Free The Importance of Being Wicked (Millworth Manor) by Victoria Alexander Page B

something new or boasting about what he has. Although there are a few manuscripts in Latin he has been trying to translate for years.” She wrinkled her nose. “Pointless, really, as he was never good at Latin. Still, one does try to support one’s husband’s pursuits, futile though they may be.”
    “It is fortunate they were saved from the fire.”
    “Oh my, yes.” She shuddered. “I don’t even want to think how devastated he would have been had they been destroyed. The things that we did lose were bad enough.” She paused for a long moment and Miranda wondered if she was thinking about all those family treasures that were lost. “You must understand, Lady Garret, Winfield has not been the same since the fire.”
    “I suspect none of you are the same,” Miranda said slowly. “I can’t imagine how horrible it would be to lose those things that are irreplaceable.”
    “Life goes on though, doesn’t it? And we must carry on to the best of our abilities.”
    “Of course.”
    “I never dreamed I would call Winfield stodgy or stiff.” Lady Fairborough heaved a heartfelt sigh. “But his responsibilities seem to weigh heavier on him now than they did before the fire. It’s to be expected, I suppose, but he’s always been so lighthearted and amusing and witty. Women in particular have always found him charming. Extremely so.”
    “So I have heard,” Miranda said dryly.
    “Are you speaking of his reputation?”
    “It’s nothing more than gossip, mind you. There have been stories . . . here and there. . . .” Miranda’s voice trailed off helplessly. It was one thing to discuss a man’s amorous reputation with a friend and quite another to talk about it with his mother.
    “I am well aware of them. Most of them, anyway. Although I daresay there could be those I have yet to hear of, which is probably for the best.” Lady Fairborough chuckled. “He did have a bit of a misspent youth, but then what spirited young man doesn’t?”
    Miranda smiled weakly.
    “However, he never acted dishonorably, he never ruined a young woman’s life and he was never involved in any sort of unforgivable scandals. As far as I know, that is, and I daresay I would know.” She shook her head. “You would be surprised at the delight some people take in telling you the most dreadful stories about your offspring. However, most of his dubious misdeeds are long behind him.” She narrowed her eyes slightly. “Unless you are referring to his engagements, which admittedly have not cast him in the best light.”
    Miranda drew a deep breath. “One does wonder . . .”
    “As is only natural.” Lady Fairborough pressed her lips together in a firm line. “But things are not always as they appear, my dear.”
    “It’s been my experience that they rarely are.”
    “How very wise of you to understand that.” She refilled Miranda’s cup. “The earl and I haven’t been abroad in years. We intend to travel when all is settled here.” She handed her back her cup. “Including our son.”
    “What do you mean by settled?”
    “Oh, I don’t know. Nothing in particular.” She shrugged.
    “Grayson is home now and will soon be wed. I simply wish to see both of my boys settled and happy.”
    “As any mother would,” Miranda said cautiously.
    “Have you ever considered that there is something to be said for a wicked man?”
    Miranda started. “Well, I—”
    “Lord Fairborough was quite wicked when we first met.” The countess stirred sugar into her cup. “I must tell you there is nothing more fun than having a wicked man.”
    Miranda choked on her tea.
    “And then”—Lady Fairborough flashed a smug smile—“reforming him.”
    Miranda cleared her throat. “Forgive me for being blunt, but why are you telling me all this?”
    “Why?” Lady Fairborough’s eyes widened innocently. “No reason in particular, I suppose. I was simply making idle chatter. The mention of Winfield’s engagements did lead me to think about