When Philip dies, Marina is sad and scared.
He died after reacting to a new species of mushroom he found on one of his walks. At least he was doing what he loved.
Her children are a year old.
But then she is surprised. Because he gave her Romney Hall. Oliver would inherit the title one day but as of now, she inherited everything - the land, the house in London, the estate.
She likes to wonder if she started to fall in love with Philip. She supposed Lady Featherington's advice about finding things to love was accurate because she loved that Philip loved the children. How he would sometimes read to the twins and always look in on them, putting either of them back to sleep.
She loved that he did not ever force her into anything. Not in his bed or sharing his love of plants. She would listen to him, finding some of it interesting but he would never force her to listen.
She mainly hated that he reminded her of George and she supposed he hated that about her too.
---
She decided to move into town. Romney Hall is there for the summer, but she does not need to marry and she wants to be in town for her children's sake. She must build relationships for her children.
Crane House is a beautiful townhouse in Grovsner Square. She is luckily nowhere near the Bridgertons or Featheringtons but they will no doubt hear she has moved. She finds herself unable to care. She has her children to focus on.
The staff unpack and her new lady's maid, Sophie, takes the twins upstairs. She really likes her.
A kind looking, middle aged woman in brighter colours than most women of the ton tended to wear. The patterns were unfamiliar too, indicating she had perhaps travelled a lot. She was holding a large wicker basket full of something that smells homemade and delicious.
"Hello. I'm Lady Mary Sharma." The kind woman introduced, holding out the basket, "I wanted to welcome you. I am just next door."
"Lady Mary. A pleasure," They both curtsied, "Why don't you come in?"
