Loving the Marquess Read Online Free PDF Page B

doubt he
had been in town, throwing away the money he wrung from his tenants on any
number of assorted vices.
    “Thank you, I am well,” she said, trying for that tone of
civility she’d found increasingly difficult to maintain after her father had
fallen ill and she’d taken over all dealings with Edward Manning. His interest
in her had been evident from the start, and the last few months without his
visits had been a relief. She couldn’t imagine why he needed to speak to her
now and hoped his visit wouldn’t last long.
     He licked his lips and glanced over her shoulder before
returning his gaze to her. “Your brother, is he at home?”
    She couldn’t fathom why he would ask. He’d never dealt with
John before now. “No, he is at his studies with Reverend Harnick.”
    “Good, good,” he said. He cleared his throat before
continuing and a slight smile played on his lips. “Your father has been gone
for half a year, has he not? I imagine that means you are now out of deep
mourning.” He took a step closer to her. “I am sure you will appreciate that we
have important matters to discuss. Perhaps we could step inside?”
    His request was unexpected. Manning knew how things stood
between their two families. He knew he wasn’t welcome in their home and never
would have suggested such a thing when her father was still alive.
    “I am sure we don’t have anything to discuss that would take
that long,” she said.
    “Ah, but you are wrong about that, my dear. I am here to
discuss your rent.”
    A chill swept through her. “Rent?” she repeated, hoping he
was jesting. The look on his face said otherwise.
    “Why yes. Surely you understand that I cannot allow you and
your family to continue living here without paying rent?”
    “But my father had an agreement with yours.”
    “Yes, but that agreement was between the two of them.
Neither one is with us today. I have already been more than generous waiting
this long before approaching you. Besides,” he continued, his voice smooth but
his eyes still cold, “I am sure your pride balks at the notion of such charity.
This is the largest cottage on the estate and there are others who have shown
interest in it. Surely you understand my position.”
    Though he tried to infuse his words with regret, Louisa
could tell he felt none.
    “How much?” she asked, forcing the words past the lump
lodged in her throat.
    He named a figure that had the lump moving down to settle
firmly in her stomach. They would never be able to manage the added expense. As
it was, she barely took in enough money from her sewing to feed them, which he
no doubt knew.
    “Mr. Manning,” she began, trying to keep from revealing her
rising sense of panic, “I am afraid that amount is beyond us at the moment.”
    He clucked his tongue at that.
    “Such a pity,” he said, shaking his head. “I have enjoyed
having you and your family as neighbors.”
    He turned to leave.
    Louisa blanched. Surely he didn’t intend to cast them out?
    “Wait,” she said, her mind racing for a solution. He pivoted
slowly, one eyebrow raised in question.
    “Yes?”
    “Perhaps we can come to another arrangement,” she said,
praying he would be reasonable. “One that would be mutually agreeable to both
of us.”
    “Go on,” he said, a smile beginning to form.
    “I have some skill as a seamstress. Perhaps I could offer my
services to your sister in lieu of any rent. She is paying me now, but she
would no longer have to. And I would be happy to take on even more work.”
    Annoyance flickered across his face.
    “Mary has more than enough dresses already,” he said
sharply. He seemed to catch himself then, for when he continued his voice had
softened again. “No, I am afraid I can think of no solution.” He looked pensive
for a moment, then his eyes lit up. “Unless…”
    “What is it?” she asked, eager to grasp at any way out of
this situation.
    A look of exaggerated concern crossed his face.
    “It would