A Rogue Meets His Match (The Rogue Chronicles Book 7)

by Lana Williams

  The noose of responsibility and duty tightened around his neck, and he couldn’t stop himself from reaching up to tug at his cravat. Suddenly, he could barely breathe.

  Redmond rose slowly to face Samuelson. “By being an honorable man. One who fulfills his duties with a kind word and empathy for mankind. One who betters himself with each day that passes and encourages those around him to do the same. Those are all more important than money. Wouldn’t you agree?”

  Samuelson’s lips twisted. “That’s all well and good. But those efforts won’t feed starving tenants or put a roof over their heads. You have your priorities wrong, Redmond.” He glanced at Edward. “I hope you don’t as well, Wynn.” With a nod at them both, he strode toward the door.

  “What an ass,” Redmond muttered as he took his seat. “Ignore him.”

  Edward nodded but knew the truth. He should thank the Lord for the reminder of his duty. Not only did he need enough money to repay Redmond, but he also needed the funds for the improvements and repairs that his father had failed to do over the last few years.

  With a heavy sigh, he pondered which function he should next attend so he could continue to search for an heiress.

  Chapter Ten

  The next few days were quiet for Margaret. As she’d intended, she spent them at home either with her father or working on her drawings as well as on another of Charlotte’s gowns. The afternoon was well underway when she took needle and thread to baste the bodice of a pink silk that was going to look lovely on her friend. Pins were far too expensive to use to piece together a gown so she used temporary stitches instead.

  As she sewed, she kept an ear out for her father. They’d gone for a walk before lunch, and he was now resting.

  Margaret and Annabelle had convinced their mother to attend a garden party with her cousin, the Marchioness of Whirlenhall, the previous day. The sisters had been relieved that Sir Reginald hadn’t noticed his wife’s absence for those few hours. Allowing him to believe she was simply in another part of the house worked best to keep him calm as he sometimes became agitated when he realized she wasn’t home.

  The outing had gone so well that her mother was at Caroline’s this afternoon, most likely in the nursery visiting her two grandchildren.

  Margaret hoped to mention to her mother the trip to Bath that Annabelle and Thomas were taking and suggest that Lady Gold join them. But her mother would never consider it if she couldn’t leave the house for a few hours without Sir Reginald becoming distraught.

  Caroline was to come the following morning, but her visits were shorter these days since she had her own family to consider. She brought her son and daughter over often, and Annabelle brought her daughter as well. However, Sir Reginald didn’t seem to always grasp that the little ones were his grandchildren. He smiled at them but seemed rather puzzled by their presence.

  Her family had learned some time ago that the fewer visitors they had, the better. One never knew what her father might say or do. Both Aberland and Thomas visited often and had learned not to take offense if Sir Reginald didn’t recognize them or acted in an odd manner. Margaret thought having some male companionship was good for her father but only on his better days.

  At times, the entire situation felt exhausting. Especially considering that her father’s condition would only grow worse. Their best hope was to slow that downward progression. That truth was disheartening and discouraging in equal measure.

  Yet it was something she needed to accept given that she would be spending the foreseeable future caring for him. It made her respect and admire her mother even more. Her fortitude was an example Margaret wanted to follow.

  Once she finished basting the bodice and sleeves of the gown, another fitting would be needed before she sewed it. Having Charlotte try it on again meant going to Wynn House. Margaret’s stomach tilted at the possibility of seeing Edward. She’d hoped that the less she saw of him, the better. Or rather, that her feelings for him would diminish.

  “Ouch.” She quickly sucked on her finger to ease the sting, realizing that once again, her thoughts had moved to him.

  “Pricking yourself?” Annabelle asked as she entered the sitting room. “That’s not like you.”

  “It happens.”

  “Only when you’re upset or distracted. Which is it?” Annabelle settled into a nearby chair with a book in hand.

  “Both.” The admission slipped out before she could think better of it. “Neither,” she quickly corrected, but a glance at Annabelle suggested it was too late.

  “I’d wager a guess that your first answer was the most accurate. Which then begs the question why?”

  Margaret frowned as she stared at the prick to see if it bled. It wouldn’t do to stain the gown. “I was just thinking of whether we’d be able to convince Mother to go to Bath.”

  Annabelle studied her for a long moment, but Margaret kept her attention on her finger, afraid something in her expression would reveal the truth. “Given that she’s been out two days in a row without issue, we have a chance, don’t you think?” Annabelle asked.

  Relieved that her sister seemed to have accepted the subject as the one that weighed on her mind, Margaret nodded. “I am feeling rather hopeful. I thought I’d mention the idea after dinner this evening.”

  “Excellent. I’ll discuss it with her again on the morrow. Perhaps sharing my excitement will give her some as well.” Annabelle reached out to run a finger over the pink silk. “Is this for Charlotte?”

  “Yes.”

  “It’s the perfect color for her. She’ll look lovely in it. I suppose her brother will soon marry as well now that he’s inherited.”

  Margaret was glad she hadn’t resumed sewing or she would’ve pricked herself again. “More than likely.”

  “He danced with Lady Maria at the ball again last night. Someone mentioned she’s quite taken by him.”

  “How nice.” The news settled heavily over Margaret, much like a wet blanket that suffocated rather than warmed. How ridiculous that the news bothered her when she was the one who’d suggested Lady Maria to Edward. Hadn’t she thought they’d make a fine pair?

  “They certainly seemed to enjoy each other’s company from what I could see.”

  “I’m pleased to hear it,” Margaret managed. Relieved her finger wasn’t bleeding, she continued her stitches, pausing every so often to adjust the fabric as she worked. Anything to keep from imagining the two of them together.

  “You make that look so easy,” Annabelle said as she watched.

  “It is easy. Especially since I’m only basting it. You simply take one stitch and then another.”

  “Hmm. I know that’s far from true. Plus my stitches—even the temporary ones—don’t look anything like that.”

  “Because you don’t like to sew,” Margaret countered. “My writing isn’t anything like yours either. You put words together effortlessly.” She was already struggling with what to write for a commentary on the next set of fashion plates.

  Annabelle snorted. “Effortlessly? Surely you jest. I am ready to toss aside the most recent chapter of my manuscript. It’s complete rubbish, and I have yet to determine how to fix it.”

  “What is happening in the story?” Margaret loved to hear the details of what her sister was working on, but Annabelle rarely shared them, insisting she didn’t want anything to throw off the process.

  Once in a while, when she felt blocked and unable to move forward, she’d talk it out with Margaret. Somehow, sharing the problem often seemed to provide her with an idea of how to fix it. Margaret enjoyed reading her sister’s stories, but even more so when she remembered a conversation that had helped resolve an issue with the plot or a character.

  Annabelle sighed and set the book she held on her lap, smoothing the cover. Margaret held her breath with the hope that meant she’d share.

  “Our intrepid hero is faced with an impossible choice,” she began slowly.

  Margaret bit her lip to stop from saying anyth
ing. It was better if Annabelle shared at her own pace. Rushing her would only keep her from speaking further.

  Annabelle’s gaze fixed on something across the room, but Margaret knew she didn’t see it. “He must decide whether to risk his friendship with the inspector in order to save the woman he’s coming to love.”

  “That is a terrible position in which to find oneself.” Margaret paused as she considered what she would do. What if her feelings for Edward put her friendship with Charlotte in jeopardy? Thank goodness that wasn’t the case. It truly would be impossible to decide. “It’s a bit like choosing between apples and oranges. Friendship and romantic love are different types of love.”

  “Yes, but both are important.” Annabelle scowled. “I wish I knew where this story was going.”

  “Do you ever think that it’s good when you don’t? I mean, if you, the author, don’t know, then the reader won’t either.”

  “I suppose that’s true. But it is frustrating.” She tapped the book on her lap, her eyes darting about the room, a sure sign that she was working through the problem. “I need to look at this in the opposite direction. Perhaps from the other character’s point of view.”

  They discussed various ideas at length until at last Annabelle declared she knew in what direction to go.

  “I don’t know if Thomas mentioned it, but I will be writing a few paragraphs to accompany the fashion plates,” Margaret said.

  Annabelle’s grin had her smiling in return. “He did mention that. You’ll be perfect for it.”

  “May I ask you to review what I prepare?”

  “I’d be honored. The readers are going to love what you have to say.”

  When Annabelle rose a few minutes later to check on their father, Margaret sighed. She missed days like this when she had someone with whom to converse. The house had never been quiet when both Caroline and Annabelle still lived at home.

  If their mother accompanied Annabelle and Thomas to Bath, the house would be very quiet for a few days, and that would be a challenge. But the possibility of her mother taking a trip was a reminder of why Margaret wouldn’t marry and leave her mother to care for her husband alone.

  The pang of longing that filled her had her frowning. She couldn’t allow herself to focus on that. In this matter, she’d take Annabelle’s advice and look at the situation in the opposite direction and consider what she’d miss if she wasn’t home with her parents.

  They had many good times together, and there would be more to follow. Laughter at dinner. Reading or walking with her father. Shared experiences with her mother.

  With a sigh, Margaret returned her attention to the gown. She loved her family dearly and looked forward to spending as much time with her mother and father as possible.

  Doing so wasn’t a sacrifice. It was a decision. Thank goodness she already knew there was no hope of a future with Edward since he was in search of an heiress. That made her decision easier.

  ~*~

  Margaret smiled at Gordon, the long-time butler at Wynn House, as he held open the door the following afternoon. “Good day, Gordon. Can you have this sent to Lady Charlotte’s bedchamber?” she asked as she gestured behind her.

  “Good afternoon, Miss Gold. Of course.” The butler reached for the portmanteau her footman held, which contained Charlotte’s gown, and set it on a nearby table.

  “Thank you, James,” Margaret told the footman. “Please have the carriage return in two hours’ time.”

  James bowed and departed as Margaret moved into the entrance hall.

  “If you’ll follow me, miss, the other ladies are in the drawing room,” Gordon advised.

  “Thank you.” She drew a relieved breath that he had specifically said “ladies.” Hopefully, Edward was occupied elsewhere.

  Charlotte’s invitation to join her for tea was timed perfectly, as afterward Charlotte could try on the gown. Now that Margaret knew Edward wouldn’t be there, she could relax and enjoy the visit with her friend. In truth, she had almost refused the offer given her unsettled feelings.

  Margaret entered the drawing room to find not only Charlotte and Lady Wynn, but Lady Redmond, Charlotte’s soon-to-be mother-in-law, as well as Lady Devlin and Mrs. Smithson, both friends of Edward’s mother.

  Margaret was surprised by the number of guests as this was the largest gathering Lady Wynn had hosted in years as far as Margaret knew. The countess had only recently renewed her friendships with Lady Devlin and Mrs. Smithson. It would be lovely if Lady Redmond joined the list as well. Margaret greeted each of the women before settling into a chair beside Charlotte.

  The conversation was lively with gossip, including who had been at the last ball and what they had said as well as upcoming events the ladies planned to attend. Margaret enjoyed the discussion thoroughly. It was nice to learn what she had missed since she hadn't been at any recent events.

  Gordon brought in a tray with lemonade and a variety of cakes and biscuits a short time later. Lady Wynn poured glasses for everyone as the talk continued.

  “Miss Gold, I must share how much I admire your gown,” Lady Devlin said. “Who is your dressmaker, if you don’t mind my asking?”

  “How kind of you,” Margaret said well aware of the faint heat in her cheeks. “I worked closely with Mary Adams at Madame Beaufort’s to design it.” She did her best not to look at Charlotte, afraid she might reveal the truth.

  Lady Wynn smiled. “Miss Gold has excellent taste in fashion. She has assisted Charlotte with her trousseau as well.”

  Margaret dipped her head in acknowledgment for the compliment. “Thank you. I enjoy doing it.” This was another one of those small moments that made her happy, and she took a breath to treasure it. She was proud of her accomplishments but having other people admire her work made it all the more rewarding.

  “Have any of you seen the fashion plates in Artemis Monthly Journal?” Charlotte asked. “Though it is a new publication, the designs are quite attractive. If you haven’t already purchased a subscription to the magazine, I highly recommend it.”

  Thank goodness Charlotte had shared the information as Margaret would’ve had a difficult time doing so without beaming with pride. She would’ve surely given herself away.

  Mrs. Smithson leaned forward with enthusiasm. “I noted those too. They were done well, and I look forward to the next issue.”

  “I understand they’ll be adding commentary on fashion in the upcoming issues,” Margaret added. She glanced at Charlotte, whose eyes widened with surprise.

  “How exciting,” Charlotte said with a bright, knowing smile.

  Though Margaret had told her about drawing the fashion plates, she hadn’t yet shared the details of her visit to the printing shop or the descriptions Thomas had asked her to write.

  The discussion shifted to other ladies whose fashion they admired along with a few they didn’t. Margaret thought the topic especially helpful as it was nice to hear what interested others. Not only was it the general style and color of an ensemble but details, as well, from embroidered touches to lace trim.

  Margaret appreciated that the conversation never turned to the mean-spirited gossip many ladies seemed to thrive on but she detested. Instead, details were shared with concern, surprise, and sometimes amusement.

  “I hesitate to mention this,” Lady Smithson began, “but did anyone hear the news about Lady Maria Edelman?”

  Margaret’s attention caught.

  “What has happened?” Lady Wynn asked.

  “Rumor has it that her father lost a fortune in a shipping venture.” Lady Smithson sighed. “From what I understand, he is trying to pretend it didn’t happen. Poor Lady Maria will have no dowry after all.”

  “Perhaps the rumor isn’t true,” Lady Redman suggested. “These things so often have a way of spreading without merit.”

  Lady Devlin shook her head. “I’m afraid that’s not the case in this situation as I also heard the news from a reliable source.”

  Margaret felt
terrible for the family. How unfortunate for them. Yet she knew first-hand such things could occur. It was also unfortunate that she’d directed Edward’s attention toward Lady Maria not long ago.

  Had he called on her? Was he already coming to care for her? Given the importance of his goal to marry an heiress, she needed to tell him the news before things progressed further. She hoped he hadn’t made his interest in her clear already.

  She could remember all too easily how desperate Caroline had been when their own financial situation had worsened. Her sister had been determined to make a good match with a duke to help save them from financial ruin although that hadn’t come to pass quite like she’d planned. Did Lady Maria now feel that same pressure?

  The conversation continued as Margaret’s thoughts swirled. How ironic that she’d shifted from not wanting to see Edward to being anxious to speak with him. If only the topic were a better one. But perhaps he’d already heard the news.

  At last, the other ladies took their leave, and Lady Wynn stepped out of the room as well, leaving Margaret and Charlotte alone.

  “I brought your gown for a fitting,” Margaret announced, pleased she had an excuse to linger so she might speak with Edward without anyone else knowing.

  “I can’t wait to try it on.” Charlotte clapped her hands, her smile infectious. “First, tell me about the printing shop. And what is this about a commentary to go with the fashion plates?”

  Margaret explained what Thomas had asked and how wonderful it had been to watch the engraver recreate her drawing on a copper plate as well as watching the artists color the prints in each magazine.

  “I will treasure them even more now,” Charlotte said. “I look forward to seeing what you come up with next.”

  “I have a few ideas sketched out.” Margaret worried her lower lip as she mulled over the possibilities. “But I have plenty of time to finalize the next set of drawings and prepare the commentary.” She reached out to touch Charlotte’s arm. “Enough about me. Let us see how the gown fits.”