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

since Marion had arrived she felt more comfortable eating with the staff. When she expressed dismay at the woman’s decision, Tristan was quick to assure her that Mrs. Gibbons was quite happy with the arrangement, and did not feel the least bit put out. Picking up her needlework, Marion settled in the chair close to the fire. Within minutes there was a knock on the door. “Enter.”
    “Good morning, my lady. Biddle said you wished to speak with me?”
    “Yes. Please, have a seat. Come close to the fire where it’s warmer. I find that in the country even these early autumn days can create a chill.”
    Once Mrs. Gibbons was seated, Marion placed her sewing in the basket by her feet and turned her attention to the companion. “Please tell me a little bit about your time with my husband the past two years. How you came to know him.”
    For several minutes, Mrs. Gibbons related the story of her initial meeting with Tristan, how he had seemed grateful to be alive but, after a while, had slipped into melancholy. Marion watched her for signs of something more than the care a companion would feel for her charge. Although Mrs. Gibbons was most likely somewhere in her late thirties, more than ten years older than Tristan, she was an attractive woman in an ordinary sort of way. But she left no doubt that her intentions were nothing more than friendship.
    “I was disheartened when he told me he had a wife and had no intention of contacting her.” Mrs. Gibbons leaned forward, looking directly into her eyes. “Please do not be upset by his attitude. He has had a very difficult time adjusting to his blindness. He somehow feels he is not a complete man, and it has hampered how he views himself. I know he loves you. Very much. You mustn’t give up on him. He deserves love.”
    “Oh, I have no intention of giving up on him. You see, Mrs. Gibbons, I know my husband is stubborn, but what he has not counted on is that I am just as stubborn as he is. As I told you once before, I will remain here, or wherever he plans to be, despite his objections.”
    “Good for you, my lady.” Mrs. Gibbons leaned back, beaming. “In that case, I must ask you to grant me a favor.”
    Marion viewed her with raised eyebrows.
    “I promised his lordship I would remain with him until he no longer needed me. I have received a note from my sister, who has recently lost her husband. She wishes me to make my home with her, since she also lost her only son in the wars. Her home is in Norfolk, near the sea.”
    “And you would like to join her there?”
    “Yes. She has a lovely house left to her by her husband, along with a tidy income. With my added funds, there is plenty to support the both of us.
    “Please excuse my impertinence, Mrs. Gibbons, but you seem a tad young to seek that sort of life. Have you no wish to marry again?”
    “No. I’ve been married three times, the first one at only fifteen years. I am happy with no husband to tend to.”
    “Three husbands, my goodness. Well, perhaps that may change at some point.”
    “Yes, perhaps.” Despite her words, Mrs. Gibbons held the expression of someone who had absolutely no desire to take up the state of matrimony once again.
    “My sister—Mrs. Stephens is her name—has a circle of friends, and is very busy with her church. I am sure it will be a pleasant life.”
    Marion acknowledged her words with a slight nod. “Then you must accept this offer. I know Lord Tunstall will miss you. You seem to have a very special relationship. Also, please do not be disturbed by his annoyance at your machinations to bring the two of us together. I will forever be in your debt for returning my husband to me.” Unbidden, tears rose to her eyes, and as she fumbled for a handkerchief, she noted Mrs. Gibbons patting her eyes as well.
    “Well, aren’t we a couple of watering pots?” Marion said, tucking her handkerchief back into the pocket of her morning gown.
    “If you will excuse me, my lady, I will send a