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

by Lana Williams

  “Do you think meeting all of us would overwhelm them?” Annabelle asked.

  Thomas chuckled. “They will need to become accustomed to dealing with all of us sooner or later.”

  “That is an excellent point.” Their mother glanced at each of her daughters. “What are your thoughts?”

  “I look forward to making their acquaintance,” Caroline said. “I do think we would need to smooth Cook's feathers so she isn't upset that we hired a housekeeper.”

  “I agree,” Annabelle added. “I also think that as Father ages, it will be important to have more help. The Dawsons could be exactly what we need.”

  Lady Gold’s gaze shifted to Margaret. “What do you think, dear?”

  “They sound as if they could be perfect,” Margaret said as a fragile hope bloomed inside her.

  The conversation continued as they discussed what questions should be asked during the initial interview.

  “The biggest concern is whether your father will accept someone new.” The frown puckering her mother's brow suggested how much the topic worried her.

  “It was reassuring how easily he accepted Richard and Thomas,” Annabelle offered. “Perhaps he’ll adapt better than we think.”

  “That’s true,” Caroline added. “We won’t know until we try.”

  “While he enjoys their company, they aren't here every day.” Margaret shook her head. “Nor are they here in the middle of the night when Father wakes. But perhaps we can find a way to help Father become accustomed to the Dawsons—if we choose to engage them, of course.”

  Though she told herself not to pin her hopes on Mr. and Mrs. Dawson when they had yet to meet them, Margaret couldn't help a little smile as happiness filled her.

  Perhaps everything might work out for the best. She hoped so as she couldn't imagine not being with Edward given how much she cared for him.

  ~*~

  Edward forced himself to re-read the reports for a third time as he sat in his study. There had to be something he was missing. Another expense he could eliminate or something he could sell. While the idea of another investment was appealing, he needed money to do so.

  Perhaps it would be worth another trip to their country estate to speak with the steward in person to see if there was something of value there that could be sold.

  While he’d already been over the lists the steward had sent, he was even more determined to find a way after the interlude with Margaret the previous day. When he’d heard her familiar laugh and seen her standing across the garden next to the peonies, his heart had leapt to his throat.

  One look was all it took to realize how securely she held his affections. He nearly scoffed at the term, for he was beginning to understand that what he felt for her was more than affection.

  He’d been both hurt and annoyed that she’d asked after Lady Dorothy during their brief moment alone. How could she mention the lady when Edward’s entire being was focused on Margaret?

  How clever of fate to set Margaret in his path right when he’d been about to walk out the door.

  Kissing her had been as natural as breathing at that moment. Her answering passion had been a welcome surprise. He smiled at the thought of what might’ve happened if they’d been in a more private place. Watching her find satisfaction had left him with an aching body that had yet to subside. He feared the only solution was Margaret herself.

  That would never come to pass if he didn’t find a way they could be together. He refused to accept defeat. Much like Charlotte and Redmond, he was determined to find a way to marry Margaret. But not by harming his family or hers. He needed to make the money he had work, and he needed to do all in his power to help Margaret with her father—both tasks felt equally impossible.

  A knock on the door interrupted his musings.

  “Enter.”

  “Good afternoon, Edward.” His mother came into the room, a small box tucked under her arm.

  “Mother.” He rose to come around his desk to greet her as he hadn’t yet seen her that morning. “You look wonderful.” Her deep blue gown complemented her dark hair.

  “Thank you.” She smiled then pressed a kiss to his cheek, something she had done frequently of late.

  She truly did look well. So much different than this time last year. She took better care with her appearance and enjoyed time with her friends. She’d hosted more teas in the past four months than she had in the last ten years. But most of all, she looked happy.

  With each week that passed, she appeared more joyful. She was the caring mother he vaguely remembered from his youth. The one Charlotte had never had the chance to know.

  He smiled at the thought of her approval of Margaret. It might have been annoying yesterday, but now that he intended to pursue Margaret with all he had, he was grateful for his mother’s good taste. But he wouldn’t say anything yet. Not until he had formed a plan.

  “Is something on your mind?” he asked.

  “Perhaps.” She took a seat before his desk, and he took the one beside her rather than sitting behind his desk.

  “Now you truly have my curiosity.” He patted her arm with affection.

  “I am not pleased with you at the moment.” Her stern expression lacked anger, but her words still gave him pause.

  “Why is that?” Given the fact that she had often been displeased with him and his roguish behavior in the past, it wasn’t surprising. However, since his father’s death, she had been very supportive.

  “You are courting the wrong lady.”

  Ah. Now they were getting somewhere. “You don’t care for Lady Dorothy?”

  “Charlotte and I have discussed it and decided she simply won’t do. She doesn’t suit you or our family.”

  “Have I mentioned the size of her dowry?” Though he’d already made the decision not to pursue her, he couldn’t resist teasing his mother.

  “I heard the amount, and it is impressive. I’m certain that much would make a significant difference to the family coffers. However, I am equally certain she won’t make you happy.”

  “Oh?”

  “How can you not see that Margaret Gold would be perfect for you? She is intelligent, kind, attractive, has impeccable taste, and opinions of her own, regardless of whether they match anyone else’s. Besides, your sister and I adore her.”

  “I wasn’t aware you and Charlotte would be involved in the decision-making.” He struggled to hide his amusement even though he had to agree. Margaret was all that and more. His mother obviously felt strongly about the topic if she was speaking her mind.

  “Edward, if you’re not careful, you’ll follow in your father’s footsteps, living an unhappy life. I appreciate your determination to put the estate and future generations first. But sacrificing your own happiness to do so isn’t necessary. Furthermore—”

  He lifted a finger to halt her tirade. “Mother, you are right.”

  She closed her mouth and frowned. “I am?”

  “Yes.” He grinned at her surprise. “While I fear our future will be more of a struggle than I would prefer, I find that my feelings toward Margaret are too strong to ignore.” He rose to pace alongside his desk, his angst over the situation demanding it. “I have made some inroads on Father’s debts but still owe money to Redmond. He continues to state that he doesn’t consider it a debt, but I cannot let it go. Then there are the repairs needed for the tenants, the roof repair on our country estate...”

  He stilled as the lengthy list once again felt insurmountable. Was he doing the right thing by pursuing Margaret or was it selfish to do so?

  “Edward, I know all of those things are important. But they didn’t happen in a day, nor can they be solved in one. Perhaps these will help.” She stood and handed him the carved wooden box she held.

  “What is this?” He set the box on his desk and opened the lid to see a collection of more than a dozen gold coins inside. Most were unfamiliar and appeared old based on their markings.

  “My father gave me these in sec
recy the night before my wedding. I had hidden the box inside an old chemise in a drawer and forgotten about them until I moved bedchambers. I think they may be of some value.”

  “They’re certainly unusual.” Edward stared at her, uncertain what to say.

  “Your grandfather didn’t care for your father and worried whether it would be a good match, but I didn’t listen. After all, your father was an earl, and I was only the daughter of a baron with a small dowry. I was so flattered by his attention and excited to think I would marry well.” She offered a sad smile. “My father’s land was what interested your father as it bordered his. Not me. It was never me. Your grandfather died soon after our wedding. I have often wondered if he’d lived, whether your father might’ve acted differently, at least for a time.”

  She shook her head. “None of that matters anymore.” She took his hand in hers. “I’m telling you this so you’ll make a wiser decision than I did. I should’ve listened to my parents. Though by the eve of the wedding, I had doubts, I was too proud to admit I’d made a mistake.”

  “Mother.” Edward wrapped his arms around her. “I’m sorry for what you endured.” She might not have dealt with her challenges in the best way, but she’d done the best she could given the circumstances.

  “Don’t be,” she murmured with a sniff. “I don’t regret anything because I have you and Charlotte.” She leaned back to meet his gaze, her eyes glittering with tears. “I wouldn’t trade either of you for anything, and I will always be grateful to your father for giving me the two of you.”

  “Mother.”

  Edward looked up to see Charlotte standing in the doorway, tears streaming down her face.

  “I didn’t know any of that.” She hurried forward to hug their mother and kiss her cheek. “I’m so sorry.”

  “I am the one who is sorry. It became easier to find a way to numb the pain than deal with it. That wasn’t what a good mother should do.” Lady Wynn wiped her eyes as she stepped back. “But those days are over and things have changed. We can enjoy our time together. I am a very lucky woman.”

  Edward glanced at Charlotte, wondering if she was as surprised as he was by all their mother had shared.

  “The question is, how do we discover what the coins are worth?” His mother poked a finger into the box and shifted them about. “There aren’t many, but I’m certain they’re valuable.”

  “I’ve never seen anything like them,” Edward said. “The markings almost look Roman. I’m sure we can find someone who knows something about them.”

  “Are you certain you wouldn’t like to buy something for yourself with them?” Charlotte asked. “It seems like you deserve it after all these years.”

  “Charlotte is right,” Edward said. “Why don’t I see how much they’re worth for you?”

  “No. I have everything I need. I want you to use the funds to make whatever investment or repairs we need.” Lady Wynn lifted one and held it up to the light. “Perhaps I’ll have a paste copy made and wear it as a pendant.” She smiled at both Edward and Charlotte. “I would like the reminder, and I think my father would approve if he were still alive.”

  “Thank you, Mother.” Surely the coins would help. He felt as if he’d been given a nod of approval from fate that he was moving in the right direction.

  Chapter Twenty

  Edward searched the crowd at the Thompson ball, hoping to see Margaret. “Are you certain she’ll be here?” he asked Charlotte.

  The past three days since he’d last seen her had been a series of ups and downs filled with hope and despair in equal measure. But he was certain that once he saw Margaret again, all would be well. His world would fall into place, and his plans would feel as if they were possible.

  “She told me she was coming,” Charlotte said as she, too, looked over the numerous guests.

  He’d told Charlotte of his interest in Margaret and his sister couldn’t have been happier for him. Though he’d cautioned her from assuming where their budding relationship would take them when so many issues still stood between them, Charlotte insisted love would conquer all. Damn if he didn’t want to believe her.

  “Good evening.”

  Edward turned to see Redmond had joined them and was smiling at his sister. While always pleased to see his soon-to-be brother-in-law, he wanted to see Margaret. Knowing his sister and Redmond would be happy was a relief, but now it was his turn. And it felt as if he and Margaret were a long way from becoming a couple, let alone a happy one. “Redmond.”

  “I'm so pleased you’re here, James.” Charlotte tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow. “We are searching for Margaret but have yet to find her. I hope nothing is wrong with Sir Reginald.”

  That same worry plagued Edward. Her father's condition was the one thing even more out of their control than Edward’s financial concerns. After all, they could do little to help with Sir Reginald’s wellbeing, but it deeply affected Margaret.

  Even if he found a way past his own worries, would she be able to leave her father's care to her mother? Her other sisters remained involved, but that wasn't quite the same as having them home each and every day to help take care of their father. Considering how difficult it had been for Lady Gold to have a few days away in Bath, Margaret leaving home to marry truly seemed impossible.

  He gave himself a mental shake. Now was not the time to worry whether a life with Margaret was possible. Now was the time to move forward despite the doubt.

  “I don't see Margaret, but there’s Lady Dorothy,” Charlotte said. “And she is looking directly at you.”

  Edward resisted the urge to turn around to see for himself. He had nearly forgotten about her in the past few days. His time had been taken by the search for someone to provide information on the gold coins which Aberland had provided assistance with, as well as how best to put any additional funds to work, and he hadn't given a thought to her.

  He didn't feel as if he owed her an explanation. He had called on her once and visited with her when he happened to come upon her at a social event. He hadn’t truly courted her. But now he worried whether she assumed there was more to his attentions. Had he been more forward with her than he realized given that catching a gentleman’s interest was the sole purpose of many young ladies? Thank goodness his plan to pursue her hadn’t progressed further.

  Hopefully, she would see him with Margaret and understand his attention was now drawn elsewhere. He would ask Margaret her thoughts on the matter. The idea of doing so filled him with unexpected warmth. How nice to have her thoughtful opinion at his disposal. Why had he ever thought her too opinionated?

  With no sign of Margaret, he continued to visit with Redmond and Charlotte. His mother chatted with Lady Devlin, a good friend of hers, a short distance away. Yet as the evening progressed and there was still no sign of Margaret, he worried. Where could she be? Had something happened? He moved around the ballroom, speaking to acquaintances but not dancing with anyone. He only wanted to dance with Margaret.

  The heat of the crowded ballroom eventually chased him to the open terrace doors where the cool evening breeze brought welcome relief.

  “Lord Wynn, how wonderful to see you. I hope the evening finds you well.”

  He nearly groaned at the sound of Lady Dorothy’s voice and reluctantly turned to face her, bowing as she dipped into a curtsy. He had no desire to speak with her at the moment, or perhaps ever. With luck, he could be rid of her in short order.

  “Good evening, Lady Dorothy. Are you enjoying the ball?” She was wearing a gown with far too many green ruffles.

  She smiled amidst fluttering her lashes. “Very much so.”

  “The music is especially fine this evening, isn't it?” Edward asked, only to curse himself under his breath.

  He shouldn't have brought up the music. Now she would expect him to ask her to dance. Where was Margaret when he needed her? Since he didn't see her, he searched for Charlotte and Redmond, hoping they would see his dilemma and come to his rescue. U
nfortunately, they were among the dancers. He turned back to Lady Dorothy, only to find her focused on someone or something just past his shoulder.

  Her intense interest nearly had him following her gaze to see what or who held her notice, but she returned her attention to him. Her face turned a ruddy shade of red, making her appear quite flustered. Then she stepped closer, and he had to keep himself from moving back.

  “Is something amiss?” he asked more out of politeness than curiosity.

  She unfurled her fan and waved it before her face. “It's terribly warm in here is all.” She leaned sideways to stare past him again briefly then looked back at him. “In truth, I-I feel rather f-faint.”

  Dread seized Edward and refused to relinquish its grasp. He didn't understand what was happening, yet what could he do but play the role of gentlemen? A loud inner voice of self-preservation urged caution. “Why don't you step outside and have a breath of fresh air?” he suggested.

  Lady Dorothy's eyes widened, and she again looked past his shoulder. “Yes, I suppose that would be helpful.” But she made no move to go.

  He gestured toward the open door in an effort to convince her to move, barely resisting the urge to shoo her onto the terrace. The last thing he wanted was for her to faint while standing beside him. He didn't want to be forced to catch her, nor did he think it would be a true one. Something was afoot, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

  “I'm so sorry to bother you but would you accompany me outside?” she asked. The desperation in her eyes held a glint of sharpness rather than wooziness and confirmed that she wasn’t in danger of fainting. But he didn’t see how he could refuse her request without being rude. Besides the terrace was well lit and all the doors stood open. While he didn't see anyone standing outside, surely others had also found the ballroom overly warm.

  “Of course,” he said after a moment’s hesitation. Rather than offering his arm, he gestured for her to precede him.

  “I'm certain some air will help,” she muttered as she went outside. He took one step out as well then paused. To his surprise, Lady Dorothy kept walking.