Page 60 of Six Nights to Marry a Marquess

“At this rate, the repairs would be concluded soon, it seems,” Theodore said, summarizing the progress report with a nod. He was glad that things were going as planned, at least in one area of his responsibilities. The tenants could move back into their houses soon, a relief to them all.

“Ah well, My Lord,” Stevens's voice suddenly held a tentative note, causing Theodore's brow to furrow in apprehension.

“What is it?” he asked, his voice firm, bracing for unwelcome news.

“We have run out of funds to carry on and finish what little work is left,” the man confessed, looking genuinely distressed.

Theodore's heart sank. “I had a meeting with your solicitor to see what he could get us without having to bother you about the little hindrance, but unfortunately, he was not successful in getting the funds,” Stevens continued, his voice low. “He says there are too many matters at hand, it’s drained every resource,” he added, his gaze not quite meeting Theodore’s.

“And why hasn’t Thompson come to me with this issue all this while?” Theodore’s voice rose slightly, a mix of confusion and frustration coloring his tone.

“I do not know, My Lord,” Stevens responded ruefully. “I expect he thought he could take care of the situation without bothering you about it,” he added, attempting to justify the solicitor's silence.

“My responsibilities are never a bother to me,” Theodore said, his frustration evident. He understood their caution and their desire to shield him from further stress, but he was not a man to shy away from his duties, especially not those that affected the lives of others so directly.

He took a deep breath, calming himself. "We must find a solution, Stevens. Please arrange a meeting with Thompson firstthing tomorrow. We will sort this out," he decided firmly, his mind already turning over possible solutions.

He understood their caution came from a good place. But what needed to be done must be done. No matter what. This was his duty, and he would see it fulfilled.

“I shall have a meeting with Thompson and see how we can salvage the situation,” Theodore reassured the steward, his voice steady but the undertone of determination unmistakable. Those repairs must be finished as soon as possible, he promised himself, feeling the weight of his responsibilities press down upon him.

Laughter nearby reminded Theodore of the festivities going on around him. As he glanced around, he couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast between the carefree joy of the festival and the gravity of his own situation. It was a reminder of the dual aspects of his role—celebration and duty intertwined.

Stevens bid him a good day and excused himself, understanding his lord’s need to return to his guests. As Theodore’s gaze drifted back to the dance unfolding before him, his eyes met Agnes’s across the distance. She smiled brightly at him, her expression one of pure joy and encouragement.

That smile, radiant and hopeful, bolstered him more than anything else could. More than ever, he felt the need to do whatever it would take to change his situation, to resolve the financial turmoil that threatened the stability he so desperately wanted to provide.

For the people he was responsible for, for Agnes, he must succeed.

CHAPTER 28

As Agnes rejoined her husband, she noticed a woman struggling near one of the festival carts. “Confounded slipper,” the lady hissed with palpable impatience, attempting to extricate her footwear which seemed ensnared in the wheel of the cart.

Quick to offer assistance, Agnes approached, her natural inclination to help taking over. “Oh, finally some help,” the lady sighed in relief as Agnes knelt down beside her.

The slipper was tangled quite thoroughly in the wheel. With a bit of maneuvering and extra effort, Agnes managed to free it.

“It slipped off and got stuck,” the lady explained sheepishly as Agnes handed her the rescued shoe.

“I cannot thank you enough. With all the festivities and distractions around, only a genuine soul would be so kind as to stop and help,” she added, her tone infused with gratitude.

“It was no trouble at all,” Agnes responded, brushing off her hands and preparing to return to Theodore.

Before she could move away, the woman introduced herself. “I am the Countess of Leighton,” she said, extending her hand in formal greeting.

The name rang a bell for Agnes, but she couldn’t quite place where she had heard it before. Before she could ponder further, the Countess continued, “And you are the new Marchioness of Gillingham.” It was stated with such certainty that it took Agnes by surprise. It was not a question, and her confident tone made Agnes wonder how she had come to be recognized so quickly.

“Yes, I am,” Agnes confirmed, her curiosity piqued about how her identity was so readily known. She smiled politely, her mind whirling with questions about the Countess' familiarity with her.

“Oh, I saw you when the dance began. And it was all the people around could talk about,” Lady Leighton explained, responding to the unasked question on Agnes’s face. Her tone carried a note of admiration that caused Agnes to blush slightly.

“You have a skill with children only your dancing talents could rival,” the Countess praised, her eyes sparkling with genuine appreciation.

“Oh, you’re too kind,” Agnes felt some color in her cheeks, humbled by such compliments.

“There you are,” she suddenly heard her husband’s voice behind her. Theodore approached with his usual dignified stride, his eyes lighting up as he joined them. Agnes introduced him to the Countess.

“A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Leighton,” Theodore greeted, taking the Countess’s gloved hand gently in his and kissing her knuckles in a gesture of refined courtesy.

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