Page 49 of Only Scandal Will Do

Before she could think of a rejoinder to that remark, he secured her arm in his and led her

down the hallway. “I’ll wager you are trying to find breakfast and your brother?” His tone was still pleasant, respectful.

She nodded, not trusting speech at the moment.

“Breakfast is always served in the Garden Room, just here.” They turned into a cheerful, sunny room. The walls were painted to resemble a formal garden, giving the illusion of eating al fresco. The dark cherry table and chairs made a bold contrast to the bright room. A handsome sideboard stood along one wall, still loaded with breakfast dishes.

Amazed, she couldn’t help staring at all the food. The board was spread from one end to the other with polished silver serving platters atop warming pans. Even if Jack had been expected, and she was not sure Dalbury had heard their hurried exchange the night before, all this food for four people seem an extravagant way to take the meal.

Dalbury noticed her frown. “I realize now that I was remiss in not sending a servant to escort you down this morning, my lady. I do hope you will forgive me? May I serve you?”

Before she could protest, he assisted her to a seat at the table and, plate in hand, began piling it with cheese, grilled kidneys, poached eggs, sausages with mashed potatoes, rolls and a host of other viands. He set the enormous plate of food in front of her and called for a fresh pot of tea. “Is there anything else that either I or the kitchen staff can get for you this morning?” His tone was painstakingly courteous, as though his one desire was to wait upon her every whim.

But she knew where his true desires lay. She must keep her wits about her.

“No, thank you, my lord. I believe this will be quite enough for this morning’s breakfast and tomorrow’s as well.” She shook her head at the abundance of food. “Is the table always so heavily burdened?”

Dalbury laughed easily and sat down opposite her. The laugh was pleasant, not the ugly chortle from his throat he used when acting smug. She hadn’t wanted him to stay though; the less she saw of him the better. But discretion was the better part of valor this morning. She could put up with him in this mood.

“I believe I may be guilty of extravagance this morning,” he said with a sheepish grin. “I wanted your first breakfast in your new home to be pleasant and inviting. But I realized I didn’t know your preferences. So I asked Cook to provide as many dishes as she could think of that you might enjoy. If these are not to your liking, tell me, and I will let Cook know what you prefer each morning.”

She stopped, fork in hand. All this bounty was for her alone? He’d specifically requested

it in order for her to be pleased this morning? What was he playing at? Resolutely, she continued and helped herself to the mountain of food, although she cast surreptitious glances at her husband. Despite his attentions, she didn’t trust him for a moment. But she did find herself relaxing as she ate, listening as he made soothing conversation about the weather, the history of the house and Juliet’s return to society. It was the most pleasant meal she had spent with the marquess so far.

Katarina finally remembered the main reason for her hurried descent this morning. “Lord Dalbury, I thank you for your unwavering devotion to my breakfast, but can you also tell me the whereabouts of my brother? I fear he must be quite impatient that I have yet to put in an appearance.”

Still unperturbed, Dalbury smiled at her. “I breakfasted with Lord Manning a short time ago and explained I had given orders that you not be roused after yesterday’s stresses and strains. I was able, I believe, to put your brother’s mind at ease as to your general good health.” Here the marquess’s eyes gleamed with a mischievous look. “Alhough I am sure he is as eager for your company as I. Have you finished, my lady?”

Perhaps this was some vivid dream brought on by anxiety and exhaustion. He was too affable to be genuine. After all, this man with the silver tongue had manipulated her into marrying him. She was determined not be fooled by a few pretty words again.

Dalbury rose and assisted her from her chair. “I believe you will find Lord Manning in the garden with Juliet. May I escort you? I would not wish for you to become lost and delay your meeting with your brother even further.”

“That would be kind of you, my lord.”

His wide smile and bright eyes caused her stomach to flutter, and even more so when he placed her arm in his and led her from the room. Minutes later they entered the formal gardens she’d looked out on last night, now drenched in the brilliant sunshine of an unexpectedly warm

April morning. Her brother was seated next to Juliet, relaxed, in animated conversation. That Jack no longer feared for her safety was reassuring.

She smiled at the thought of his hurried words to her before the ceremony and his instructions to Margery last night. He might have thrown her to the wolf, but he’d also made an attempt to protect her from its bite. Love for her brother washed over her and tears sprang to her eyes. She tried to dash them away before Dalbury could see, but he turned at the wrong time, stopped and peered into her face.

“What is wrong? Are you not well?” The anxiety in his voice was genuine, the distress in his frowning eyes even more so. Her throat tightened at this display of concern and she almost sobbed. Brows raised, he wiped away the one tear that had escaped with his thumb.

“Please tell me, Kat...” His breath hissed inward, but he continued. “Lady Dalbury.

Please tell me what troubles you.” He shot a glance at Jack, who’d risen at the sight of her. “Please, my lady. If he sees you crying this morning, I fear I will not escape with less than a black eye and I am much too happy today to ruin my suit in such exercise.”

The humor in his words and the droll way his mouth drooped turned her tears to laughter just as Jack and Juliet reached them. Her brother pulled her into his arms.

“Kat! What is this? Laughter? And here I was worried about you all night! I didn’t sleep at all, rode over insanely early only to have Dalbury tell me you were still abed.”

Dalbury raised an eyebrow. “I am touched at your confidence in me, Manning. But you see she has escaped me unscathed.”

Jack pursed his lips and looked more than a little annoyed. “Perhaps I should be the one to beat you.”

“I thought we agreed last night that I was the only one allowed to do so now,” Dalbury drawled, deadpan.

Jack snorted. “There are some privileges a brother never relinquishes.”