Page 65 of A Bride for the Beastly Duke
“He did… or so you said.” He clasped her hand, looking earnestly into her eyes. “Tell me everything that he said to you when you went for tea.”
Ava furrowed her brow, thinking hard. “He said he wanted us to go to his home in Spain—Andalusia, I believe. He seemed veryadamant— it made my hackles rise because he did not seem to be that taken with Margaret, and so it made me suspicious of his motives.”
Edward looked down at the picture thoughtfully. “And now that you know who he might be, what do you think of his insistence?”
“I have no idea. Perhaps we should ask him.”
“Perhaps we should,” Edward agreed. Obviously, the Marquess had already had ample opportunity to cause damage to Edward’s family if that was what he wanted.
Perhaps he is a friend, not a foe.
Chapter Twenty-Six
“Papa!” Lily came hurtling down the stairs as they entered the house, her face bright with joy. “You are back. Mama was worried,” she said as she threw herself into his arms.
He picked her up and held her close as Ava blinked the tears from her eyes. Seeing how happy they were to be reunited was everything to her. It was all she had ever wanted for her daughter.
Edward pulled away to look into Lily’s eyes, his mouth turned down. “I must apologize profusely, Lily my dear, for I forgot to bring you a present.”
She squeezed his shoulders affectionately; “Do not worry about it, Papa. I do not mind.”
“Oh, but I do. I shall be sure to send for something from the city. Is there anything in particular you would like?”
Lily pursed her lips thoughtfully. “Mmm, not really. I have you and Mama and Grandma and Aunt Margaret. Grandpapa too. That is enough.”
Edward pulled her close and kissed her forehead. “You are a sweet child, Lily. How about a new gown?”
Lily grinned, “All right, Papa.”
“Good, we shall send for the modiste at once. You shall have a new gown by the end of the day.”
Lily giggled. “If you say so, Papa.”
“I do.” He kissed her forehead again.
Ava found that she quite forgave him for all his transgressions.
Once Edward had refreshed himself in his chambers, he went in search of Margaret. The two of them had not exchanged words privately before, but he hoped it would not be too awkward to question her. He found her sitting on the verandah, sipping tea, and reading a book.
“Good afternoon,” he said as politely as he knew how.
She still dropped her book, looking startled, and straightened up in her seat. Her eyes flickered all over his face, seemingly not knowing where to land. “Oh, Your Grace, I had not realized you had returned.”
“Well, yes, I have. Just this afternoon, actually.”
“Oh. Well, how was London?”
“Very… productive. Thank you for asking. I apologize for absconding my duties as host.”
She waved a hand shyly. “Oh, do not worry about it. We were well taken care of.”
“Good.” He indicated the wicker chairs. “Can we sit?”
“Sure.” Slowly, she sat back down. Edward picked up her book from the floor and handed it to her before taking a seat in the wicker chair by her side.
“I was hoping to ask you some questions if you don’t mind.”
“Mm? What questions, Your Grace?”
