Scandalous Engagement with a Governess: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (Regency Expedient Marriages Book 2) by Sheldon Dorothy

Author:Sheldon, Dorothy
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-08-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

The shopping trip was not a success. Margaret wasn’t sure what she had expected, really.

Viola was in a bad mood because Ewan hadn’t come with them, and Lady Harriet seemed displeased that he wasn’t as easy to command as she’d hoped.

I tried to tell her, Margaret thought, folding her arms tightly. Ewan isn’t some timid, vapid youth, tied to his mother’s apron strings. He’s a grown man and a father.

They were heading home now, with Viola complaining incessantly over how much the carriage was rattling her around. Nobody was paying any attention to her, which made her complain louder.

Margaret privately thought that their journey home would have been more comfortable if the wretched girl hadn’t filled the carriage with bandboxes and bags. Why did she need to buy so much? She’d brought at least four trunks with her!

No, stop, Margaret told herself, drawing in a deep breath. Viola is disappointed, that’s all. She’s a good girl at heart, you know that. Besides, this is exactly what you and Harriet wanted. Our families, united. It’s a perfect match, and it’ll be good for us all. Once Ewan gets over his pique, everything will be fine.

If he gets over his pique, of course.

The bright, grey day was turning dark, and they would have rain soon. Margaret sighed with relief when they sighted the long, winding gravel drive that led home. It felt as if they had wasted the day shopping.

“I shall rest when I get home, Mama.” Viola announced, tossing her curls. “I’m quite tired out.”

“Of course, dearest.” Lady Harriet said, leaning forward to pat her daughter’s knee. “Just don’t be late for dinner.”

“Will his Grace be joining us?” Viola asked, in an off-handed tone that fooled nobody.

Margaret answered, forcing a smile.

“Of course, my dear.”

“How lovely. We’ve hardly seen him since we arrived.” Lady Harriet stated, leaning back in her seat again. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say that he was avoiding us.”

Margaret didn’t meet her friend’s eye, instead focusing on a loose thread at her sleeve. She would have a word with Ewan and insist that he spend more time with their guests. Really, it was ridiculous.

“You know how busy my son can be.” Margaret said lightly. “I’m sure he’s as disappointed as you are.”

There was a long silence, and Margaret was just starting to fidget when Lady Harriet spoke.

“I wonder if you and I could take tea together in the parlour, once we arrive home?” Lady Harriet said. “Viola will be resting, and no doubt his Grace will be otherwise occupied. We shall enjoy a lovely conversation, you and I.”

“I should like that very much.” Margaret lied.

The rain was just starting up as they exited the carriage. Viola gave a shriek, darting inside at the first hints of rain, saying something about her hair, her gown, and her shoes.

Margaret paused, glancing over at the second carriage, which was just parked in front of them. Ewan and Lucas must have just arrived home.

Lucas was standing on the steps in front of the house, holding out a slightly grazed palm.

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