Page 126 of From Rakes to Riches

“I understand,” Theodore said from where he stood near the window. And he did, having lost both his parents at a young age. “It will get easier. Time passes whether we like it or not.”

“That’s true, although I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t returned from America when you did. You’ve helped me a great deal,” she said, smoothing her skirt in an act of habit. “At least, I have my wedding to look forward to next year.”

“Yes,” Theodore said, thankful for the seamless entry into the conversation he most wanted to share. “I haven’t had the pleasure of getting to know Viscount Sidmouth as of yet, but I hope we can remedy that soon. Did he and your brother spend much time together? Did you all get on well?”

“Those are peculiar questions, don’t you think?” she asked, popping up from her chair and pacing to the hearth. “I told you once before my brother approved of the match.”

“Yes, you did.” Theodore strode closer, hoping Margaret would trust him enough to be completely honest. “But when I spoke to Timmons, he mentioned your brother and betrothed had had repeated arguments. I was surprised to learn this since you never said anything to that effect.”

“Why would that matter?” Margaret drew her shoulders back, uncomfortable to be caught in a difficult conversation. “Stephen worried too much over money issues. I asked Colin to speak to him about our wedding plans and my dowry. They quarreled. That’s all there was to it. I never mentioned it to you because it has nothing to do with what happened to my brother.”

“I’m struggling to understand why you concealed this when any information could be helpful in locating Stephen’s killer,” Theodore replied.

“Are you suggesting Colin was connected to Stephen’s death?” Margaret asked, her tone indignant.

“Of course not,” Theodore scoffed. “But gaining a better understanding of your brother’s experiences will help us learn what he was thinking. It could lead to discovering what happened. I’m surprised I’d have to explain this to you, Margaret.”

She didn’t speak for a moment and Theodore wondered if she would ask him to leave.

“I didn’t want you to think poorly of Colin,” Margaret said with a reluctant frown. “Now that Stephen is gone and you’ve returned, it will be the three of us spending time together often. At least that is my hope, that we will be each other’s family. I couldn’t allow you to form a low opinion of my soon-to-be husband.”

“You still should have told me,” Theodore said, struggling to keep a hold on his patience.

“So, they disagreed about the wedding plans. I don’t see why it bears mentioning. It casts Colin in a poor light when he was only acting on my behalf,” Margaret persisted.

Theodore wouldn’t point out how selfishly she’d behaved.Again.But he could give her what she so desperately wanted. Time spent in each other’s company.

“I’d like to meet Viscount Sidmouth and get to know him better. Why don’t we arrange a quiet get together here at Fremont House? I know socializing is forbidden while you’re in mourning but we could consider this more of a family meeting.”

“Yes.” Margaret immediately brightened. “I’d like that very much.”

“Excellent,” Theodore said. “I would enjoy it as well.”

They’d seemed to have reached a truce of sorts, although he still had other questions for Margaret and so he continued to smooth over the rough edges.

“Stephen would have wanted you to have the wedding of your dreams, but being concerned about the finances, it might have caused him to react out of character when speaking with Lord Sidmouth.”

“Perhaps that’s true, although I still wonder what Stephen was doing at Vauxhall. If he was sincerely worried over our financial security, why would he waste money in a pleasure garden? The people there are beneath us.” Her tone echoed every ounce of disapproval in her words.

“I wouldn’t be so quick to judge the guests who frequent Vauxhall. All levels of the aristocracy have enjoyed the entertainment offered there, including many of your acquaintances, no doubt. I understand the Prince Regent has visited on more than one occasion.”

“Oh, I wasn’t commenting on our friends.” She crimped a smile, her expression merely tolerant. “I was referring to the performers. Considering their choice of employment and lifestyle, it is obvious they lack morals and personal integrity.” She reclaimed her seat, completely comfortable airing her haughty prejudice.

“I would think after meeting Miss York the other afternoon, you’d formed a better opinion.” He measured his words carefully, not wishing to engage in a conversation of this nature and at the same time unable to allow Margaret’s comment to stand.

“I suspected you would reply in that way,” she said, with a flit of her eyes upward. “If you’re going to cause a scandal, I do hope you’ll keep it confined to Vauxhall. You’re an earl, Theodore. Better society would enjoy nothing more than to besmirch you.”

“And doesn’t that last sentence speak volumes,” he snapped.

“Oh, don’t become irritable. I’m stating the facts. If you take up withMiss Yorkyou’ll damage your reputation and shame your heritage. There’s nothing for it.”

“I find your concern for my reputation a tad hypocritical considering what you’ve shared concerning your relationships with Lord Mowbray and Viscount Sidmouth,” Theodore said starkly, the remark made in retaliation, albeit true.

“Theodore!” Margaret’s brows drew together, her expression a mixture of shock and disapproval. “I can’t believe you just said that.”

“It needed to be said. Your comments were petty and you’re behaving in a manner beneath you. I advise you to keep your opinion regarding Miss York and her fellow performers at Vauxhall to yourself going forward.” He curled his fingers into fists at his sides and then reopened them, determined to continue in a calmer tone. “Now more importantly, if yourbrother was at Vauxhall, he must have had a reason, something that superseded anything else that evening.”

“I don’t know what you mean,” Margaret replied sourly.

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