The Baron's Betrayal Read Online Free PDF Page B

face. “Yes. I must admit that I am a bit perplexed. His lordship informed me earlier today we were to prepare to remove ourselves to the London house tomorrow.”
    “Indeed?”
    “Yes. But may I tell you how happy I am that you have arrived? Am I to assume that you intend to stay and are not merely visiting?”
    Marion waved to the footman who carried the tea tray. “Set it here, please.”
    “You are correct, Mrs. Gibbons. I have come to stay. If his lordship continues in his desire to remove himself to London, I will be right there with him.”
    Gales of laughter spewed from Mrs. Gibbons’s mouth. Marion found herself going from a slight smile to a full-blown grin as she watched Mrs. Gibbons wipe tears of mirth from her eyes.
    “Well done, your ladyship. Well done.”
    Both women jumped when the library door flew open, slamming against the wall. Tristan stood in the entry, glowering in her direction. Her heart took a sudden leap to her throat. How handsome he looked. His blond hair was mussed as if he’d been running his fingers through it. A hastily fashioned cravat drooped on his chest.
    But nothing could take away from his massive build. His shoulders filled the doorway, his muscled thighs straining the fabric of his snug pantaloons. Despite an inability to see, he must have found a way to maintain his athletic body.
    What drew her the most, however, were his eyes. The crystal blue orbs that had always held her, still did so now.
    “Good afternoon, my lord. Would you care to join us for tea?”
    He walked farther into the room. “What are you about, Marion?”
    “I don’t understand, my lord. Whatever do you mean?”
    “I mean, I have instructed my staff to prepare to move to London.”
    Marion clapped her hands. “Wonderful. I believe I would love to visit London.”
    “You, madam, are not going.”
    “I, sir, am indeed going.”
    “No, you are not.”
    “Yes. I am.”
    “Mrs. Gibbons, please leave us,” Tristan growled.
    “No. Mrs. Gibbons, please remain. I have invited you to partake of tea, and that is what you will do.”
    Mrs. Gibbons glanced between the two gearing up for battle and slowly stood. “I believe I will decline your kind invitation after all, my lady. I have things that need my attention elsewhere.”
    Once the door closed, Tristan drew himself up to his full height and glared in her direction. “Now, madam, you will explain yourself.”

Chapter Four
    Tristan tried unsuccessfully to unlock his jaw. With stiff movements, he walked to a chair near a floor-to-ceiling window. In the short time he’d been in the house, he had managed to maneuver his way around the drawing room, his bedroom, the dining room, and the library. He still stumbled on occasion while moving from room to room, but spent most of his time sitting in the library.
    Lorelei had walked with him a few times, but her constant chattering, telling him what he was missing, rubbed his nerves. As fond as he was of his companion, there were times when all he wanted was peace and quiet. The most pleasant times for him were the evenings when they would sit in the library and play a game of chess, or she would read to him. However, since Lorelei disliked reading aloud, that entertainment remained limited.
    Now his original plan to remain unknown to his wife so she could have the life she deserved had been undermined by his companion.
    “So, my lord. Shall we plan on a trip to London or remain here in the country? I can be prepared for either event.”
    “Marion.” He fought with himself to keep his tone even, not wanting to show the emotions flooding him at just having her near. “I have already determined that this marriage will not continue. Please don’t make it hard on both of us by continuing in this folly.”
    “I disagree. Our marriage is not a folly, and I intend to remain your wife. Now if you do not wish to acknowledge that situation, then we are at a stalemate.”
    “A stalemate, indeed.” He pounded his