Read Love With the Proper Husband for Free Online Page A

Whiting’s revelation to ask anything about the girl herself.” His mother settled back in the sofa. “I do hope her circumstances do not shock you.”
    “I doubt I should find much of anything shocking at this point,” he said slowly. Without warning, the image of a mysterious woman of quality with the unmistakable tones of a governess and flashing blue eyes popped into his head. “Is Miss Townsend aware of this arrangement?”
    “Not as of this morning. Mr. Whiting said he had sent for her but was uncertain as to when her ship would arrive, probably later this week.” She paused for a moment. “She is coming from America.”
    Reggie winced.
    The picture in Marcus’s mind vanished.
    “Do not look like that, Marcus. The girl is English, after all. Her parentage is impeccable, and I am certain her character has only been strengthened by her trials.”
    “No doubt.” A new picture emerged in Marcus’s mind. One of a woman stout and sturdy with the unyielding disposition of a no-nonsense governess and a strong, irresolute character. God help him. Lady Pennington eyed her son cautiously. “Even so, you have not yet decided to marry her, have you?”
    “No.” Marcus shook his head. “And I am not sure I can make that decision until I meet the woman.”
    “It may well be worth giving up your fortune,” Reggie said sagely, “should she prove to have the look of a draft horse about her.”
    Lady Pennington shot Reggie a sharp glance, and he immediately turned his attention to the brandy in his glass. “Don’t be absurd. One can make do with an unattractive wife. It is far more difficult to survive without funds. Especially when one has responsibilities.” She rose to her feet. Reggie stood at once. “You would do wise to remember that, Lord Berkley.”
    “Yes, ma’am,” Reggie mumbled, and Marcus stifled a smile. What was it about certain women, or rather certain mothers, that turned competent men, regardless of titles or age, into stammering schoolboys?
    She turned to Marcus. “And you, my dear son, would be wise to remember that without the fortune your father left us, we shall be hard-pressed to maintain the estate. The tenants will manage, I suppose, although there will be no more funding for the agricultural improvements you are so fond of.
    “We shall have to economize in ways we have never imagined. At the very least, this house will have to be sold. Many of the servants will have to be let go, and much of Holcroft Hall closed up. All except what we need to live there permanently, of course. Needless to say, I will no longer be able to travel or to enjoy my own interests.
    “Still, the decision is entirely yours. Marry the girl or not. I would never be a party to forcing you into marriage against your will, no matter how suitable the match or how long past due your starting a family is. No, you do what you think is best.” She heaved a heartfelt sigh and cast him a brave smile.
    “Some good shall come of it in any case. Why, we shall be able to spend much more time with one another.” She stepped to him and patted his check. “We shall face the future together, you and I, mother and son. Together…for the rest of our days.”
    Her gaze met his, the look in her eye as innocent as if she was not issuing him a challenge or perhaps a threat. Lady Pennington then squared her shoulders in a noble and courageous gesture and sailed from the room like a warrior valiantly facing whatever would lie ahead. She closed the door firmly in her wake, and for a long moment neither man said a word.
    “Very good, Mother,” Marcus murmured.
    Reggie stared at the door. “She wouldn’t really do that, would she, old man? Spend all that time with you, I mean.”
    “Good God, I hope not.” Marcus downed the rest of his drink. Surely his mother didn’t want that any more than he did? He knew there were men who were especially close to their mothers, he simply did not know one he particularly liked or respected.