Page 83 of A Bride for the Beastly Duke
“But it isn’t,” Marcus said, his gaze a little too knowing.
Edward shook his head, looking away. “I wish it were. For the sake of my family, I must make it enough. I will not put them in danger again.”
“You can’t fight the establishment,” Marcus said ruefully.
“Indeed not.”
Their gazes caught and held. Neither said the word for a very long time then, with a sigh, Marcus got to his feet. “I must update the ledgers,” he said, “since we had unexpected expenses.”
Edward nodded, “Very well, you go ahead.”
He leaned back in his seat, staring out of his study window. He knew what he had to do, but doing it was easier said than done.
Ava stood in the courtyard, tearfully bidding goodbye to her family. They were leaving for the city where Margaret would be able to participate in the rest of the season.
“We had not meant to stay this long, but…” Martha made a wordless gesture that encompassed everything that had happened.
Ava nodded, “I know mother. I’m very grateful for all the help you have given us. But you’re right, Margaret is missing the Season, and you need to return to London. I, for one, have no objection. Were things different, I would even offer to chaperone.”
“Don’t worry about it, my dear. It will be well.” Martha took hold of Ava’s shoulders, pulling her into her embrace. They clung to each other for a long moment before letting go.
Ava surreptitiously wiped the tears from her eyes before turning to her sister with a wide smile. “Don’t forget to enjoy yourself, even as you search for husband.” She grabbed Margaret, reeling her in, and embraced her tightly. Margaret squeezed her back just as hard.
“Ohh, I will miss you all,” she said. “Come visit us as soon as you can.”
“I promise.” Ava agreed.
She turned to her father with a teary smile. “Papa.”
He took hold of her hands and squeezed. “It does my heart good to see you with a man who is worthy of you. Stay happy my dear.”
“Yes, Papa,” she said softly, squeezing his hand one more time before letting him go.
Lily came running from the house and was immediately admonished by all four of them.
“You know you cannot be moving so fast. What if you fell?” Margaret said with distress.
Lily grinned, “I won’t fall, Auntie Margaret; don't worry.” She wrapped her arms around Margaret’s legs, the only place she could reach. “I’ll miss you.”
“Ohh, I’ll miss you too,mon amie. Hopefully, I shall see you soon.”
Lily gave a very put upon sigh. “Papa says I can’t go in the carriage until my ribs are better.”
“Well, then you should make sure to take good care of yourself so that you get well sooner,” Martha said, pinching her cheekaffectionately. She bent down and kissed the same cheek. “Once you heal, you shall come and see your grandmama, and we shall go for ices at Gunter’s.”
Lily whooped with joy as Ava looked on with a smile. Her daughter was improving by leaps and bounds; even Crowley had been surprised at the speed of her recovery.
Ava took Lily’s hand and stepped back as her family got onto their carriage and drove off. They waved until they could not see the carriage anymore. Then Ava led Lily back to the house. “It’s going to be so quiet now,” Lily said in a subdued tone. “Everybody has left.”
Ava smoothed down her gown over her belly. Just this morning, she felt something flutter in there. “I have a feeling we shan’t be alone for long.” She grinned down at Lily. “And I think we could all use a little boredom. Things have been way too exciting around here.”
Lily giggled, “Oh Mama, you’re so silly.”
Edward was in the music room listening diligently as Lily played when Notley came into the room. “The Earl of Pemberton is here to see you,” he murmured softly.
Edward nodded and got to his feet. “Send him to my study.” He bowed to Lily. “If you will excuse me, my dear, I must attend to someone presently.”
Lily waved him off, and he went to his study, that was just next door. A few minutes later, Notley ushered Pemberton into the room. The Marquess came to a stop just inside the door. He nodded to Edward. “I have news.”
