Page 74 of A Rogue's Most Sinful Disguise

He could remember all too clearly how she had said her dog could play the piano better than she could. Marcus couldn’t imagine Lady Helen disparaging her own skill at anything in such a way.

Once Lady Helen and her sister retired to the drawing room, Marcus felt safe to come out from his hiding place and continue down the stairs. His father looked up, hearing his approach.

“Ah, Marcus, there you are. I was beginning to think you were lost!” He outstretched his hand toward Marcus and as they reached one another, they shook hands in greeting.

“Father, how was your trip?”

“I have many stories to tell and loved it dearly, but I am glad to be home now.”

“You are early,” Marcus said with caution as he retracted his hand. “We weren’t expecting you for a few days.”

“Ha! That you can put down to my own curiosity,” the Marquess said with a chuckle. He glanced toward the doorway of the drawing room, then he placed an arm around Marcus’ shoulder and steered him away, evidently trying to speak to him alone, far from any ears that could listen in. “I was impatient to hear news from you.”

“News? What news?” Marcus said with pretend ignorance. He did not have the wherewithal to talk about marriage and Lady Helen now. His mind was too full of Lady Violette.

“I arranged with the Duke for his daughters to stay with you for a very particular purpose, Marcus,” the Marquess said with a pointed gaze as they stopped walking. “Do I take it that congratulations are in order yet?”

“Erm…” Marcus paused before answering, thinking best what to say. Could he imagine marrying Lady Helen now? No. That was the simple answer. “No, Father, and I am not sure they will ever be in order regarding the Duke’s daughters.”

“I beg your pardon?” the Marquess said, not hiding his anger.

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