Page 36

Something changed during that afternoon carriage conversation. In the days that followed, the marquess was still rarely seen by his wife. She did not share his bed—yet. And when Meredith thought about the state of her marriage, she could ascertain no visible improvement.

Still, she felt more comfortable with her position as his wife and as marchioness, and her confidence and spirit began to renew.

Trevor’s explanations for his behavior had been complicated and confusing, but he had succeeded in one very important area.

She did not take his rejection so personally.

It was a ridiculous notion, yet when examined within the context of their very unorthodox marriage, it made perfect sense.

“When the dancing begins tonight, will you follow your usual form and dance with no other man but your escort, the Duke of Warwick?”

The amused male voice that whispered in her ear was a familiar and welcome sound.

“Jasper!” Meredith turned enthusiastically and embraced her brother warmly.

“How wonderful to see you! And what a surprise. I thought a ball given by a stodgy, elderly member of the ton was the last place I would find you.”

“We live but three doors away. It seemed utterly rude not to attend for at least a portion of the evening.” Jasper tossed his head and assumed a haughty manner. “Besides, a true gentleman must learn to be comfortable and accepted anywhere in Society, not only among his male companions.”

Meredith nearly dropped her fan at the statement. She was about to congratulate her brother on his amusing mimicry when she noticed he had not broken into a smile. In shock, Meredith determined he was serious.

Her fan immediately lifted to hide the grin that formed on her lips. This sober, mature countenance of Jasper’s would take a bit of getting used to, and while slightly affected, it was in many ways an improvement over the reckless, irresponsible behavior he’d exhibited in the past.

“Is Jason here also?” Meredith asked, looking past her brother’s shoulder to search for his twin. “I would like to greet him.”

“We arrived together, but he is off somewhere sulking.” Jasper sighed.

“We agreed to allow ourselves only three hours in the card room, and Jason is angry because when the time limit was reached he was on a winning streak. It took me several minutes to pry him away without causing a scene. He was not at all pleased.”

Meredith cleared her throat, then coughed. But her astonishment did not easily vanish. Her brothers were now voluntarily limiting their time gambling? Was that truly possible? “I am pleased to discover you are both trying to master some self-discipline,” Meredith said slowly.

“It was actually Dardington’s suggestion.

” Jasper smiled pleasantly and bowed low to an elderly couple who strolled near.

Then he turned back toward Meredith to resume the conversation.

“The marquess thought it was time we began to broaden our social horizons. And when he ascertained we had no wish to marry anytime soon, he advised us to attend as many functions as we could tolerate that would showcase the new crop of debutantes.”

“Really? To what end?”

“Knowledge, of course.” Jasper clucked his tongue as though it was a most obvious connection.

“ ’Tis sound advice. Learning the subtle way to negotiate the marriage mart and those carefully laid traps set out by scheming mamas and desperate chaperons will stand us in good stead in the future.

No sense getting caught in the parson’s mousetrap unless we are ready. Or nearly ready.”

“Wise advice,” Meredith retorted. Too bad the marquess had not followed it himself. Damnation! Meredith mentally shook her head. Must every conversation she had eventually lead back to the marquess and the state of her marriage?

With effort, Meredith retreated from the direction of her thoughts. “Have you and Jason been spending a great deal of time with Dardington?”

“A fair amount.” Jasper’s eyes sparkled. “Though we travel in slightly different circles, we share many of the same interests, frequent many of the same clubs.”

Meredith’s face clouded. “I can well imagine what those finer male interests entail. Horse racing, boxing, aged brandy, loose buxom women, and high-stakes gambling. Oh, and let us not forget the odd duel now and again. You three are a deadly trio set loose upon an unsuspecting city.”

“ ’Tis not as bad as all that, Merry. The marquess is changing. Everyone has noticed it. He is slow to anger, thoughtful before he takes action, more considered of his activities. Many have lamented he is more settled these days, less haunted, at times even downright somber.”

Surprised, Meredith considered her brother’s words. Jasper was making her husband sound like a wise old man. Responsible, levelheaded, even sober.

“You sound as though you like him.”

“I do. Dardington’s a capital fellow,” Jasper promptly replied. “He keeps his own counsel, lives his life without being overly concerned about appearances. He is much admired, much revered among many of my friends and acquaintances. I confess I, too, admire him greatly.”

Meredith could barely credit what she was hearing.

Jasper was apparently afflicted with a terminal case of hero worship.

“How quickly the worm turns. A few short weeks ago you were facing each other with pistols drawn, yet now you are the best of friends.” Meredith rolled her eyes heavenward. “And they say women are fickle.”

“The duel never took place, as you are well aware.” Jasper shrugged. “Besides, we are family. ’Tis bad form to quarrel publicly with your relations.”

“I must be sure to remind you of that the next time you and Jason start up with your customary bickering,” Meredith said.

Her eyes lit with mischief as she spied Jason striding toward them.

It was good to be among the twins again, and almost shocking to admit how much she had missed seeing them on a daily basis.

Though they had caused her numerous amounts of grief and worry throughout the years, she loved them both dearly.

“At last I have found you!” Jason executed a hasty bow, then swept her up in a comfortable hug. “I’ve been searching all over for you, Merry.”

“Have you?” A wave of spicy scented soap and fine brandy washed over her, such a pleasing and familiar odor that Meredith closed her eyes for a moment to relish it.

“I confess it is wonderful to see you again, yet knowing you have been searching for me has caused a nervous shiver to run down my spine.” She laughed lightly, then pulled away and observed her brother keenly.

Jason was dressed to perfection in black evening attire, complete with a snowy lawn shirt, silver patterned waistcoat, black knee breeches, and a matching black coat.

The severe outfit should have looked somber as he stood beside his identical twin, who was garbed in garments of richly hued blue tones, but somehow Jason had the slight advantage.

Meredith at first attributed it to the fine tailoring of his garments, but then decided it was the gleaming devil-may-care sparkle in his eyes that set Jason above his twin.

“Your words wound me, Merry.”

“Hardly.” Meredith ignored the look of stricken indignation she felt certain was feigned and kissed Jason’s cheek. “Are you enjoying the ball?”

A momentary frown marred the twin’s handsome brow.

“I was having the most incredible run of luck with the cards, winning more this evening than I have in a fortnight.” He thrust an accusing finger at a clearly bored Jasper.

“Unfortunately, my delight was abruptly cut short when I was unceremoniously yanked from the tables by my brother.”

“You might as well save your breath.” Jasper replied smugly. “Meredith already knows of our pact to limit our gambling at parties and balls. Needless to say, she approves heartily.”

“That is no surprise.” Jason sulked for a mere instant, then turned to his sister with a charming smile.

“You will no doubt be pleased to note, then, that I have admirably managed to control my disappointment at this unlucky turn of events and vow at the next ball I shall play faster so I may win more.”

“Your fortitude astounds me,” Meredith said, with a small inscrutable smile.

“It is a marvel, is it not?”

“I think I’m going to be ill.” Jasper folded his arms across his chest and gave his twin a disgusted look.

“It irks you no end to be continually reminded that I am the favored brother.” Jason’s handsome face brightened and the moment his brother’s back was turned he winked broadly at Meredith.

“Shall we get a drink?” Meredith suggested, fearing Jasper’s earlier vow not to quarrel with a family member in public was in grave jeopardy of being broken.

“There isn’t time for drinks,” Jason insisted. “I spied the most angelic creature when I was leaving the card room. Fair of face, lithe of form, and in all likelihood newly arrived from the country. She possesses a starry-eyed gleam of provincial naivety in her eyes that is enchanting.”

“She sounds far too innocent and honorable for the likes of a scoundrel such as you,” Jasper interjected.

“She is a delight and certain to be the toast of the Season,” Jason stated firmly, pointedly ignoring his brother’s jibes.

“A mere glimpse of her and my heart has been soundly pierced by Cupid’s arrow.

You must find out who she is and introduce me to her at once, Merry, before my sweet young beauty is surrounded and bedazzled by a flattering horde of young bucks. ”

Jasper laughed. “You are slipping, brother. Whenever a female catches your eye you usually waste no time in presenting yourself.”