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Her mouth had momentarily fell open when he swept into the room earlier. Fortunately she managed to snap it closed quickly, hopefully before he noticed.

“More champagne?”

Startled, Meredith abandoned her thoughts and extended her empty goblet toward her husband. She tilted her chin so she could gaze fully upon his handsome face, then muttered a quiet, “Thank you.”

The marquess returned her perusal. His expression was set and locked, almost grim. She could feel his eyes searching her face and had no idea what he saw. Her feelings were such a mass of contradictions that she knew no one emotion could be clearly displayed.

Then he lifted his glass fractionally, smiled and wet his lips. The small edge of fear that she might have made a monumental mistake by marrying him vanished. Meredith imitated the marquess’s gesture, emptying her glass in the process.

No matter what occurred, she would do all that was within her power to make the best of it.

The first test of her union came less than an hour after she had spoken her vows, when Jason innocently inquired where the newly married couple would reside.

“I no longer keep a house in London,” the marquess answered slowly. “However, I do own three estates, two of which are of considerable size. The nearest is in Devon. Would you like to take up residence there?”

“Today?”

“We could leave within the hour.” The marquess stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Though I rarely visit Hawthorne Manor, I employ a full staff that prides itself on always being ready to receive me with no advance warning.”

“How long would we stay?” Meredith inquired.

Marquess shrugged. “Indefinitely. However if Hawthorne Manor is not to your liking, you may travel to Chester House. Or Billingsworth Castle.”

“Are these properties close to each other?”

“Not exactly. Billingsworth Castle is very picturesque, if you enjoy the country.” A puzzled expression appeared on the marquess’s face. “Do you enjoy the countryside? It occurs to me you might prefer to stay in town, at least for a few more weeks. The Season has yet to reach its full height.”

“The activities of the Season do not hold great appeal for me,” Meredith answered truthfully, wondering if it would be a wise or foolish thing to leave London. “However, I would not like to give the impression we are running away from anything by suddenly going off to the country to rusticate.”

The marquess’s eyebrows drew together. “You are now my wife, under my protection, and, as the Marchioness of Dardington, are therefore above the petty gossip that so amuses the ton .”

With effort, Meredith bit back her cynical retort.

She suspected just the opposite was true, and she would in truth be the object of much gossip and speculation.

Yet she had no wish to start an argument with her husband, especially in front of her brothers.

“I see no pressing need for us to remain in town. I can be ready to leave for Hawthorne Manor whenever you wish.”

“Fine. I shall be pleased to escort you there and leave instructions with my staff that you are to be brought to the other properties if you so desire.”

“Will you not accompany me if I travel to the other estates, my lord?”

The marquess gave her a questioning look, but said nothing. Meredith faltered. His silence clearly meant something significant, yet she refused to believe the obvious.

The air in the room suddenly felt icy. “You plan on returning to London without me?” she finally asked.

“Of course.”

“When?”

“I am not sure.” He continued, ignoring her sharp intake of breath. “Most likely in a week. Two at the most.”

“And I am to be left behind in the country? At Hawthorne Manor?” There was an uncomfortable churning in her stomach and a bitter taste in her mouth.

“Don’t look so stricken, my lady. I assure that it is a fine estate,” Trevor said in a level tone. “And I have already given you my permission to move to the other estates if you feel the need.”

“What if I wish to return to London?”

Trevor frowned. “You just said there was no pressing need to remain in town.”

“What if I wish to remain with my husband?” she asked curtly. “What if I object to being left in the country while you spend your days and nights in town? Without me.”

“You just said the social activities of the Season are of little interest to you.”

“And so they are, but I must confess your activities are of interest to me.”

He was clearly taken aback by her blunt response. “It makes little sense to journey to the countryside if neither of us has any intention of staying for any length of time. We might as well remain in town.”

“Fine.” The strain of keeping her tone even and steady was difficult. “Since you have no appropriate lodgings, I shall have rooms prepared for us here. I am certain we can make you comfortable.”

Meredith turned her head swiftly and glanced over at the twins. Their eyes were filled with sympathy. She smothered a sense of anger and irritation. More than anything, Meredith hated to be pitied.

“I will not impose upon the hospitality of my newly acquired in-laws as though I were some indigent fortune hunter,” the marquess snapped. “Especially when your parents are not available to grant their permission.”

“Oh, for pity’s sake, we are all family now,” Meredith cried out. “If you require permission, my lord husband, then I will grant it to you.”

The moment the words fell from her tongue Meredith wished she could call them back. The thunderous expression on the marquess’s face let her know this was not a solution he found acceptable.

“We need stay only until your man of affairs can locate a property in town for us to rent,” she added hastily.

Chilled by the mask-like expression of determination on the marquess’s face, Meredith wisely made no more additional suggestions.

“Instruct your maid to pack your clothing.”

To Meredith’s ears the words sounded all the more forceful because they were spoken with such quiet, stubborn authority.

She made a slight curtsy before quitting the room.

Yet Meredith made a point of returning quickly, dressed in her newest walking cloak and matching bonnet.

“I told Rose to pack a smaller case with any garments that are needed for a few days. The rest of my clothing and personal items can be sent for later.”

The marquess looked startled when she made her announcement. Meredith nearly smiled. Had he expected her to refuse? To delay until the hour became impossibly late? Or to defy him and lock herself in her room?

Suddenly it was time to go. There were hugs and kisses of farewell for her brothers. Meredith clung to them tightly, surprised at the depth of emotion she was experiencing. She never thought it would be this hard to leave them.

“We wish you joy,” Jasper said softly in her ear. “But if you ever have a need for us, for any reason, send word. You are our sister, and we shall always love you.”

“I know.”

She gave Jasper’s broad shoulders a final squeeze, then turned away. The marquess was looking at her expectantly.

“I am ready, my lord.” Meredith straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin.

“Then come, my lady. The hour grows late and we have a very great surprise to bestow upon my noble father.”