The Baron's Betrayal by Callie Hutton Read Free Book Online

wonderful meals have to be held.”
    “She is a delight, Tristan.” Marion turned him and they strolled together toward the house. “And did you know Mrs. Downs has a lovely daughter, Jane, whom I have hired for my lady’s maid?”
    “Indeed? And who authorized the hiring of maids?”
    “I did. I am your wife, and here to stay. The staff knows it, and you must accustom yourself to the idea.”
    His lips twitched. “When did you become a termagant, madam?”
    “It became necessary when my husband decided, without my consent, to dissolve our marriage.”
    “Despite this lively exchange, I have not changed my mind.”
    “Neither have I, my lord.”
    He felt the sun dip behind a cloud, warning him that his life was as it would always be. Whenever he grew carefree and happy, the reality of his situation reminded him, somewhat abruptly at times, that his would never be a normal life.
    “Oh, look! There are crocus over there.” Marion left his side to the sound of her feet sweeping through underbrush. “They are so lovely.”
    Tristan turned to the sound of her voice, momentarily losing his balance on the uneven flagstones. He attempted to correct himself, but was unable to regain his balance. Reaching out for support, his arms waved helplessly as he crashed to the ground, falling on his cane and breaking it.
    “Tristan!” Marion screeched and hurried to his side. “Are you all right?”
    Humiliated and in pain where his leg twisted under him, he shoved her away. “Leave me be.”
    “But you’ve hurt yourself. Let me help you up.”
    “Get away from me. Now!” The roar that bellowed from him stopped Marion’s movements.
    With a broken cane, there was no way he would be able to make it back to the house without her help. If nothing else had served to convince him of the untenable reality of his situation, this certainly had. He was so much less a man than the one she’d married. He wished for nothing more at the moment than to be left alone so he could lick his wounds like the animal he had become. A blind, wounded, snarling animal.
    “Tristan, please. You are being ridiculous. Allow me to help you. This was not your fault. I can see where the stones in the pathway are seriously uneven. We must have the gardener see to this immediately.”
    “Stop saying see. Please. Just stop.” He struggled to his feet and brushed off his jacket. “If you will assist me to the house, madam, I would be deeply thankful.”
    They proceeded down the pathway, leaving behind the broken cane, the pleasure of the day gone. His leg throbbed from where he had fallen, but he’d be dammed if he would mention it. He deserved the pain. He deserved to be locked away. “His lordship has taken a spill, Mason. Can you please see to him?” Marion flinched when he yanked his arm away from her shortly after they entered the front hall.
    “I am fine. There is nothing to concern anyone.” Taking a deep breath, he reached for the stone urn where several other canes were stored.
    “Do you wish to wash up before we take luncheon?” Marion asked gently, keeping her distance.
    “Please inform Cook that I would prefer a tray in my room.”
    “But Tristan—”
    “Please, Marion. No arguments.” He reached for the banister and slowly climbed the stairs, relishing the pain that radiated from his leg up to his heart. That was a pain that would never go away.

Chapter Five
    Despite her best efforts, Marion was unable to persuade Tristan to join her for dinner the night of his fall in the garden, or breakfast the next morning. He’d taken trays in his room.
    Sulking, she thought, just like a child. She left the breakfast room and approached Biddle, one of the footmen. “Will you please ask Mrs. Gibbons to join me in my sitting room?”
    She added coal to the fire while waiting for Tristan’s companion. Since she’d been in residence, Mrs. Gibbons had not joined them for meals. When she’d asked Tristan about the woman’s absence, he said