“My reputation didn’t put him off?” Theodore needed no other reminder to Gabriel that his father’s poor name in business had left him with rumors of foul play and dodgy businesses.
“Maybe there are men who think you deserve to be in Newgate.”
“Pff!” Theodore snorted, thinking it rather an understatement.
“Yet the Viscount is not the man to care about that sort of thing. He cares about money. Not how it’s obtained.”
Theodore sighed and looked away. Every business deal he had ever made was completely legitimate. It was just that the memory of his father’s business dealings had cast a very long shadow indeed over his life.
“Enough of her father. How are you and Margaret?” Gabriel said, putting down his coffee cup. “How has the first few weeks of marriage been treating you?”
“Fine.”
“Fine!?” Gabriel repeated. “Of all the ways I could describe marriage, fine is hardly the first word I’d be reaching for.” He shook his head.
“How would you describe it?”
“Exciting, fun, warming. At times, infuriating.” He chuckled. “Evelina and I get under each other’s skin, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Hmm.” Theodore shook his head. “Maggie does annoy me.”
“Maggie?” Gabriel leaned forward sharply. “You call her Maggie now?”
“Margaret feels far too formal. It doesn’t mean anything.”
“If you say so.”
Though Theodore could see Gabriel didn’t quite believe him.
“She annoys you then?” Gabriel asked.
“Hmm.” Theodore turned away and looked back out of the window. Once more, Margaret and Evelina were walking arm in arm, talking deeply. He suspected they were talking about Evelina’s pregnancy, as Evelina was holding onto her stomach as they talked. “She’s infuriating sometimes.”
“Now that sounds more like a marriage,” Gabriel said with a chuckle. “What do you two do together?”
“We have breakfast.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“I told you, Gabriel.” Theodore glanced over his shoulder. “We are married but in name.”
Gabriel’s look saddened. He said nothing, though the shake of his head spoke volumes to Theodore. He had greatly disappointed his older friend by insisting repeatedly on this matter.
“Well, then you shall have to start attending events together, even if it is just in name.”
“What? Why?” Theodore asked.
“Because for one thing, if you do wish people to think you a respectably married man with no hint of your father’s foul business dealings following you, then you must, at least, give people the chance to see you together. See you for the respectable couple you wish to portray yourselves as.” Gabriel touched a nerve with these words.
Theodore looked back out of the window, thinking of the night he and Margaret had met.
Even now, her frayed gown still annoyed him from that night. It was an imperfection that had rankled him. Since he had purchased a new gown, everything was always in place with her. The sleeves sat perfectly on her shoulders, even now, the gloves sat right on her wrists, no hint of an adjustment needed.
“She will be the wife you want in public, Theodore.”
“I know she will be. That is not what concerns me.”
“Then what is it that concerns you?” Gabriel asked, his frustrated tone plain.
