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

note to my sister that she should expect me soon.”
    “We will send you in our carriage. And Jane, who is now my lady’s maid, will assist with your packing.”
    “You are most kind, my lady.” Mrs. Gibbons rose and before she could turn to leave, Marion stood and embraced her.
    “Godspeed.”
    …
    Tristan joined Marion for dinner that evening. He entered the drawing room, freshly shaved and dressed in tight pantaloons, a dark waistcoat, and jacket. His snowy white cravat was perfectly tied. “Good evening, my dear.”
    She turned swiftly from the window where she stared at the reflection from the candles around the room. “Good evening.” Her eyes feasted on him, and once again her heart soared at having him back.
    He expertly crossed the library and headed to the sideboard. “Would you care for a sherry before dinner?”
    “Yes. That would be very nice.” Confused at this turnabout in his attitude, she whispered a quick prayer of thanks and took a seat next to the fireplace.
    He deftly poured sherry into one glass and brandy into another.
    Marion watched as he carried the two glasses across the room, leaving his cane behind. He held her glass out to her. “Madam?”
    “Thank you.” Once again she stared into those crystal blue eyes and her insides melted. Their hands touched as she took the glass from his hand, leaving behind warmth and a powerful longing throughout her body.
    He sat next to her, on the far side of the fireplace. “I understand you’ve managed to run my companion off.”
    No smile was forthcoming, so she wasn’t sure if he was angry.
    “Mrs. Gibbons had a very kind offer from her sister and seemed anxious to join her.”
    “So she told me.” He swirled the brown liquid around the brandy snifter and took a sip. “Convenient, wouldn’t you say?”
    She stiffened, still unsure of his mood. “What do you mean?”
    “I mean, my dear, you take up residence, and all of a sudden my companion of more than two years decides to join her sister.”
    “Despite what you might think, I had nothing to do with her departure.”
    “As you say.” He took another sip.
    Not wishing to turn their pleasant conversation into an argument, she decided to change the subject. “I will be meeting with Mrs. Downs in the morning to make decisions on redecorating several of the rooms. Did you have any special requests?”
    He waved his hand. “No. You may do as you wish, and I trust your ability to guard my purse while you choose whatever furnishings you desire.”
    “That is very generous of you.” She took a sip of her sherry. “I thought perhaps once we finished with the refurbishing, we could arrange a small dinner for my family, perhaps, or a neighbor or two.”
    “No.”
    “Won’t you—“
    “No.”
    She huffed. “Do you plan to hide from everyone for the rest of your life?”
    “My dear, I tried my best to hide from you, but that hasn’t seemed to deter you from attempting to run my life.”
    She drew back in surprise. “Tristan, that is not fair. I am not attempting to run your life. I just thought some social discourse would be pleasant.”
    “I have no desire for social discourse, or to have people here feeling sorry for me, or offering to ‘help’ me move about in my own home.”
    “Dinner is served, my lady, my lord.” Mason stood in the doorway, his eyes straight ahead.
    “Thank you.” Tristan placed his glass on the table next to him and stood. “Allow me to escort you.”
    Marion joined him, taking his arm. Without much help from her, they made their way into the dining room. Nothing further was said about Mrs. Gibbons or a family dinner.
    …
    One they had settled in their seats, Tristan gazed in her direction and cleared his throat. “I haven’t changed my mind about our marriage, but if you insist on remaining here, we can at least have friendly conversations. Please accept my apology for snapping at you in the garden yesterday.”
    “Of course. I understand how