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N erves flitted through Perry as he guided Zeus toward Huntsworth.

This morning, he would meet his future in-laws for the first time.

Dru had done the best she could in preparing him for this occasion.

He understood that Lady Marley was the true power in the family and that it would be her approval he must win in order for their marriage to take place.

If she convinced her husband to halt the proceedings, then they would have to wait until Dru’s twenty-first birthday, when she would no longer be under a guardian’s care and could consent to the marriage herself.

He couldn’t imagine waiting any length of time; it was imperative that he impress the countess.

He reached the stables and handed off his horse to Harry, going around to the front of the house and being admitted by Brown.

“Lord and Lady Huntsberry are waiting for you with their guests in the drawing room, my lord,” the butler said.

He followed Brown up the stairs, slowing his breathing as he had learned to do before riding into battle. While he did not want to liken meeting Lord and Lady Marley to engaging with the enemy, he couldn’t help but be a bit on edge after Dru’s frank description of her mother.

At least he had taken to her brother. Viscount Dyer had come down from town a week ago in anticipation of the upcoming nuptials.

Perry found Dru’s brother to be most affable.

They had found they enjoyed one another’s company and had gone riding and played chess during the past week.

Even Dyer, though, had warned him about how difficult his mother could be.

Both Dru and Dyer had said that Perry should stand his ground when it came to Lady Marley.

Politely, of course, but that he should not be intimidated by her.

He heard Brown announce his name and entered the drawing room. Immediately, his eyes went to Dru, looking lovely in a periwinkle gown. She nodded encouragingly at him as he crossed the room.

It was Dru’s sister who took the lead in making the introductions. “Mama and Papa, I would like to introduce you to Lord Martindale. My lord, these are my parents, Lord and Lady Marley.”

He took the countess’ offered hand and kissed her fingers. “The pleasure is all mine, my lady. You have raised two lovely daughters, and I have gotten to know your son a bit, as well, this past week.”

Lady Marley assessed him. “It is good to meet the man who has caught my daughter’s eye, Lord Martindale. I feared I would have to drag Drusilla to town in order for her to make her come-out and hope some gentleman might take to her, despite her quirks.”

He gazed levelly at her. “I am fortunate in that I was able to come to know Lady Dru before others in the ton did. She does me a great honor in accepting my offer of marriage. I will be proud to take her to town this coming spring so that we both might have a taste of Polite Society.”

Perry turned to the earl and offered his hand. “Lord Marley, I am delighted to make your acquaintance. Lady Dru has spoken so fondly of you.”

The earl, looking as genial as Dru had described him, smiled broadly. “Has she, now? Drusilla and I have always had a special bond. It is good to meet you, Lord Martindale. If our daughter is taken with you enough to agree to wed you, then I know you are truly a special gentleman.”

Lady Marley sniffed. “We still have yet to grant permission for this wedding to take place, despite the fact the banns have begun to be read. We must see your estate, my lord, and speak to you at greater length before we consent to the marriage.”

Perry was glad Dru had predicted this very thing, telling him that her mother would have a good number of questions which needed to be answered. In the long run, however, it would be Lord Marley who must voice permission for his daughter to wed.

Deciding to take charge of the situation so that the countess would see he was no weakling, he said, “If you are well rested enough after your long journey from Somerset, I would be happy to guide you about my estate now.”

Lady Marley looked slightly taken aback, but met his gaze. “That is exactly what I had in mind, Martindale.” She looked to her son-in-law. “Huntsberry, can you provide horses for us to tour Beauville?”

“My stables are yours, my lady,” the marquess said cheerfully. “Dru can even help you choose mounts because she has ridden several of our horses.”

“My daughter’s presence is not required,” Lady Marley said dismissively. “Lord Marley and I are the ones who will ride out with the earl to his estate.” She glanced to her son. “Constantine, you may come along to keep your father company.”

He hated that Dru had been excluded from their party, and he looked to her now to see if he should intervene on her behalf. She looked pleadingly at him, and Perry decided he would not upset the apple cart.

“Then we shall leave at once,” he declared. “Lady Huntsberry, thank you for your hospitality. I will take good care of your parents and see them safely home.”

They headed to the stables, and Viscount Dyer fell into step beside him.

“You did not back down, Martindale. Good for you. Mama can subdue the mightiest nobleman with a few cutting remarks. Keep standing your ground, and you might just gain her respect.”

The reached the stables, and two grooms readied horses for them.

As they waited, Lady Marley turned to him and began peppering him with questions.

She wanted to know the size of his country seat.

The number of tenants residing upon it. How long his steward had been in service at Beauville.

The type of crops grown and the yield from the most recent harvest.

Perry was able to answer all her questions with ease, but he understood now just how shrewd the woman was.

“We shall ride through Alderton in order to reach Beauville,” he shared as they mounted their horses. “The village is larger than most and offers many shops to residents in the area.”

“We came through it on our way to Huntsworth,” Lord Marley said, and Perry noted that the earl rarely spoke unless directly addressed. “How far is Beauville from Alderton?”

He explained the distance and then mentioned, “My closest neighbor is Viscount Tilsbury of Tilsbury Manor. He is a widower who has offered good advice to me ever since I came into my title. My father was not often at Beauville, and so Lord Tilsbury has helped me settle into country life.”

Lady Marley condescendingly said, “I know of your father and his reputation.” She paused, scrutinizing him closely. “What of Lady Martindale? I would think with the wedding imminent that she would have already left town.”

His gaze steadfast, he coolly told the countess, “My mother prefers town. She will not be at the wedding.” He didn’t wish to get into the complications of their relationship and semi-estrangement with this woman.

“I see,” Lady Marley said, spurring her horse.

He did the same, keeping pace with her, subtly letting her know he was the one who led this party—and not her.

Once they reached Beauville, Perry gave them a complete tour of the estate for the next two hours. When they occasionally paused, Lady Marley had more questions for him. He was grateful that he was able to answer each one to her satisfaction and hoped he was winning her over.

When they reached the apple orchard, the earl lit up. “My, you have a good number of trees in your orchard, my lord.”

“Yes, we will embark on the apple harvest next month.”

Lord Marley smiled. “I enjoy a good apple tart now and then.”

“This is the last of my land,” he said. “Perhaps you would care to go to the house for a bit of refreshment.”

The earl and viscount looked to the countess, who nodded her approval.

“I wish to see where my daughter will be living. If I consent to the marriage.”

Perry bit back a smile at her words. He knew she had been impressed with what she had seen of Beauville and was merely flaunting her power.

They rode to the stables and left the horses to be tended, going into the house.

“Foster, we are in need of refreshments. Please have Cook send tea and something for us to eat to the drawing room.”

“At once, my lord,” the butler replied smoothly.

He led them upstairs to the drawing room, and Lady Marley said, “While we are awaiting tea, I wish to see your ledgers, Martindale.”

Though the request was unusual, he smiled benignly. “Then let me take you to my steward’s office, my lady.” He glanced at the other two, saying, “We will not be long, gentlemen,” letting the countess know he would only indulge her interest so far.

They retreated to Rankin’s office. Fortunately, his steward was not there to be grilled by Lady Marley.

“You have seen my estate. I have answered every question which you have asked of me. What is it that you need to see in my ledgers?”

“I merely wished to speak to you privately, Martindale.” Her gaze bore into him. “Why do you wish to wed Drusilla?”

“Your daughter is the kindest, most caring soul I have ever met. She is intelligent and nurturing. Lady Dru will make for a fine Countess of Martindale. You have seen everything, my lady. I have hidden nothing from you. I will be able to provide for your daughter, and she will lack for nothing.” He paused. “Especially love.”

Her brows arched in surprise. “Love? You love the chit?”

“Yes,” he replied, resenting her referring to her own daughter in such a manner.

“I love your daughter very much. I had not expected to ever love my wife. My plan was to attend the next Season and select my bride from the Marriage Mart. I assumed I would make a marriage of convenience, as my parents had.”