He had told her it was the most practical approach, for he needed to assess the guests and decide if there was anyone around who might pose a threat. However, on more than one occasion, Meredith had caught her husband casting a nasty, possessive growl at any gentleman doing nothing more than showing a flattering interest in her person.
Tonight she wore a red silk evening gown with a neckline that revealed a tantalizing glimpse of her breasts. Hers was hardly the lowest cut dress in the room. In fact, compared to many of the other women, she was almost matronly in her attire.
Yet as they strolled into the high domed conservatory where the performance would be held, Meredith noted Trevor was scanning the crowd with singular intensity, as though he expected her to be accosted at any moment.
“Is everything all right?” Meredith whispered after Trevor had located seats for them.
“I am uncertain. Alworthy has not taken his eyes from your bosom since you removed your wrap.”
Meredith felt the heat rise in her cheeks. “I have known Lord Alworthy for many years. I cannot imagine he would cause me harm.”
“He is a rake, preying on any female he can corner. I find his eyes too cool, his gaze too assessing. I do not want him near you.”
“Fine. I shall give him the cut direct if he approaches,” she said.
Trevor nodded his approval, and Meredith nearly screamed. She had been sarcastic when she suggested snubbing Alworthy, though in truth she doubted the man would have the nerve to come within twenty feet of her with Trevor guarding her so obviously.
Thankfully she spied her brother Jason across the room and signaled for him to join them. He did so eagerly, but his motives were soon clear. He was desperately searching for a glimpse of Miss Elizabeth Sainthill and wanted to know if either of them had had the pleasure of seeing her.
“It is my understanding Miss Elizabeth and Miss Harriet are house guests of the duke’s,” Meredith replied patiently. “It is therefore reasonable to conclude she will be here.”
“Thank goodness.”
Jason sighed dramatically and lifted his chin. Meredith soon realized her brother’s eyes were trained on the archway entrance and immediately fastened to any female who walked through it.
“Jason,” Meredith called.
“Hmmm?”
Her brother never even turned his head in her direction. Apparently it was too much to ask that he break his concentrated studied of the entrance and speak to her using actual words. Meredith scowled. “Though I did not see her when we entered, it is possible Elizabeth is with the duke, greeting the guests.”
Jason’s head whirled around so quickly it nearly made Meredith dizzy. “Of course! Why didn’t I think of it? Thanks, Merry.”
The young man dashed off without a second glance.
Trevor grinned wickedly and took his seat beside his wife. “That was well done.”
“Oh, be quiet. One difficult man by my side is more than enough for the evening. I shall not allow all these petty disruptions to ruin my enjoyment of what promises to be a spectacular night.”
Trevor took her hand and squeezed gently. After a moment she returned the pressure. When the performance began, their fingers were still entwined.
His insides had begun to quiver when he saw her enter the mansion. She was here! For days he had not slept, hoping she would come, fearing she would not. He knew she had not appeared in Society much in the past week, no doubt frightened by his warning at the theater.
But tonight she had ventured out. What unbelievable luck! Nearly everything was ready for her. He needed to execute only a few final details. That must be done soon, for he knew he must strike quickly the moment the opportunity presented itself.
He frowned. It was an annoyance that the marquess had also come to the evening’s performance, but that would not change the final outcome of the night. He would have to be cunning and clever to outwit the nobleman, but his arrogant mind embraced the challenge.
Lady Meredith was a prize worth fighting for, and victory would be all the more sweeter if he outfoxed Dardington in the process.
He skirted the edges of the music conservatory, positioning himself in an unobtrusive corner just as the performance began. For several minutes, he merely watched her, sitting slightly forward in her seat so she could see as well as hear the performance.
Her lovely face registered her enraptured delight at the music. Beside her, the marquess looked less pleased. In fact, he looked downright bored. That was a good sign. It meant the marquess would most likely take advantage of the intermission to escape for a few moments. And if he left, there was a very good chance his wife would stay behind.
With a small sigh of satisfaction, he slipped away from the conservatory to set in motion the final pieces of his plan.
Though Meredith kept her eyes on the musicians at the front of the room, she was very aware of the man seated to her left. Trevor shifted, squirmed, crossed and uncrossed his legs, then finally stretched them out.
She cast him a stern glare of silent warning. He shrugged his shoulders and tried to look innocent. She was not fooled.
