Free What a Reckless Rogue Needs by Vicky Dreiling Page B

unoccupied a very long time. I recommend looking into it straightaway, especially since the marquess is considering selling it. We all have seen estates that crumbled due to neglect.”
    “I’m so glad you came,” Margaret said. “You have convinced me. I will talk to Chadwick tonight. It is past time something be done about Sommerall, and really he should not try to force Colin into marriage.”
    “For now, I suggest keeping the focus on the survey of the house,” Angeline said. “Let him consider one issue at a time.”
    “Yes, that should work. You know men can only think in a straight line,” Margaret said. “They are easily confused by related topics. We have to introduce them one at a time and then explain the various relationships.” She paused and looked thoughtful. “I’ve often been tempted to draw pictures for Chadwick.”
    “Well, it’s probably best that we continue to allow the gentlemen to believe they are the stronger of the sexes because of their brawn,” Angeline said. “We had better keep our superior intellect a secret.”
    “Yes, but they are far more malleable than you might realize, but you’ll discover that after you’re married.” Margaret patted her hand. “Thank you, dear. You’ve been more helpful than you know.”
    Angeline crossed her fingers in her skirts. “I hope so.” She paused a moment and said, “Chadwick is a very lucky man to have you for his wife.”
    Margaret visibly swallowed. “Thank you, dear. I daresay I do not deserve such a compliment, but I will cherish your words all the same.”
    Angeline knew a bit about Margaret’s background. It could not have been easy for a woman whose father had been a shopkeeper to marry into the world of the ton and to be a stepmother to an eight-year-old child, but Margaret was a special lady.

Chapter Four
    C olin meant to instruct his valet to pack his trunks after breakfast. There was no point in staying any longer. He would briefly explain his reasons to his father and begin the journey back to London today.
    He sipped his tea and heard an odd chewing sound under the table. Then he noted that the sausages on his sisters’ plates had somehow disappeared. When he lifted his brows, Bianca and Bernadette regarded him with innocent expressions. No doubt they had been feeding the dog beneath the table.
    When breakfast concluded, the marquess cleared his throat. “I have an announcement to make.”
    Everyone regarded him quizzically, with the exception of the marchioness.
    “After much contemplation, I have decided that it is time to make an inventory of the repairs needed for Sommerall House.”
    Colin stared at his father. All around him voices buzzed. What had precipitated his father’s sudden change of mind? Then he realized that Margaret did not appear the least bit surprised.
    She must have intervened on his behalf. Why did that make him feel guilty? She had been kind to do it, and he had never done her a kindness. If anything, he’d kept his distance. He should thank her, but he suspected she neither sought nor wanted gratitude from the likes of him. Her motivation for helping likely had less to do with his wishes and more to do with keeping the peace at the house party.
    The marquess held up his hand. “I have not finished. My son wishes to manage the work. After consulting with Wycoff, he and I agreed that Lady Angeline’s expertise would prove helpful. To ensure that the proprieties are observed, a maid will accompany them.”
    Margaret cleared her throat. “We cannot spare Marie or Betty, so I am promoting Agnes to chaperone. She is the newest of three scullery maids and can be spared. She will busy herself dusting and helping to clear away any items that are beyond use or repair.”
    “Can we help?” Bianca asked.
    The marquess frowned at his daughter over his spectacles. “No, you may not. I have another task in mind for you. That task is to walk your ugly dog and make sure he stays below