“Of course.”
“Excellent. I plan on attending the Stephenson Ball tomorrow evening. Will I see you there?”
“More than likely.”
He stood and briefly bowed. “I look forward to hearing anything you discover.” Then he strode out of the lending library without a backward glance.
Margaret stared at the magazine, realizing she wouldn’t be able to concentrate after that exchange. What was it about Edward that left her so out of sorts after each encounter?
~*~
Edward looked this way and that at the Stephenson Ball the following evening, but Margaret was nowhere in sight. He had thought she would be here by now and wanted to hear if she'd learned anything about Lady Josephine.
“Who is it that you are so anxious to see?” Hugh Raybourne looked around as well as if looking for whomever Edward searched.
Hugh was a friend from his university days. Edward had come across the man on several occasions of late. They had crossed paths at Tattersalls a few days ago where Hugh had bought a pair of bay horses and then again at a recent ball. Edward welcomed his company since Redmond was otherwise occupied so often of late.
“I'm looking for Miss Gold.” Edward continued his search, aware that Hugh knew her since his younger brother, Thomas, was married to her sister.
Hugh frowned. “I thought you were interested in Lady Josephine. Has something changed?”
“No. Your sister-in-law was going to help me discover more details about her.” Edward kept his voice low, not wishing to be overheard.
“I see. Margaret would be an excellent resource. Her observation skills are impressive.”
“I am coming to realize that,” Edward admitted. There was more to the lady than he’d known. He appreciated the lack of artifice in her manner and enjoyed speaking with her.
“Wouldn't it be easier to ask your sister?”
Edward shook his head as he met his friend’s gaze. “I don't want to mention anything about my search to her yet. She will feel compelled to tell my mother, and I will never hear the end of suggestions from them. This is something I would prefer to do on my own.”
“Understandable. And quite smart of you. I believe my wife has found Miss Gold.” Hugh nodded toward the opposite side of the ballroom.
Edward followed his gaze to see Hugh’s wife, Lucy Raybourne, walking with Margaret in their direction. Hugh’s wife was perfect for him with her shy smile and the kindness that radiated from her. The pair seemed to be deeply in love based on the way they looked at each other. Why was it that some marriages worked and others didn’t?
He shook his head at his ridiculous thoughts. Since he intended to clarify his expectations prior to saying his vows, he was certain his would be simple. Never mind how that suddenly felt less than appealing compared to Raybourne’s. Yet the chances of finding a love match were slim to none when he needed a bride with a fortune. As a gambler, he knew the odds were against him.
What he really needed were a few more details on Lady Josephine. He hadn’t seen her yet this evening which made this the perfect opportunity to discuss her with Margaret.
“Good evening.” Margaret curtsied, her gaze meeting his.
As Edward returned her greeting, all thoughts of Lady Josephine flew from his mind. Margaret looked especially fetching this evening. Vitality shown from her eyes, capturing his full attention. It was rare for a young lady to meet his gaze rather than merely flutter her eyelashes and stare at the floor. Margaret looked at him as if interested in what he had to say.
Then there was her appearance. While he had never been overly concerned with fashion, he noted her gown once again looked perfect. The golden hue reflected the same vividness that personified her. Had that been what she meant when they discussed the topic at the lending library? That one’s attire often reflected the person within? If that were true, a fire burned within Margaret. The thought had him shifting uncomfortably.
When she lifted a brow in question, he realized he'd been staring far too long.
“Quite the crowd here this evening,” he remarked, forcing himself to glance around even as he gave himself a mental kick for the inane remark.
Margaret followed his gaze, her brow puckering. “How so?”
Of course, the woman couldn’t simply agree with his comment and assist in making polite conversation. He should’ve realized that. The odd thing was that he was both annoyed and intrigued that she didn’t always conform to others’ expectations.
Relieved that Raybourne and his wife appeared to be having their own conversation and therefore ignoring his and Margaret’s, Edward returned his attention to Margaret. “I merely meant that there are a number of people here.”
Margaret looked at him as if he’d lost his mind. Perhaps he had. How could he allow his sister’s friend to rattle him so? He needed an answer to his question about Lady Josephine and then step away so he could regain his thoughts. He leaned close, hoping she’d tell him what he needed to know.
“Any news on Lady Josephine?” he asked.
“From what I’ve been able to discover, while her dowry is generous, no one would consider it a fortune.” His disappointment must’ve shown on his face as she added, “I could be wrong, of course. I wasn’t able to speak with anyone who knew for certain.”
“I appreciate you trying. Please advise me if you hear anything more.” He looked around again, wondering who else he should consider.
“What do you think of Lady Phoebe?” Margaret asked, keeping her voice low.
“Who is she?” Edward hadn’t ever heard of her.
“The middle daughter of the Marquess of Endover.”
“Why have I never heard of her?” Edward couldn’t place her.
“She’s a bit of a wallflower.”
“Why is it that I sense there is more to the story?”
Margaret’s lips twisted, drawing his attention to them. Her expressiveness was something he wouldn’t have said he enjoyed, but suddenly watching her was a delight. Her features hinted at what she was thinking which only made him more curious. “In truth, I do feel a bit sorry for her.”
“Why?”
“Her eldest sister is a beauty and already betrothed. Her younger sister already shows promise of that same beauty.”
“But?” he prompted when she paused.
“Lady Phoebe has the misfortune of looking more like her father than her mother.” Margaret sighed. “Added to that is her love of books.”
“A bluestocking, eh?”
“Her shyness makes conversing with her difficult, and when she can’t think of anything to say, she tends to speak about whatever it is that she’s been reading.”
“That doesn’t sound so terrible.”
“Hmm. Her reading taste doesn’t include the more popular books. The last time I spoke with her, she mentioned something about the latest farming techniques.”
“Truly?” Edward considered the possibilities of having a wife who enjoyed such things. “Perhaps that knowledge could be helpful. Heaven knows I have difficulty reading some of those books.”
“She also has a fondness for botany.”
“Perhaps she should’ve been born a farmer’s daughter.”
The corner of Margaret’s lips curled as if to hold back a smile. “Please don’t tell the Marchioness of Endover that. She’s already beside herself with worry whether they’ll find a husband for the girl.”
“I’m trying to imagine a female version of the marquess.” He narrowed his eyes as he brought to mind an image of the man. “Isn’t he rather tall with thick features?”
“Thick is a good way to describe him.”
“And her?”
“She has excellent eyes,” Margaret quickly countered. “Fine eyes, in fact. A lovely shade of blue.”
Edward chuckled. “Do they offset her thick features?”
“More or less,” Margaret offered as she tilted her head to one side, revealing a lovely length of neck.
&nb
sp; Edward blinked, his mouth suddenly dry. Why on earth was he noticing Margaret’s neck? Or the urge to closer investigate the delicate spot just below her ear. Or the dip of her collarbone that beckoned.
She heaved a sigh, lifting the swell of her bosom and bringing it to his attention as well. “As I mentioned, I sympathize with the poor lady.”
He briefly closed his eyes in an attempt to regain his wayward thoughts. Obviously, he’d broken things off with the opera singer—what had been her name?—too soon.
“Isn’t that right?” Margaret asked.
Edward opened his eyes, realizing he’d missed something. “I’m sorry?”
“I said there’s surely someone out there who will adore her and find her quirks charming.” Her eyes softened as if the thought pleased her.
“Indeed.” He didn’t want a wife with quirks. Those would only give him a reason to become annoyed with her. After watching his father’s annoyance with his mother, he intended to avoid that.
He couldn’t help but study Margaret closer. She didn’t have quirks but rather unique qualities that—
He stopped himself before he finished the thought.
~*~
Margaret watched as Edward made his way around the ballroom, pausing to speak with several people. He'd already managed to gain an introduction to Lady Phoebe and one other lady, and she was anxious to hear his thoughts.
Yet a small corner of her heart rebelled at the idea. Which was silly of course. It didn't matter who he married. Her goal was only to make certain it would be someone Charlotte would like. She couldn't imagine having some of the ladies as a part of her family. But that wasn't the true problem, she admitted with a sigh.
In the past few days since they’d made their agreement, she’d come to know Edward better. To her surprise, she enjoyed their conversations. His sharp wit and intelligence were appealing as was his empathy for the ladies they discussed. She thought for certain he would focus solely on a substantial dowry and the woman's appearance, but he seemed to be considering other qualities.
The sooner he made a decision and they parted ways, the better. She didn't appreciate the way Edward had stolen into her thoughts. Even her dreams last night had featured him in one form or another. It didn't seem to matter how many times she told herself that marriage was not in her own future.
She had been better off when she’d told herself that she didn't like him. He had seemed self-centered, a rogue focused on gambling, drinking, and women rather than things that truly mattered. Rumors of his affair with a beautiful opera singer had floated about, and she could all too easily imagine them together. The thought of the pair entwined in a heated embrace had her pressing her fingers on her chest at the sudden pinch there.
“Is something amiss, Margaret?”
Margaret turned at the sound of Annabelle’s voice. “When did you arrive?”
“Only a few minutes ago.” Annabelle reached out to take Margaret's hand. “Are you well?” The concern in her eyes had Margaret swallowing hard.
“Of course, I am.” She had no intention of sharing the odd mix of her emotions.
“Who were you watching?” Annabelle's gaze swept over the crowd as if to spot the person herself.
“No one in particular.” Margaret forced a smile. “Do tell me, how are the plans for the week in Bath coming along?”
Margaret had suggested the idea of having their mother accompany Annabelle and Raybourne for a trip out of town. Her mother needed a respite from caring for their father. She needed to do something for herself which was impossible while she remained home. Margaret had been very refreshed after her trips with her sisters. Her mother was overdue for a turn.
Annabelle’s eyes lit up. “Thomas found a lovely house for us. It has a garden and isn't far from the shops. Now we need only convince Mother to come.”
“I will mention it tomorrow if you will do the same.” Her mother wouldn't want to go as it meant leaving her husband behind. But Margaret could see the fatigue setting in when she looked at her. Margaret and Caroline would care for Sir Reginald while Annabelle and Raybourne took their mother to Bath for a few days.
“I know she will love it if we could just convince her to go,” Annabelle said with a frown.
“What if we suggest that it's only for a few days with the hope that once there, she will agree to extend it?” Margaret had turned the idea over in her mind and thought it had merit. Especially if she promised to send word if her mother needed to return home.
“Excellent idea though I still worry she'll refuse,” Annabelle said.
“As do I. But she needs some time away. The constant worrying wears on her more than she realizes.”
“And what of you?” Annabelle asked. “What will your next trip be?”
Margaret smiled. “I haven't given it much thought yet. The trip to Paris was lovely.”
“Perhaps Caroline and Aberland will go there again.”
Margaret enjoyed being with her sisters but hopefully when she was older and considered a spinster, she could take her own trips. Seeing new sites with her sisters and their husbands wasn't ideal. She felt as if she was imposing on what should be a romantic holiday. She hated the idea that she would always feel thusly, but there was little she could do about it since she intended to be a spinster. All that mattered was that her mother wasn't left to care for her father on her own.
Annabelle leaned close. “I do believe Viscount Declaire is watching you closely.”
Margaret frowned. “He's not coming over here, is he?”
“Would it be so bad if he did? I think him rather nice.”
“Yes, he is.” But somehow in the last few days, nice no longer interested Margaret. Other men seemed to pale in comparison to Edward. How silly it was of her to think so.
Apparently, Annabelle had been right for soon the viscount greeted them both. “May I have the honor of the next dance?”
“Of course.” Margaret reminded herself that she liked to dance, and anything was better than simply standing here watching Edward make his way around the ballroom. Yet as the viscount escorted her to the dance floor, Margaret realized her heart wasn't in it. It didn't matter how many times she reprimanded herself, she continued to look for Edward as they moved across the dance floor in time to the music.
Yes, she decided. The sooner Edward was settled with the right lady, the better. Then she could put these foolish thoughts behind her and focus on her own goals.
Chapter Four
The following morning, Edward emerged from his study to clear his head. The numerous reports he’d been reviewing were less than pleasing and filled him with frustration. However, he was happy to have received word that the fence and roof repairs were well underway. That small step of progress was comforting, even if it didn’t resolve the true problem.
He was considering the wisdom of venturing to a gaming hell with the hope of winning more blunt when the sound of feminine laughter caught his notice.
Though his mother and sister were home frequently, he rarely heard laughter. His mother wasn’t the sort of person who gave into mirth. He’d been happy she was smiling more often, but laughter was another matter entirely. He would be thrilled if she was finding joy in life.
More of the unexpected sound had him seeking out the source, though he no longer thought it was his mother. Perhaps Charlotte was in the drawing room with a guest. Before he could think better of it, he moved to the doorway and found Margaret and Charlotte on the settee with numerous sketches before them.
Despite the grey half-mourning attire Charlotte wore, she positively glowed with happiness. The moment made him realize how much he would miss her when she married Redmond. The house wouldn't be the same without her cheerful spirit. How he wished he’d appreciated her presence sooner.
Margaret held up one of the sketches, explaining why she thought it would be perfect for Charlotte. His sister listened with interest and nodded several times. Edward leaned against the doorway, enjoyin
g the sight. The two were alike in some ways but much different in others.
Once again he reluctantly noticed how attractive Margaret was. Sunlight from the nearby window spilled into the room and brought out the hint of red in her hair, making her subtle beauty all the more attractive. Her posture was perfect, and her blue gown fashionable with an undeniable hint of style.
He switched his gaze to his sister before his thoughts ran away with him. It was shocking how often that tended to happen of late when Margaret was near.
Knowing Charlotte’s future was secure in every way that mattered was a huge relief. Not just her financial means, but her happiness as well. He looked forward to having Redmond as a brother-in-law since they were already good friends.
Edward had been somewhat annoyed with his friend when he discovered the adventures he and Charlotte had been on. She’d recently confessed that since their father was determined to marry her to Lord Samuelson, she’d been intent on living fully to have memories to comfort her in the future.
When Redmond had caught her at a party that she had no business attending, Edward wished his friend would’ve told him. But Redmond allowed Charlotte to convince him to escort her instead, and therefore keep her safe. While Edward was grateful Redmond had looked after Charlotte, he wished they would’ve told him.
Only now that Redmond was happy and looking forward to his life with Charlotte did Edward realize how melancholy his friend had been after returning from the war. The terrible battles he'd endured left him struggling to return to normal. He was doing much better now, though loud noises and crowds continued to bother him and he didn't always sleep well as he was plagued by nightmares.
Redmond’s despondency had been so overwhelming that he hadn't intended to marry. Only time with Charlotte, as well as his involvement in helping wounded soldiers find jobs, helped to heal him. His demeanor had changed now that his life was filled with hope and purpose.
Suddenly Margaret looked at him as if feeling the weight of his regard. The punch to his chest as their gazes met caught him by surprise. He pressed a hand to it in an attempt to ease the odd sensation.
A Rogue Meets His Match (The Rogue Chronicles Book 7) Page 4