Page 91 of Maid for the Marquess

A tear ran down her cheek. “Have I upset you, dearest?” I inquired gently.

“No, my dear husband,” she whispered, her voice catching. “This brings me great joy. I find my emotions high these days.”

I nodded in understanding. “The babe.”

“The babe,” she agreed.

“I thought today being dreary, you might like to read some of your mother’s words.”

“I would very much like that. Thank you for this gift, Alexander. It is incredibly precious to me.”

I opened her hand and slipped the small brooch into her palm. “This was a gift from your father to your mother. Geraldine has been safeguarding it for you, along with the likeness of your mother.”

She turned it over, studying it. “I recall her wearing this. It was small compared to some pieces the baron gave her, but she always said it was her favorite.” She smiled softly, another tear running down her cheek. “She said it was a family piece.”

“It was.” I took it from her, pinning it to her bodice. “And now it is yours. You were her family, Maddie. Her greatest love.”

She traced the sapphires, not speaking, her expression saying it all. I tapped the small likeness she still held.

“Perhaps we can commission a larger portrait of your mother from the likeness. You may hang it where you can see it every day. You can tell our little one about their grandmama when they are old enough.”

“You are the most generous, thoughtful man.”

I stood and pressed a kiss to her upturned mouth. “Because I love you, I find being both very easy. When Lydia returns with the tea, enjoy a cup, then read. I shall be in my study, working. If you need me, send Lydia.”

She reached up and grasped my face between her hands. “Thank you for this.”

I turned my face and kissed her palm. “I would give you everything if I could, Maddie.”

“You have, my love,” she whispered. “That and more.”

Edward returned two days later, tired but filled with news. He had been caught in the still-falling rain, so he retired to his quarters, cleaned up, and presented himself shortly in my study. I poured us each a large brandy and handed him the glass. “Tell me the news.”

“Everything is as Geraldine spoke. The young nobleman made no secret of his love for Maddie’s mother and their plans to wed. I managed to track down the cousin on his mother’s side who knew him well, but she was departing soon for the continent, which is why I made such haste in leaving. She had even met Felicity. She shared a few stories—wrote them down.” He handed me a small packet of papers tied with a ribbon. “She would love to meet Maddie if you take her to London and she has returned. She gave me this as well for her.” He handed me a miniature of a young man with dark hair and a serious expression. I could see Maddie in the shape of his mouth and his gentle gaze. He was handsome, and I imagined he would have been a good father to her. I knew he loved her mother with such passion.

“This will bring her much joy. I will endeavor a trip after our child has come. A short one.”

“I have many other things to tell you, one piece in particular.”

I lifted an eyebrow. “Do speak.”

“Barnett is dead.”

I gaped at him. “What? When?”

“Only two days ago. His wound healed, but he had a run-in with someone in an alley. The word is it was a man to whom he owed a large sum. A lender not known for his patience with unpaid debts. All suspicion, of course, since not a soul saw anything. A passerby found him and called for the authorities.”

I rubbed my chin thoughtfully. “They never do.”

“Higgins was in town while I was there. He told me the news, and he also mentioned Milton Manor will be going for sale to cover balances. Plus what was left of the estate you visited. The house in London was stripped of anything valuable and is in desperate need of refurnishing, if rumors are to be believed. Selling the lot will barely cover his obligations. You might get Milton Manor for a song.”

“I will have Higgins start inquiries. I have no interest in Cliffwood, other than purchasing it and allowing Maddie to burn it to the ground if she desires it.”

He chuckled. “I assumed you would not. The entailed property will revert to the crown. It was much farther north, and I understand he rarely ventured there.” He grinned. “No one to play cards with other than sheep, and they loathe being fleeced.”

I had to laugh at his levity.

“I told Higgins as much as well,” he added.