For one shocked moment, she thought he meant Lord Rockingham. But of course not. Hugh flicked a glance toward George.
“No. But he is a kind man. And we enjoy similar pursuits when we are in London.”
“Do you intend to spend most of your time in London, then?”
She didn’t really know. Although, George had admitted to her that he anticipated her managing his house in the country. “Perhaps.”
“Do you think you can come to love him? After the two of you are married?” His question caused Margaret to squirm. Leave it to Hugh to get right to the point.
“Perhaps.”
“Perhaps!” he scoffed. “If that is the case, then, as a matter of fact, I do.”
She turned to him in surprise. “You do?”
“Marriage is not to be entered lightly. You know that as well as I. If you are not fairly certain that you are going to love him, then I suggest you rescind your consent.”
Margaret’s gaze followed Sebastian’s silhouette as he easily rowed the small craft through the water. Twirling a parasol that rested on her shoulder, Miss Drake could not have appeared more picturesque.
Was she ready to relinquish her dreams though? By all rights, she might have other opportunities, with some other gentleman, but the odds were not in her favor.
“He made an announcement.”
“I’d rather we weather a scandal, Margaret, than stand by while you endure an unhappy marriage. I suggest you end it with him quickly, though.”
She nodded. “I will think about it. I appreciate your honesty.”
Hugh grasped her elbow and squeezed it. “Don’t wait too long,”
* * *
“Lady Danbury hosts a most entertaininghouse party!” George commented from beside Margaret where they sat on the grass along with Abigail and the Duke of Monfort. Lady Sheffield, who had been provided with a chair, had joined their smaller party as well. All of them seemed to be content and relaxed after partaking of the picnic Danbury’s kitchen had provided.
“Penelope has always had a tremendous amount of energy and stamina,” Abigail agreed.
“As have you.” Monfort took his wife’s hand and pressed it to his lips. “Would you care to stroll around the lake with me or would you prefer to recline here in the sunshine?”
“Oh, let’s go exploring.” Abigail smiled over at her husband. “I didn’t even know this lake existed.”
Monfort rose and then assisted his wife to her feet. A gentle breeze chose that moment to catch the duchess’ gown and conform it to her shape. Ah, yes, indeed. Abigail was expecting. She was perhaps farther along than anyone would have guessed.
Margaret absentmindedly touched her own abdomen. She had been at a similar stage four years ago. She’d endured the first painful anniversary and, in a few days, she would endure the other one.
Mr. and Mrs. Spencer chose that moment to arrive and convinced Lady Sheffield to walk along the shore with them, leaving Margaret alone with her intended most unexpectedly.
“You are quiet today,” George said after they’d watched Lady Sheffield stroll away with the young couple.
This was her moment, and yet, as angry as she had been the night before, and as concerned as she was about the betrothal, Margaret had never been one to enter into a confrontation easily.
“I was not pleased that you announced the betrothal prematurely, without even speaking to me.”
His hand covered hers. “Margaret.” The tone of his voice had her turning to stare into his eyes. Hewasa handsome gentleman, and his eyes were filled with remorse and tenderness. “I had thought it would make for a delightful surprise but realized my mistake immediately after. I saw it on your face. It was why I did not have the heart to play the game.” He dropped his gaze to where he grasped her hand and squeezed gently. “If you wish it, I will rescind my announcement this evening. I beg your forgiveness and hope that you have not changed your mind.” He lifted his other hand and brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes. “Have you? Changed your mind, that is?”
Margaret turned to stare across the grass and caught sight of Hugh’s son and daughter, Creighton and little Louella Miracle. The twins had just turned one-year-old a few months ago and were hobbling between their two nannies.
“Do you want children, George?” She met his gaze once again.
George watched her closely. “Is that something that you want?”
