“Such open approval from you will certainly elevate her status as a first-rate hostess.” The duke hunted in his waistcoat pocket and drew out a cheroot.
“How ridiculous.” Meredith laughed. “I was always considered something of a social pariah, yet now that I am your daughter-in-law, my opinions suddenly matter.”
“ ’Tis the way of the nobility,” the duke declared. He lit his cheroot and took a puff. “Did you know the countess’s grandfather was a merchant? There are some who say she still carries the taint of the shop.”
“A most unpardonable sin.”
“It certainly can be.” The duke lowered the carriage window to let out the smoke. “She might be a ninny, but there is not a cruel or mean bone within her body. Your support and approval would be a boon to her.”
“Then she shall have it.”
The coach rocked to a stop. Meredith glanced out into the moonlit street, but did not recognize the surroundings. They had not arrived at the duke’s residence but instead were caught in traffic. She leaned back against the comfortable, plush squabs and rested her eyes, not minding the delay. After all, it was not as if there was anyone waiting for her at home except her maid.
“You should have heard old Monford tonight,” the duke said. “He nearly had a fit of apoplexy when we started our third dance. Just isn’t done, you know. He later told Billingsly that I orchestrated your marriage as an excuse to keep you in my company and in my home. Can you imagine such drivel?”
Meredith smiled in the darkness. “The Earl of Monford has never been known for his tact or intelligence. Still, you sound far too flattered by the comment for it to be such a ridiculous notion.”
“I’m not dead yet,” the duke huffed. “Is it so impossible to speculate that a man of my years could keep up with a young woman like you? The rumor could be true.”
“Most assuredly. You have done a fair job of keeping in step so far.” Her eyes glinted with mischief. “However, you must learn to pace yourself. There are quite a few more weeks of frantic socializing to endure.”
“Endure? Do you really dislike it so much, Meredith?”
“It can be a trial at times,” she admitted softly as the gentleness in the duke’s voice prompted an honest answer.
“Why do you do it?”
“ ’Tis expected.”
The duke sputtered loudly. “What rot! You, my dear child, have never done what is proper or expected. What is the true reason?”
Meredith shook out the folds of her skirt. Keeping her head lowered, she muttered, “It passes the time, helps keep the loneliness at bay. I fear I might lose my mind if I stayed in my rooms all day and night.”
“Ahhh, as I suspected.” There was a pause as the duke took a final drag on his cheroot, then flung the remaining piece out the open carriage window. “When was the last time you saw my son?”
Meredith’s head shot up. She cleared her throat, then swallowed. “I am not certain. Three or four days ago, I believe.”
“It was four days,” the duke said calmly.
“Are you spying on me?” Meredith asked in astonishment.
“It is hardly necessary when you live beneath my roof.”
Meredith folded her arms beneath her breasts. She had underestimated her noble father-in-law Though he had shown her kindness and empathy, he was still a duke, with a need to manipulate and control everything he possibly could.
It was dark in the carriage, yet he must have sensed her agitation.
“I am concerned,” the duke added.
“Then speak with your son,” she replied bitterly.
“I have.”
Meredith groaned. She felt the warmth of a blush cover her cheeks. “What did he say?” It hurt her pride to ask, but she was too desperate for news to care.
The duke shifted uncomfortably. “Nothing of substance or consequence. Though he did mention a town house property for lease that his secretary had located. It wasn’t in a very fashionable section nor in the best condition, but I got the impression he might be interested in taking it. Has he discussed this with you?”
“No.” Meredith turned her head, becoming very interested in the fringed shade of the carriage. “Though it does not matter. I will not move even if the marquess has leased the property.” A sudden thought occurred. “Unless you wish me to leave?”
