Page 57 of Six Nights to Marry a Marquess

No sooner had Mrs. Davis left than another knock came on her office door. Quentin walked in, a bundle of correspondence in hand, his demeanor indicating the usual mix of news from the outside world.

There were letters from her family, her dear friends Emma and Frances. She opened her family’s first:

Dearest Agnes,

Philip here. How are you, dear sister? We all miss you terribly and eagerly await news of your adventures in your new life. Mother talks about you every day at breakfast and dinner, and Father has taken to planning for us to spend some time with you in the country.

This is Harry. Since your invitation, we are plotting a small invasion of your peaceful existence; expect us soon, armed with stories and perhaps a few surprise treats from home. We hope you are keeping well and promise not to overwhelm Lord Gillingham with too many questions.

And this is George. Agnes, I have new friends, but alas, I cannot bring them with me. Lord Gillingham told me he has a well-stocked pond there. I would so like to go fishing with him!

With much love and anticipation,

Your brothers

Agnes felt a surge of warmth reading their words. She opened Emma's and Frances’ letters next.

My Dearest Aggie,

I trust this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I cannot help but feel the distance between us more acutely with each passing day—but do not mind me, for I am too melodramatic for my own good! How is life treating you in your new abode? I often find myself wondering how you are.

I wanted to share some news from here; the town has been lively with speculation since your wedding, and they appear to be keeping a keen eye on you in Essex. The vultures! Oh, Frances shall be hosting a ball. It has managed to distract the ton—being that this is her first ball as the Duchess of Preston,but it is not enough. I am sure she will write to you about it. I wish you could attend.

Do enjoy every moment with your husband, and do not forget to fall in love. I have lost hope in myself, but not in you, Aggie. Please write soon and tell me everything about your life now—every little detail counts!

With all my love,

Emma

Dearest Aggie,

I hope this note finds you well. I often forget that I must sound like a duchess in my letters, even those to my dearest friends. Holding titles is quite the task, is it not, my dear Marchioness?

With the season advancing, I have decided to bring a bit of excitement into our social life by hosting a ball in London. I would be absolutely delighted if you and Theodore could attend. It will be held in a fortnight, under the theme of a Midsummer Night’s Dream. I believe it will be a splendid occasion for you to put society to shame! I know you and Lord Gillingham are wondrously in love, and I want you to show it to the realm.

I eagerly await your reply. If you dare decline my invitation, Preston and I shall come fetch you ourselves!

With immeasurable love,

Frannie

“Oh!” Agnes held the letters to her chest, smiling, her eyes misted. The thought of a social gathering also excited her. She had to convince Theodore of what a splendid notion this was!

Her spirits brightened, Agnes suddenly felt the urge to explore more of the manor’s grounds. Deciding on a more active pursuit, she eventually went to the stables and had a horse prepared for her. Riding seemed the perfect way to see more of the extensive property, a thought that filled her with a refreshing sense of freedom.

And somewhat mindlessly, drawn by the allure of the familiar yet mysterious, she rode out to the ruins—a place steeped in the history of the estate. To her surprise, she noticed Theodore's horse secured to a stump. Was he here? She wondered, a little bubble of anticipation welling up within her.

She found another stump nearby and secured her own mount before venturing inside the ruins.

Agnes found him in the same room they’d been in before. Theodore was lying on the only chaise in the room, deeply engrossed in a book. The sight of him so relaxed and absorbed in his reading brought a smile to her face.

“Why, aren’t we comfortable in here,” she chuckled, her voice light and teasing.

He seemed most at peace right now, a rare sight that oddly warmed her heart. A smile graced his face when he looked up, his eyes meeting hers with a mixture of surprise and delight.

“I knew you’d find me here,” he said, closing the book with a soft thud.

“Was I supposed to find you here?” She chuckled, stepping closer, intrigued by his statement.

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