Read Online What a Reckless Rogue Needs by Vicky Dreiling - Free Book Online Page A

from his spectacles. “I am not working.”
    Colin blinked. “I beg your pardon?”
    “It is the Lord’s day. Margaret insists that the family rest on Sunday.”
    “Ah, I see.”
    “I am officially not working.”
    “Right. You are resting while sitting. It is a marvel your eyes are open.”
    The marquess narrowed his eyes. Then he signed a paper and set his pen aside. “Is this a special occasion?”
    Colin frowned, wondering if this was a trick question. “I beg your pardon?”
    “You are up before noon.”
    “I am dressed for church.” So far, lightning hadn’t struck.
    The marquess broke the seal on another letter. “What is on your mind, besides Sommerall?”
    “I wish to inspect the interior of Sommerall House.”
    “Have you found a bride?”
    His father knew damned well he hadn’t, so he ignored that question. “I wish to make an inventory of all needed repairs. Angeline has offered her assistance since she has experience with renovations and architectural…stuff.” His ignorance was appalling. Thank God Angeline had agreed to help him.
    “Well, that is generous on her part,” the marquess said, “but I’m not altogether certain what you expect to gain from this expedition.”
    “I think you know,” Colin said.
    The marquess folded his hands on the desk. “Enlighten me.”
    “I wish to demonstrate to you that I’m concerned about the state of the property,” he said, “and I am willing to finance the majority of the repairs.”
    “But you’ve no idea of the cost,” his father said. “What if you do not have sufficient funds?”
    “If I find more capital is needed, we can discuss the possibility of a loan.”
    “ We ? ”
    “Only in the event it becomes necessary,” Colin said. Desperation made him wild to agree to just about anything, except to marry on a whim.
    “You waste my time,” the marquess said.
    “Father, marriage is a sacred vow. It is not a step that a man should take lightly.”
    “I’m happy to hear you recognize the significance, but you’ve made no attempts to find a wife.”
    He gritted his teeth. “I will apply myself to the business of choosing a bride next spring during the London season.”
    “I’m not inclined to listen to promises you may or may not keep. The answer remains no.”
    He forced himself to stay calm. “I am more than willing to wait to occupy Sommerall until I wed, but meanwhile, I wish to see what needs to be done. Surely you cannot object.”
    “As a matter of fact, I can and I will,” the marquess said.
    “Give me three months to find a bride,” Colin said. It galled him to think of having to make such an important decision so quickly—a lifetime one at that—but he couldn’t let Sommerall pass out of his hands.
    The marquess drummed his fingers on his desk. “Have you requested your stepmother’s assistance to find a bride yet?”
    “No, but—”
    “You have not made any efforts to abide by my conditions for gaining the property. The answer is an unequivocal no.”
    Colin would not give up easily. “Very well, I will consult Margaret.” How she would find him a bride mystified Colin, but he had to make the effort.
    The marquess stared at him, his eyes piercing into Colin’s. Colin wanted to shift and look away, but he refused to let his father win.
    The clock chimed, and the marquess rose. “It is time for breakfast.”
    “Father, if you will give me a few more minutes, I will explain my long-term plans.”
    “I’ve made myself clear and have no intention of rescinding my decision.” The marquess rounded his desk. “Shall we repair to the dining room?”
    Colin thought about strangers trampling over his mother’s grave, and it made him ill. He had nothing to remember her by except a grave, one that ought to be revered. All these years, he’d taken for granted that the property and his mother’s resting place would be there when he was ready to face them. He’d thought he had all the time in the world. Now he