An Improper Proposal (The Distinguished Rogues Book 6) (33 page)
Read An Improper Proposal (The Distinguished Rogues Book 6) Online
Authors: Heather Boyd
Iris folded her arms over her chest and surveyed the room. Whitney had stripped it bare. “If there is anything left, I’m sure you don’t need it.”
Whitney caught her arm and squeezed. “Always so practical. Do you ever do anything reckless, my friend?”
She glanced at Violet where she rested in the middle of Whitney’s bed, supervising the packing with only the occasional gurgle or cry. “I’ve been reckless enough to last a lifetime.”
“I am so proud of you.” Whitney folded her into an embrace and rocked her from side to side. Since her marriage to Martin, Whitney had dropped all pretense of formality, and had once even climbed into bed with Iris to talk when she’d discovered her alone. “I would stay if you want my support. I don’t care what anyone says about the child. She is family. The prettiest little girl there is.” Whitney crept onto the bed and pressed a kiss to Violet’s soft cheek. “Looks nothing like her father.”
“Of course she does. The resemblance is very strong.”
“You are so lucky, all the fun and none of the hard work.” Whitney grinned widely. “Unless there’s something you’d like to share with me.”
“Far too soon to tell. But I promise to write to you as soon as I’m sure.”
Whitney grinned. “I don’t imagine Miranda will be as easy to laugh with as you are. I’d have to get her attention first, but I am looking forward to a month away from London. They say the views from the highest points of the estate are spectacular. I am so looking forward to painting them.”
“And I will look forward to viewing them when you return to Holly Park.”
Whitney frowned. “But I thought you were going to stay in London a little longer? I certainly would want to see for myself that Talbot is punished.”
“My father needs me. I don’t imagine the journey will be a comfortable one.”
“You mean you need your father?” Whitney set her hands to her hips and glared. “Iris, have you never had a selfish thought in your whole life? You have to take what you want and forget about the consequences. If you spend all your time worrying about what people will think, you will never have any peace. I learned that a long time ago. I must be honest with myself.”
What did she want? She looked about her. A home. A family. Someone to love. Food on the table. A new dress now and then.
And Martin’s daughter.
She smiled. “Whitney, I have everything I need to be happy. I have a family again.”
Whitney squeezed her hand. “I will miss you, sweet cousin.”
“And I will miss you,” she agreed. Whitney, despite her unconventional attitude and indifference to many things society expected her to care about, had proven herself over the past days. She had not judged her for her past mistakes. “Promise to write and let me know how you get on as often as possible.”
“I will.” Whitney glanced around the room.
Martin tapped on the door and stared at the luggage in horror. “Is that all you’re taking?”
“That is everything.” Whitney smiled and picked up Violet. She stared into the child’s eyes. “I’d take her with me in a heartbeat, though, if I could.”
“Never.” Iris took Violet back and set her into the crook of her arm. “I’ll not go without my daughter for even a single day.”
Whitney reached into a side drawer and withdrew a sheet of paper. “Not even for this?”
The girl had drawn a portrait in charcoal—Iris holding Violet with Martin watching on. Her father was seated in the background and smiling. It was so well done, her eyes filled with tears. “Thank you.”
“There will be more when I return, I promise. With one last look, Whitney swept from the room, carrying her reticule and her brush case as hand luggage. They followed her to the front hall and watched her join Lord and Lady Taverham in their carriage. Her luggage would follow later.
“I hope we don’t live to regret her going.” Martin sighed as the door closed after they’d gone on their way. “Or cause trouble between the Taverhams and Acton.”
“Acton is in London so there will be no trouble at all.”
“He’s returning to the country too. Wants to prepare his home in advance for Miss Quartermane’s arrival. I do hope Whitney behaves herself.”
Iris bit her lip and moved to the front window. Lord Acton’s property abutted Lord Taverham’s Twilit Hill estate and he was said to be a frequent visitor. It was inevitable that upon his return, Lord Acton might find himself in Whitney’s company. “It is too late to warn Whitney that her pleasant holiday might have an unwanted presence.”
“Well, at least she has made an effort to be civil with Acton in London so I’m optimistic she could behave for a few weeks.”
Iris sighed and rocked Violet in her arms, resigned to be the recipient of the most interesting correspondence soon. “I think a few weeks in the country might be just what they need to sort out their differences once and for all. She might even meet and eventually marry the man of her dreams.”
Martin pulled her into his arms, careful not to squash little Violet, and smiled down at her, a question in his gaze.
“I don’t have to dream anymore, husband.” She kissed their daughter’s brow and then caressed his dear face. “I have everything I need to be happy right within reach.”
The End
Dear Reader,
Thank you so much for reading An Improper Proposal. I hope you enjoyed it! Please consider leaving a review or rating—either positive or negative—at Goodreads or place of purchase. Reviews help others find a book that’s right for them.
An Improper Proposal is book 6 in The Distinguished Rogues Series. If you’re new to the series and would like to read them in order, they are as follows:
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Cheers,
Heather
Coming soon ~
Reason to Wed
Richard eased closer a half step. Esme leaned back. Cautiously, he slid one arm around her slim waist. The sensation of holding her even closer yet caught firmly in his mind. From all he’d heard, all he’d seen of her character, Esme would not play games other than those of the erotic variety. She certainly wouldn’t view him as a potential husband either. For an affair, Esme would be a wise choice. He brought his free hand to her neck and stoked the back of his fingers over her throat.
“Windermere,” Esme whispered in an annoyed tone. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“I think I’d like to make love to you, if you don’t mind.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bestselling historical author Heather Boyd believes every character she creates deserves their own happily-ever-after, no matter how much trouble she puts them through. With that goal in mind, she weaves sizzling English set love stories that push the boundaries of regency era propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. Brimming with new ideas, she frequently wishes she could type as fast as she conjures new storylines. While writing full time north of Sydney, Australia, Heather collects dust bunnies in all corners of the house and does her best to wrangle her testosterone-fuelled family into submission.
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