Page 16 of An Arranged Marriage with a Mad Marquess (Marriage Mart Scandals #3)

To Our Dearest Patrina,

We are thinking of you every day, and I’m sure you can imagine just how much we miss you. Are you faring well? Are you happy? We read your first letter home with great trepidation and were so very relieved to learn that you are comfortable and enjoying your new position as Lady Morendale.

Not much has happened in London since you left, although perhaps we are all too sad at your leaving to pay much attention. Agnes has a new gentleman caller, a rather nervy young man who seems extremely anxious – she nudges me in annoyance as I write this – but she is very fond of him already. We entertain hopes, which I shall not spell out in case of tempting fate!

Plans for Gillian’s coming-out are being set in motion, although she is most insistent on not beginning her come-out in earnest until you are home to guide her through it.

We are glad to hear of your first soiree with your new husband and are truly disappointed that the distance prevents us from attending. We were a little surprised to learn that some of the Marquess’ family have come to visit so soon after the wedding. His mother and sister, of course, live with you, but his aunt and cousin’s visit is not at all in the ordinary way.

Perhaps this is not a necessary thing to write, but Agnes is insistent that we include it. She has made some enquiries regarding Lord Tidemore and his mother and was greatly surprised to learn that his debts are remarkable. The Tidemores, it seems, are an ancient and titled family, but not a rich one – the wealth it all tied up in the Morendale estate, as is so often the way with this old, titled families. For my part your Mama is writing the letter, of course I cannot see why this is so very strange, and Agnes does take such strange dislikes to people. However, she insisted that we add this to you, although what you might do with the information is beyond me. Lord Tidemore must know that while he was once in the line of succession, your appearance and the children you will inevitably have will put the title sadly out of his reach.

That is all we can think of at the moment, beyond a few bits of idle gossip which Gillian intends to include as a postscript. We miss you, darling, and think of you every single day. Let us know at once when we might travel up for a visit, as we are all eager to see you. We wish you the best, and much love. Write back to us directly.

All our love, Mama, Papa, Agnes, and Gillian.