“The activities of the Season do not hold great appeal for me,” Meredith answered truthfully, wondering if it would be a wise or foolish thing to leave London. “However, I would not like to give the impression we are running away from anything by suddenly going off to the country to rusticate.”
The marquess’s eyebrows drew together. “You are now my wife, under my protection, and, as the Marchioness of Dardington, are therefore above the petty gossip that so amuses theton.”
With effort, Meredith bit back her cynical retort. She suspected just the opposite was true, and she would in truth be the object of much gossip and speculation. Yet she had no wish to start an argument with her husband, especially in front of her brothers. “I see no pressing need for us to remain in town. I can be ready to leave for Hawthorne Manor whenever you wish.”
“Fine. I shall be pleased to escort you there and leave instructions with my staff that you are to be brought to the other properties if you so desire.”
“Will you not accompany me if I travel to the other estates, my lord?”
The marquess gave her a questioning look, but said nothing. Meredith faltered. His silence clearly meant something significant, yet she refused to believe the obvious.
The air in the room suddenly felt icy. “You plan on returning to London without me?” she finally asked.
“Of course.”
“When?”
“I am not sure.” He continued, ignoring her sharp intake of breath. “Most likely in a week. Two at the most.”
“And I am to be left behind in the country? At Hawthorne Manor?” There was an uncomfortable churning in her stomach and a bitter taste in her mouth.
“Don’t look so stricken, my lady. I assure that it is a fine estate,” Trevor said in a level tone. “And I have already given you my permission to move to the other estates if you feel the need.”
“What if I wish to return to London?”
Trevor frowned. “You just said there was no pressing need to remain in town.”
“What if I wish to remain with my husband?” she asked curtly. “What if I object to being left in the country while you spend your days and nights in town? Without me.”
“You just said the social activities of the Season are of little interest to you.”
“And so they are, but I must confess your activities are of interest to me.”
He was clearly taken aback by her blunt response. “It makes little sense to journey to the countryside if neither of us has any intention of staying for any length of time. We might as well remain in town.”
“Fine.” The strain of keeping her tone even and steady was difficult. “Since you have no appropriate lodgings, I shall have rooms prepared for us here. I am certain we can make you comfortable.”
Meredith turned her head swiftly and glanced over at the twins. Their eyes were filled with sympathy. She smothered a sense of anger and irritation. More than anything, Meredith hated to be pitied.
“I will not impose upon the hospitality of my newly acquired in-laws as though I were some indigent fortune hunter,” the marquess snapped. “Especially when your parents are not available to grant their permission.”
“Oh, for pity’s sake, we are all family now,” Meredith cried out. “If you require permission, my lord husband, then I will grant it to you.”
The moment the words fell from her tongue Meredith wished she could call them back. The thunderous expression on the marquess’s face let her know this was not a solution he found acceptable.
“We need stay only until your man of affairs can locate a property in town for us to rent,” she added hastily.
Chilled by the mask-like expression of determination on the marquess’s face, Meredith wisely made no more additional suggestions.
“Instruct your maid to pack your clothing.”
To Meredith’s ears the words sounded all the more forceful because they were spoken with such quiet, stubborn authority.
She made a slight curtsy before quitting the room. Yet Meredith made a point of returning quickly, dressed in her newest walking cloak and matching bonnet. “I told Rose to pack a smaller case with any garments that are needed for a few days. The rest of my clothing and personal items can be sent for later.”
The marquess looked startled when she made her announcement. Meredith nearly smiled. Had he expected her to refuse? To delay until the hour became impossibly late? Or to defy him and lock herself in her room?
Suddenly it was time to go. There were hugs and kisses of farewell for her brothers. Meredith clung to them tightly, surprised at the depth of emotion she was experiencing. She never thought it would be this hard to leave them.
