Page 50 of Only Scandal Will Do

Kat watched the two men trade quips in some amusement. “The day you lay a hand on me, Jack, is the day you become a one-armed man. Just because I am married does not mean I will grow soft toward you.”

Juliet clapped her hands in delight. “Well spoken, Kat! I know I have always given Duncan as good as he ever gave me.” She gazed fondly at her brother. “I do confess to having taken shameful advantage at times. I remember smacking him heartily once or twice, all the while knowing he wouldn’t retaliate.” She beamed at Kat. “If he is the only one who can beat you, then you are in safe hands, for I have never known him to harm a woman.”

At his sister’s words, her husband turned away, perhaps to hide the flush of red infusing his cheeks. She smiled automatically at Juliet and linked arms with her sister-in-law, drawing her and Jack toward the house. “I am sorry I was not called early enough for us to ride, Jack,” she said. “Lord Dalbury was being rather solicitous of me, and I dare say I am better for having slept longer today. Perhaps tomorrow morning will suit just as well to ride?”

Where had those words come from? She had just deflected attention from her husband’s obvious embarrassment and sounded pleased he had been considerate of her welfare. Why hadn’t she instead asked Dalbury if it was true that he had never harmed a woman? Then watched him squirm, as he would either have to lie to her face or disabuse his sister of her confidence in him. That she would leave such a golden opportunity in the dust and all but defend her husband did not bode well for her determination to shun his attentions.

They were nearing the house, discussing the possibility of a ride tomorrow morning, when Dalbury rejoined the group. Unwilling to be forced to invite him along, she hesitated to continue discussing their plans. “Shall we go in, Juliet, and have some tea? I am sure the men won’t mind being abandoned to their own pursuits.” She raised an eyebrow at Dalbury, who turned to Jack.

“I believe Manning and I can entertain ourselves until luncheon, Lady Dalbury. We need not be under foot.” He nodded toward the house. “Would you care for a game of billiards, Manning? I had a table installed just before I left for Italy and it has yet to be christened.” The two men walked off, chatting amiably, as she and Juliet made their way into the receiving room.

Over tea, Katarina questioned Juliet frankly about the running of the house, which would now fall to her as its mistress. Fortunately, Dalbury employed skilled servants and the household almost ran itself, according to Juliet. She sighed in relief, although she knew there were many duties she would need to master as the marchioness. Even the title sounded strange to her ears. Much grander than anything plain Kat Fitzwilliam should ever be called. She supposed she would get used to it eventually.

Dinner was just the three of them that night, Jack having refused an invitation and left for home. Kat quailed at the thought of either conversation or quiet at the dinner table, but the meal went surprisingly well. Dalbury and Juliet talked at length about her prospects for another betrothal, discussing eligible suitors Kat did not know, so she could not advance an opinion. She could, however, observe the siblings together and again wondered at their closeness and camaraderie. Their exchanges made her long for Jack that much more and keenly anticipate her ride with him and Juliet in the morning.

After she and Dalbury bade Juliet goodnight, he presented his arm and formally escorted her to her chamber. “Are you engaged tomorrow afternoon, Lady Dalbury?” he asked as they climbed the stairs.

“No, my lord, I am not.” She was glad he had not asked about the morning.

“Splendid!” His face lit up at her words. “I would ask then that you accompany me on a shopping expedition, if you please.”

“For what are you shopping?”

“Clothes for you.”

“But I do not need more clothes. I am well set.”

He shook his head. “You may not be aware, my dear, but the Season is in full swing. Juliet and I agreed tonight, she must go back into society. We will be expected to escort her to numerous parties, balls, soirees, musicales, routs and Lord knows how many other entertainments for the next two months. As the Marchioness of Dalbury, you must pay calls, go about to various daytime functions and you must dress accordingly, which means you need enough clothing to change at least five or six times a day.”

Her mouth dropped open at this outrageous statement.

He tried to stifle a smile as they stopped on the next to the top step.

“But this wasteful extravagance is absurd, Lord Dalbury.” Kat stared at him in disbelief.

“We lived much more simply in Virginia.”

“An unwritten rule of Polite Society I am afraid, my dear. So your current wardrobe will be sadly depleted in a matter of days.” He smiled kindly and urged her onto the landing. “We will visit Juliet’s mantua-maker and order clothing enough for this season. Then, before we retire to the country in July, we will order more for the fall and winter.”

Appalled at the shameful waste of money and clothing, nevertheless, she could not argue with him. She understood little about the ways of ton society, therefore she would have to be guided by her husband on the matter. Besides, it was his money to fritter away. “Then I suppose, Lord Dalbury, we must indeed go shopping.”

They were at her bedroom door, when another thought occurred. “Will your sister accompany us, or will you choose my wardrobe yourself?”

He threw back his head, laughing so loudly she expected servants to appear to investigate the commotion. “My Lady Dalbury! I will be happy to assist you in any way with your purchases, but heaven forbid I choose your attire for an entire season.” His laughter subsided into chuckles. “By all means, we will take Juliet with us. Between the two of you, I feel sure you can create a wardrobe that will do you justice.” As he gazed at her, the mirth in his eyes warmed into something that sent a corresponding stab of heat into her stomach. “I will be pleased to show off my beautiful wife to the whole of the ton in whatever gowns you choose, my lady.”

Dalbury leaned toward her and she held her breath, closed her eyes in anticipation of the touch of his lips, warmed by the desire that had leapt into his eyes. His lips grazed not her mouth but her forehead. Her eyes popped open. He smiled tenderly down with a look that completely bewildered her.

“Goodnight, my lady. Sleep well.” He made a small bow, turned and entered his chamber, leaving her staring after him, feeling oddly bereft. Of course, she did not want him to pursue her, but… Shaking her head at her confusion, she entered her bedchamber. Just how long could he sustain the role of the perfect husband?

Tomorrow promised to prove extremely enlightening.

CHAPTER 21

A cold rain greeted Kat next morning, as did a note from her brother, canceling all plans for their ride. More depressing, his message stated he’d been called away to his country estate for several days. To make matters worse, Lord Dalbury informed her at breakfast that Juliet was confined to bed with a cold. And because she could not accompany them to the mantua-maker, that outing must be postponed as well. All of which left her alone in Dalbury’s company. Horrible prospect. What on earth was she to do all day with only him to talk to? Could she too, plead a cold and retire to her bed?

Across the breakfast table from her, her husband sipped coffee and buttered a last bite of toast. How well could she counterfeit a sneeze?

He raised his face to her at that moment. A lazy smile turned up the corners of his mouth. “We two seem to have the day before us, my lady. Shall we put it to good use?”