That, along with his obvious love for and devotion to his wife, made him one of the few men in Society with whom Meredith was truly interested in forming a friendship.
“Trevor.”
The sound was a mere whisper, but the emotion in that single name told Meredith Lavinia had indeed seen her husband. Meredith knew it was impossible, but somehow the marquess either heard or sensed his wife’s voice, for his head turned away from his male companion and toward Lavinia.
His attention grew fixed, centered completely on his lovely wife, though he stood several yards away. Meredith watched in fascination as the couple’s eyes first met and then held. For an instant, something dark and intense burned in the marquess’s gaze.
Blushing, Lavinia lowered her head.
Meredith abruptly glanced away. The emotion and longing on the marquess’s face had startled her, and she somehow felt as though she had intruded on a very personal, private moment—which was rather ridiculous, considering the number of people surrounding them.
Though she had witnessed it many times in the past, Meredith was once again struck by the closeness the pair radiated, even when standing so physically far apart.
Still, a slow smile spread over Meredith’s face. She might not entirely understand their relationship, but it made her happy to see the lightness that seemed to lift Lavinia’s heart whenever she saw her husband.
“My goodness, I just felt you shiver.” Meredith reached out and grasped her friend’s arm. “Are you cold, Lavinia?”
“Not at all.” A host of emotions crossed her face.
“ ’Tis Trevor. My husband can reduce me to a puddle of shivers with a single glance. Isn’t it marvelous?”
Truthfully, Meredith thought that sounded rather ridiculous, but she wasn’t about to hurt her dear friend’s feelings by saying anything. “Actually it sounds rather uncomfortable. Here, take my shawl. ’Tis a warm afternoon, but there is a bit of a breeze. Those short puffs of sleeves on your lavender gown are charming, but offer no protection.”
“I’m really not cold,” Lavinia protested, refusing the garment.
Meredith sighed, but did not press the matter. She heard Lavinia catch her breath as a second shiver went through the marchioness. Meredith turned her head, scanning the faces of those who ambled by, pretending to be completely absorbed by the strolling crowd. It seemed a better alternative than watching the woman at her side turn into a shivering puddle of lust.
However, at the marchioness’s third shiver, Meredith found she could no longer ignore the situation.
“Lavinia!”
“All right, I’ll take your shawl.”
“We both know that is not the cause of your shuddering,” Meredith retorted, her eyes narrowing.
Lavinia fixed her with an innocent look. “Nevertheless, it would not hurt to take special care of myself. Trevor is most solicitous of my health these days.”
“Have you been ill?”
“Goodness, no.” Lavinia waved away Meredith’s obvious concern as she adjusted the distinctively patterned silk shawl around her shoulders. “I have never felt better. Nor been happier.” The marchioness grinned slyly. “It appears I am in an interesting condition.”
Meredith frowned. “Interesting?”
“Rather interesting.”
Meredith’s frown deepened, as Lavinia stared expectantly at her. She knew the marchioness was trying to tell her something, and by the look of her it was a fairly significant something. Yet Meredith was completely puzzled.
After a few moments of silence, Lavinia rolled her eyes good-naturedly and laughed. “For an intelligent, quick-witted young woman, you can be a real slowtop at times.” The marchioness pressed her hand gently against her stomach. “Aninterestingcondition.”
Meredith’s jaw dropped. “Good lord!”
A dreamy expression flitted across Lavinia’s lovely features. “Isn’t it miraculous? A baby. Trevor and I have been congratulating ourselves all week for being such a clever pair.” She sighed deeply. “We haven’t told anyone yet. It has been our own wonderful secret. But we are dining tonight with Trevor’s father and can hardly wait to inform the duke.”
Meredith’s throat tightened. “I am honored you saw fit to share this news with me.”
Lavinia tilted her head in surprise. “You are my dearest friend. Of course I would share my special secret with you.” The marchioness linked her arm with Meredith’s as the two woman began to stroll toward a cluster of guests. “I know I can count on your discretion. While I am thrilled about my condition, I prefer not to share it with the world.
“The rules restricting the movements of expectant mothers in Society are every bit as ridiculous as all the others. My doctor has informed me my condition will not become obvious for several months. As long as I continue to feel well, there is no reason not to enjoy the rest of the Season.”
