Page 67 of Six Nights to Marry a Marquess

“Send him in.” Theodore walked back to his seat behind his desk as Mr. Thompson was shown in. “Stevens told me about the pause in the renovations,” he stated as soon as the solicitor was in his sight.

“Yes, My Lord. I asked him to hold off on telling you because I’d been hoping to handle the problem,” Mr. Thompson replied, adjusting his spectacles as he sat.

As much as he appreciated the efforts, Theodore did not like the arrangement. He felt a flicker of irritation at being kept in the dark about matters affecting his own estate.

“This is not something to be kept from me,” he pointed out firmly. “The tenants have been inconvenienced long enough. We need to source these funds for the repairs,” he added, his mind already turning over the possibilities and potential sacrifices required to ensure the welfare of those dependent on him.

“Indeed,” Mr. Thompson agreed, a hint of relief in his tone. His posture seemed to relax, as well, piquing Theodore’s interest. “As a matter of fact, the merchants from India have signed a contract for two vessels, My Lord,” he announced, his voice carrying a new buoyancy.

Theodore briefly wondered if he was dreaming upon hearing such good news. It seemed almost too fortuitous given the dire straits his affairs had been in lately.

“They want to lease for one voyage, and if they are satisfied with our vessels, they wish to have you build ships for them. This shall only be the beginning of their business with us, My Lord,” the solicitor elaborated, unfolding the details like a herald bearing tidings of victory.

“Why, that is excellent news!” Theodore could hardly keep the elation from his voice. At last, some light pierced the dark tunnel of his recent existence.

He quickly made arrangements with Thompson for the vessels to be readied for the journey, his mind racing through the possibilities.

“...and of course, a part of these funds from the transaction is to go toward the tenants’ repairs,” Theodore instructed.

“The remaining debt...” Thompson began, sounding uncertain.

“There is a significant sum left to be paid, Thompson. I cannot subject my tenants to such a wait and sacrifice their comfort. Heaven knows they have been patient enough,” Theodore responded.

“I wish the creditors would be as patient,” Thompson sighed.

“We have come quite far. They have to be.” Theodore wanted to be optimistic, despite the challenges they faced. “We will use this new contract as proof if we have to. We are working on their funds, and hope to remit it in full as soon as business permits.”

“I shall communicate this to them at once then,” Thompson responded, his expression brightening a little. “Hopefully, it earns us more time.”

Theodore left his study to find Agnes after his meeting, but he could not find her anywhere. “Have you seen my wife?” he asked a footman in the front hall.

“She left for the village a moment ago, My Lord,” he replied with a bow.

“By herself?”

“All the ladies of the manor, My Lord, and the lady’s maid.”

“I see…” Theodore returned to his study, intending to apologize before dinner.

Theodore took great care dressing for dinner tonight. “It must be a special occasion, my lord,” his valet, Audley, observed at his enthusiasm.

“It is,” Theodore replied.

“Every day is a special occasion for a married man. Especially a newlywed one,” Audley went on, and Theodore smiled.

As he slid his arms into his deep blue coat, he decided that he would share the good news of his deal with Agnes at dinner. With every second that passed, he found himself looking forward to seeing her.

Upon reviewing his appearance in the mirror, Theodore felt a surge of confidence. Romance rarely failed to placate an angry wife, or so he had been informed by Preston. Tonight, he intended to employ that very strategy.

Arriving very early in the drawing room, he hoped to find a moment to apologize to Agnes before his sisters joined—they were habitually late. He picked up three large peony blooms from the flower arrangement on the fireplace mantle, thinking they might soften her heart toward him.

He kept his gaze fixed on the door, anticipation and a trace of anxiety mingling within him. After fifteen minutes had passed with no sign of Agnes, he began to wonder if she would come down at all. It wouldn’t surprise him if she didn’t; she must be furious with him. Pushing aside this qualm, Theodore resolved that, if necessary, he would draw her out even if she elected for a solitary meal in her chambers instead.

Just as he was about to consider his next steps, footsteps sounded, but when he looked up, it was Quentin who appeared in the doorway. “Dinner is served, My Lord.”

“Where are the ladies, Quentin?” he asked, his voice tense with concern, hoping that his efforts for reconciliation would not be in vain tonight.

“Her ladyship and the young ladies are having dinner at the Leighton residence tonight, My Lord,” Quentin replied, his tone impassive.

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