Page 131 of Snowbound Surrender

“No, Marion,” she said, harsher than she intended, and she softened her words with a smile. “Besides, if he leaves in a couple of days as he plans to, then it doesn’t much matter, now does it?”

“I suppose not.”

Marion helped her into a simple but beautiful, flowing red dress, with an empire waist and cap sleeves, before draping a shawl around her shoulders.

Marion cleared her throat. “I don’t suppose … never mind.”

“What is it?” Scarlett asked, turning to look at her, surprised to see Marion’s eyes on the ground as she scuffed her toe into the carpet.

“I was wondering — do you know anything of Lord Oxford’s valet? Mr. Spicer? But no, of course you don’t. Why would he speak to you of his valet? Forget I asked. Off you go, now.”

Scarlett grinned, pleased to have a distraction from her own musings. “Why, Marion? Do you happen to have a penchant for this Mr. Spicer?” She couldn’t picture the man in her head, but then, she had little cause to note her husband’s valet.

“No! Yes. Oh, my lady, he is awfully handsome. He caught my eye at the time of your wedding, if I were being honest, and then of course I didn’t see him again until just this week. I simply wondered whether he was a single man, that is all.”

“That, Marion, I can find out,” she said, with purpose now, and Marion smiled gratefully. Interesting, though Scarlett. She wasn’t sure how well it could potentially work out between the two of them, but Marion was a grown woman and could choose her own actions.

“Wait!” Marion called as Scarlett made to leave. “One more thing.”

She came up beside Scarlett, fastening small diamonds hanging from wires to her ears.

“Earrings? Oh Marion, I’m not sure?—”

“They’re small and tasteful, and they look lovely on you,” said Marion. “Have a wonderful dinner.”

Scarlett let out a little snort but allowed Marion to send her on her way like a doting mother. If she didn’t know any better, she would think Marion was trying to push her together with her husband. But her maid knew her far better than that to think such a ploy might work — didn’t she?

CHAPTER 6

Hunter rana hand through his hair as he tried to concentrate on the numbers in front of him. Despite his protestations to Scarlett, her words resonated with him, and he resolved to determine if what she said had any truth to it. In his study, he found the general ledgers, though he knew Stone would keep the detailed records in his own office.

Nothing seemed untoward, no funds missing, although the overall sum for rentsdidseem slightly high. He would visit his tenants and meet with Stone tomorrow, he decided, for a proper review of the accounts. Then after that, it would be back to London.

But first, dinner with his wife.

His wife. He didn’t know what to make of the woman. She was an enigma, and it was rather trying to determine what sort of mood she would be in. One moment she would let her guard down, showing him a side that was warm and inviting. And then the next she would be closed off once more, presenting him with that icy facade. He still wasn’t sure what he had done to deserve such treatment, but he was going to find out.

He left his study at the same moment she stepped out of her bedroom down the hall. She didn’t see him, not at first,and he took the opportunity to study her side profile. She looked a temptress this evening in her crimson gown, the red shimmering in the glow of the light from the wall sconce. With her defenses down, her vulnerability emerged, the uncertainty etched on her face. It wasn’t a side to her he had ever seen before, and as he took her in, she became more human in his eyes and less of a puzzle.

She must have sensed his presence, for suddenly she jumped slightly and turned toward him.

“Lord Oxford,” she said with a curtsy.

“If you call me Lord Oxford one more time, I swear I will…”

“You’ll what?”

He swallowed hard as suddenly all sorts of delicious punishments came to mind.

“I’ll pelt you with another snowball,” he finally managed.

“I believe I handled myself just fine earlier today,” she retorted but with a smile.

Hunter held out his arm to her, and she took it tentatively. She was lovely, that much was certain, despite the snarl that came from within from time to time. He led her into the dining room, holding out her chair while she sat down gracefully. She was just to his left, his place set at the head of the table. It was slightly more intimate than a typical dinner, and he wondered if they had been placed this way on purpose. His dining room was comfortable, with its carved wall panels, watercolors, and tapestries, and despite the elaborate gilded chandelier and the fact that the room could seat over forty people if they wished, it still felt like the perfect setting for the two of them.

“That is a beautiful locket you wear,” he said as their soup course was served.

“Oh, thank you,” she said, and he noticed the way she unconsciously caught the necklace between her fingers.