The Baron's Betrayal Read Online Free PDF

He feels very strongly that a blind man cannot be a proper husband—and father.” She blushed at the last. “I don’t understand him. It is almost as if he’s forgotten our wedding ceremony. I can still hear Mr. Shaw . Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health?” She clasped her hands to her chest, eyes closed.
    “You’ve memorized the vows?” Penelope gasped.
    Marion opened her eyes and smiled softly at her sister-in-law. “Yes. I’ve memorized everything about my husband and our time together.”
    “So what will you do now, dear?” the dowager duchess asked.
    Marion took several minutes to circle the room, touching various things that brought back so many memories of times with her mother — when she’d been happy or dispirited, and sometimes merely longing for companionship. The familiar scent of lavender, her mother’s favorite, permeated the room.
    How simple life had seemed when she was a young girl at her mother’s knee, learning stitching, being forced to tear it out and begin again. So many lessons she’d learned here, in this house, this room. One of the primary lessons was to fight for what she wanted.
    But Mother could no longer make things right for her. Now the battle was hers.
    She lifted her chin and straightened her shoulders. “I will instruct Maguire to pack my bags. I am moving into my husband’s home. Where I belong.”
    Marion strode from the room, glancing back to see Penelope and her mother grinning at each other.
    …
    What had seemed like a wonderful idea a few hours ago now had butterflies dancing lively steps in Marion’s stomach. She watched the scenery change as the carriage approached Tristan’s spacious cottage. The dark green leaves of late summer trees gave way to a clearing where his home sat.
    Fashioned of local limestone with an ashlar finish, the stones had been carefully rubbed to provide a smooth surface. The low-pitched roof gave it a boxy feel, with a wide terrace surrounding the abode. It was a home she could be happy in. She envisioned children playing outdoors, a swing hanging from the tall oak tree alongside the house.
    A footman approached the carriage and, extending his hand, helped her down. As she approached the front door, Mason stood at attention. Drawing closer, she noticed a slight twitch to his lips, almost as if the well-trained butler was trying to hide a smile. Encouraged by his welcome, she nodded.
    “Good afternoon, Lady Tunstall. Shall I announce you to his lordship?”
    “No need. Would you please ask Mrs. Gibbons to join me in the drawing room?”
    He nodded and took her cape.
    “And please have Cook send in a tea tray.” She handed him her hat and gloves. “I would also appreciate someone seeing that my things are brought in from my carriage. I’m afraid there is quite a bit.”
    “Yes, my lady. I will have our housekeeper, Mrs. Downs, prepare a room for you.”
    “Thank you.”
    Marion strode down the corridor with determination in her every step. All around her, servants stopped their work and stared in fascination. Marion nodded and continued on her way.
    She’d only been in the drawing room for a few minutes when the woman she remembered from the assembly knocked softly, then peeked around the door after Marion bid her enter.
    “Good afternoon, Lady Tunstall. I am Mrs. Gibbons, his lordship’s companion.” She moved farther into the room, her hands clasped tightly at her waist.
    “How do you do?” Marion settled on the settee and waved toward the chair facing her. “Won’t you please join me? Cook will be sending in tea.”
    “Thank you.” After adjusting her skirts, the woman placed her hands in her lap, presenting a serenity her stiff posture belied.
    “I assume you are surprised to see me here?” Marion eyed Mrs. Gibbons coolly. If she was to accomplish what she’d set out to do this afternoon, there would be no shilly-shallying about.
    A smile broke out on the woman’s