The Primrose Path Read Online Free PDF Page B

dare the insufferable man be discussing her future as if she were a brood mare and he were paying the stud fees? Besides, she knew all about the viscount’s mama from her sister-in-law. If Lady Knowle was so accommodating, Lady Sophie would have remained at Knowle Castle all these years. The viscount would be the owner of Primrose Cottage instead of sitting in its parlor, importuning its meantime mistress. “I told you, my lord, that I do not want your money. And, although this is a highly improper conversation, I shall tell you that I hadn’t thought to look for a husband.”
    “Nonsense, all women want to get married.” Corin thought Lena might even be pretty, with the added color in her cheeks. Take away the wretched cap, add a few pounds or a bust improver, and his mother could easily find her a second son or a half-pay officer to wed.
    “I assure you, I hadn’t given the matter much consideration.” How could she? No one married penniless females with no connections and less countenance. Angelina had never thought to have an establishment of her own, either, yet now she did. She’d been running Lady Sophie’s household for years, of course, but always as her mistress’s deputy. Now she was mistress. Tradesmen deferred to her, neighbors called on her, the staff catered to her wishes. Even Lady Sophie’s superior abigail had offered to help with Angelina’s clothing and hair. Who would have believed it? Not scrawny little Lena Armstead, slaving for every crust of bread. But a husband? She never thought a home and family was to be her lot in life. Perhaps in a few years, when the shelter for homeless pets was built and she’d repaid some of her debt to Lady Sophie, Angelina would think about it. For now, she was content with the cottage, the dogs, and a project of her own.
    Corin was getting desperate, for he couldn’t recall ever having met a woman who wouldn’t be swayed by the offer of money or, if not the cash itself, then the possibility of a match with a full purse. He absentmindedly rubbed his aching thigh. What else did women want? “Children. What about children, Miss Armstead? Haven’t you thought about that?”
    “Yes, I have, every morning when the noisy, uncooperative little rascals go home.”
    He smiled. “I understand from my married friends that one’s own offspring are the most intelligent, adorable, and well-behaved creatures on the earth, each and every one of them. Surely you’d like infants of your own, ma’am, instead of the tenants’ brats, instead of my aunt’s animals?”
    “Perhaps, but I am content for now.” Angelina patted Lucky’s head. The viscount was speaking so fondly of babies that she decided the rumors were correct, then, that his lordship was shortly to bring a prospective bride to the Knoll. Lady Sophie had thought it was well past time for her profligate nephew to settle down and start his nursery. He must think so, too. Then, why, she wondered, was he so concerned with Primrose Cottage? He’d been speaking with such familiarity, on such personal matters as husbands and children, that Angelina felt entitled to ask.
    “Because I have made plans for the cottage, that’s all you need to know.”
    Angelina could just imagine what his lordship’s plans might be: a gentleman’s usual use for a separate, secluded residence near his family seat. The dastard would set up his mistress in Lady Sophie’s cottage whilst he entertained his betrothed at the castle! Not while Angelina Armstead had breath in her body, he wouldn’t. “I am sorry for your plans, my lord, but I also have intentions concerning the cottage, and that is all you need to know. Accept it, my lord, Primrose Cottage does not belong to you.” Angelina was clutching Lucky so hard that he yelped and jumped out of her lap.
    The viscount hurriedly stood when it appeared the little dog might jump into his lap. His valet was already threatening to give notice over the shredded gloves. Dog hairs