He should have known she’d be so efficient. “I think we should wait three days. If you can be ready then, we can travel together.”
“In separate coaches, of course.”
He coughed to hide is surprise. He should have known she’d want to arrive in London in proper fashion. “That is agreeable.”
“I will be ready. Would you like more tea?” She reached for the pot.
His inclination was to leave immediately as his purpose for calling on her had been fulfilled, but as he glanced at the mantel clock, he delayed his departure. Picking up his cup, he swallowed the rest of the now cold tea and handed it to her. “I would, thank you.”
As she poured, he strode back to the parlor doors and opened them. The footman stood to the side. “You should expect callers for Lady Beaumont soon.”
The man gave a quick nod.
Walking back into the room, he strolled over to the window and grinned. In the distance, a coach approached the entrance to Silver Meadows. Yes, very soon.
“Here you are.” Mariel’s words had him turning.
He accepted the tea before taking his seat again. “Now, it’s time to play our assigned parts. If I don’t miss my guess, you are about to have a caller. I, of course, will only be able to stay for a brief time, but I look forward to hearing everything that occurs. Are you ready to play the betrothed couple again?”
She set her cup down and met his gaze. “I am. I find it much easier than I anticipated it to be.” She cocked her head. “Perhaps that’s because you’ve stopped growling so much.”
“And you’ve stopped yelling at me.” He raised his brows, waiting for her acknowledgement.
She shrugged instead. “I suggest we call a truce for the rest of our charade. Would that be acceptable to you?”
“Yes.” He held his cup aloft to acknowledge their agreement before taking a sip. It might be easier to play at their betrothal now, but what did that portend for the ending of it?
Chapter Nine
London
After being inTown for three days, Mariel opened the last chest to be unpacked. There was something invigorating about being in Town for the season. She hadn’t realized she’d missed the activity in the streets and the people calling upon her mother. It would be much harder pretending to her family than to strangers, but having this time with Marcus meant that much to her.
Lifting Joanna’s letter and book from the chest, she set it on the bed. She’d planned to leave it at Silver Meadows, but the maid must have packed it. Curious now, she picked up the letter and moved to her dressing table. Breaking the seal, she read.
Dearest Mariel.
Since you have embarked upon the journey of betrothal and matrimony again with the man who has always had your heart, I thought you would enjoy this book. I’m sure that you know much of what is between these pages, but I have it on good authority that even the most knowledgeable person can find something new. My only wish for you is your unending happiness.
And if Lord Blackmore dares to break your heart again, I promise retribution.
Your loving sister, Joanna.
Stunned by the last sentence, she read it again. Love and something akin to nervousness filled her. Surely Joanna wouldn’t do anything untoward once the betrothal was broken. After all, it wouldn’t be Marcus who would break it. But what if Joanna didn’t like the reason?
Uneasy now, she folded the letter, then rose and brought the book to her dressing table. If she had left the book at Joanna’s school, Joanna would have been very put out.
Thankful now that her maid had packed it, she clicked the small latch and opened the cover to put the letter inside. The first two pages flipped over with the cover and as she reached to set them back, her gaze fell upon the third page.The Illustrated Pleasures of Seduction.
She blinked and read the title again. “This doesn’t make sense.” She closed the book and read the cover. “The Education of the Feminine Species, by Lord Ancil Rutherford.” That’s what she’d thought it was. Opening the book again, the first two blank pages fell back and once more she was staring at an outrageous title. The book must be faulty. Putting her thumb against the bulk of the pages, she opened the book halfway through.
Her breath caught. The image sketched on the page showed a man’s head between a naked woman’s legs. Why would he be there unless…heat filled her. He must be examining the woman for her ability to have children. Had Joanna surmised as she did that she was barren?
She closed the book again and reread the correct title. Her sister must want her to understand her condition. Joanna had always said that it was better to know the worst than to remain in ignorance. Though the thought was admirable, the problem was no longer an issue, unless… She stared at the book. Could there be a cure? Was that what Joanna referred to by saying that even the most knowledgeable person could find something new in the volume? What if that were true? What if she could find a way to conceive? If that were possible, Marcus could marry her. But how would they know until he…she shivered. Maybe creating life wouldn’t be as uncomfortable with a man she loved.
Stubbornly, a small glimmer of hope flared to life and a new wave of love for her sister swept through her. She would have to study the book carefully. Rising, she set it on the table next to her bed. She would do so in the evening, but as it was almost time for callers, she needed to meet her mother in the parlor.
Checking her reflection in the looking glass, she tucked a stray lock of hair back into place then brushed a wrinkle from her forest green dress before walking to the door. As she descended the grand stair of Craymore Hall, a new lightness settled about her.
