Page 31 of The Marquess's Scandalous Game
Leopold smiled. “I thought it would please you. These children usually remain with their mother, but if the physician had a larger property, he could care for them there and hire other staff to help to care for them, and perhaps they would have a better chance of survival.”
Emma nodded. “This would be stellar and a great improvement for the care of children. There are various dispensaries for women and children where they can havemedicines and see a physician. There is not much more for children.”
Leopold hugged Emma to him.
“Perhaps there is more that I could do. I could gather a group of ladies with similar minds, and we could determine how else we can assist. Mayhap we could raise further funds to assist,” Emma said.
“That is a marvelous idea, my sweet Emma. You have my full support.”
“Adlington,it has been a long time since you came to Easton. It is good to see you, man. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?” Edgar Allerton, the Earl of Easton, greeted him.
Leopold had seen Easton briefly at his wedding but did not get to catch up with him properly. He had made the journey to Easton’s estate without announcing his arrival. He was immediately ushered into the drawing room by Elmer, Easton’s faithful butler. Elmer could not hide his pleasure in seeing him. Easton waived him to an armchair and sat in the one closest to Leopold.
“I have come to say what a fool I have been the last few years. I have pushed everyone away from me, all the people who care. I was so caught up in my grief that I wallowed in it.” Leo was contrite in expressing his regret.
“We did not quarrel, Adlington. Furthermore, we have all known grief, but I understand that what you experienced is a great deal to overcome. A lesser man would have given in to his melancholy, yet you did not.” Easton’s voice was filled with empathy before he continued on a happier note. “You cannot imagine how pleased I was when I learned you would wed. Ihad to be there to offer you my support with your impending marriage.”
Leopold shuffled his feet. “I am relieved to hear you say it, and I was happy you made it to the wedding. I did not think I had the right to turn up here today and expect you to forgive my slight.”
“What nonsense! Have a drink with me. What will you have? A whisky or a brandy?”
“I will have a brandy, thank you.”
Easton stood to prepare their drinks. He handed Leopold his glass and raised his for a toast. “My heart is as full as my glass when I drink with you, old friend."
Leopold proposed a toast. “Friends, may we always be.”
“Now tell me, how is wedded bliss?” Easton asked as though Adlington had not been missing from his life.
Leopold’s shoulders slumped before he hitched them back up again. He felt a sickly lurch of disappointment that he had not reached out to his friend earlier. Yet, he was pleased to see their emotional connection and mutual trust survived his foolhardy behavior.
He pressed his lips together and shifted in his chair. “I was wounded by life, but the marchioness has given me much hope for the future. I must say that I am content. The marchioness is quite a caring person. She will always put others above herself, even to her detriment.”
Easton sat up straighter in his chair and sipped from his glass. “She sounds like quite a lady. I am happy for you, man.”
“That she is.” Leopold’s grin was wide, and his eyes gleamed as he pictured Emma in his mind’s eye.
Easton chuckled. “You sound like a man who is smitten.”
Leopold took a swig of his drink, and it warmed him. “I decided to take a risk with the marchioness because sheis strong-willed which was not a quality I sought in a wife. Nonetheless, it is a risk that I hope will pay off.”
Easton furrowed his brow before he responded, “Strong-willed, you say. Whatever do you mean?”
Leopold pushed back a lock of hair that had fallen on his forehead. “Well, on one occasion, she cared for a sick child in the village, although she knew I would not approve. It is not that I did not want her to assist Cook’s daughter. I was just gripped with fear for her.” Even now, Leopold felt a sense of unease about Emma’s choice, and his mind raced at the possibilities.
Easton’s gaze held his. “She is compassionate and admirable. I gather she had no fear for herself when she rendered aid.”
“Indeed. Those are qualities to be cherished,” Leopold replied.
He was willing to believe that everything would be well between them now that they had come to an understanding. Leopold took another sip of his drink. “It is not that I do not know her virtues. I want her to be able to give of herself without risking her life. Therefore, I decided to contribute to a charity to aid sick children, and she will form a committee to raise funds for it.”
Easton nodded. “That seems to be an acceptable compromise for you both.”
“I believe so. But enough about me, Easton. I suppose you have been thinking about marriage yourself. As the eldest son, there is no escaping it,” Leopold tilted his head to the side and regarded Easton.
Easton chuckled. “I believe I have bought myself one more season before my mother loses her patience with me. She proposed making a list of potential brides next season if I do not step in line.”
It was Leopold’s turn to chuckle, and he did so heartily. “To be fair, it is not as bad as I have heard it described. Emma doesmore than gossip and needlepoint. She is not an ill-tempered, scolding, or unruly woman … quite the opposite.”
