Page 5 of Made for the Marquess (Second Sons of London 4)

“No, that won’t do,” she said. “I won’t have some barrier between us.”

Instead, she ventured to the window, where a pair of chairs looked out over the lawn, and took a seat in one of them. He followed, curious as to what this was about.

Louisa took his hand in hers. “We don’t know one another well, Percy, but you are like a brother to Owen, Spencer, and Everett. Since I married Owen, I have gotten to know his friends quite well, especially since they are wed to my cousins. Already, I look upon you as my brother, as I do those two men.”

She hesitated and said, “I am a bit worried about you, Percy. There are times you look off into the distance, as if you are no longer present, but still on those battlefields guiding your men through the turmoil of war.”

Her insight frightened him.

“It is a bit hard to put the war behind me. I spent my entire adult life as a soldier.”

Louisa squeezed his hand gently. “Not just a soldier, Percy, but an officer. A lieutenant-colonel. You rose through the ranks for a reason. You had tremendous responsibilities placed upon your shoulders. The same is true now that you are a marquess. I know the Second Sons have done their best helping you understand the workings of your estate and business matters. Political ones, too, as you will soon take your place in the House of Lords.

“But there is an adjustment to civilian life,” she continued. “I believe it must be harder for some than others.” Her gaze penetrated to his soul. “If you ever need someone to talk to—someone who would not judge you—then I am here. I would be happy to merely listen and not dispense advice.” She smiled. “That is a man’s way. He thinks he listens and readily advises his friends, when sometimes he should simply listen to what is being said and be there for them.”

Percy swallowed. “You truly understand things, Louisa. Thank you. I may take you up on your offer.”

She squeezed his hand a final time and released it. “My advice from breakfast, however, stands. I do think as Marquess of Kingston, you are the ranking peer in your neighborhood. Others will look to you as a leader. Become involved. Get to know your neighbors and those in the closest village.”

Louisa sighed. “And I do think you should wed sooner than later. Spencer and Everett thought to wed out of duty and quickly produce an heir. Owen balked at the very idea of marriage and planned to sow his wild oats for several years before settling into the role of husband and then father. All three of them were bruised in different ways from the war. Even from their childhoods and how being a second son led them to being overlooked and neglected. Having a woman they love by their sides, one who can be a partner and helpmate, has helped all three of them put their experiences in the war behind them.

“I think marriage could do the same for you, Percy.”

“But . . . all of them found love,” he protested. “I will be frank, Louisa. I just don’t see that for myself. While Spence and Ev are reserved, I am more withdrawn than either of them. I can be distant with others. Taciturn. I truly am only comfortable in the company of the Second Sons. And now their wives. The three of you have been most welcoming to me.”

He stood and began pacing. “But the thought of finding a wife—of perusing the Marriage Mart—frightens me more than leading a charge against the enemy.”

Percy halted, raking his hands through his hair.

“I am not filled with the easy charm of Owen. I have difficult speaking with others I do not know. The thought of having to move among thetonand talk night after night with my peers, let alone dozens of women, terrifies me.”

He turned away, looking out the window, not able to look at her as he added, “I feel I am damaged, Louisa. That no woman would ever want me. That I will fail miserably as a husband and father.”

She rose and came to him, placing a hand on his forearm. “You will have the six of us by your side, Percy. The Second Sons and the Three Cousins. We can help smooth the way for you. Slowly introduce you to agreeable people in society. Help you navigate the Marriage Mart.”

Louisa wrapped her arms about him, hugging him tightly. “You are a good, kind man, Percival Perry. Remember who you are at your core. Yes, you are the Marquess of Kingston—but you are also Percy. You have much to offer a woman beyond your title and wealth. You are intelligent. Generous. Kindhearted. You will make for a wonderful husband and father. Look to your friends if you doubt that. None of them were meant to have a title. Yet they have adapted to their new roles in life. None of them thought they would find love and yet all three did. Not a one of them knew a thing about babies and now all three have taken to the role of father like a duck to water.”

She released him. “Put your best foot forward this Season, Percy, but don’t change who you are for others. The right woman will be drawn to you.”

He swallowed. “I hope you are right, Louisa.”

She looked at him sagely. “Adalyn, Tessa, and I will get to know any woman you find interesting. We may even put a few in your path that we think will suit with you. Just be open to the idea of marriage—and love.”

“All right,” he agreed. “Thank you. For looking out for me. For being the perfect woman for Owen.”

Louisa kissed his cheek. “I am always here when you need me, Percy.”

She left the study and he took a moment to collect himself. A bit of relief rippled through him, knowing he would have his friends—and their amazing wives—looking out for him when the Season began.

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