.”
“I am pleased to make their acquaintance,” Reginald said, bowing gravely before taking a seat on the blanket. “I am no expert, but they are very fine babies indeed.”
Indeed, the small blanket-wrapped babes looked much like any other babies he had seen. Though, from the besotted expression on Marcus’s and Penelope’s faces, it was clear that their parents thought that the twins were extraordinary.
Reginald duly admired the children, and assured Penelope that she was even more beautiful than she had been before the marriage. Somewhat doubtfully he accepted the squirming bundle that was his niece and held her in his lap, as she drooled prettily upon his new waistcoat. Fortunately Penelope rescued him before the infant could do more damage.
“Yes, I think things turned out very well indeed,” Reginald observed, as he handed Anna Caroline back to her mother. “Perhaps I should consider placing my own advertisement for a wife.”
“No!” Marcus and Penelope said in unison.
He grinned at their obvious chagrin. “It was only a jest. I promise that I have reformed. Truly,” he said.
“Good. For I’d hate to have to advertise for a new brother,” Marcus said.
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