Free The Countess Intrigue by Wendy May Andrews

possibly be a less successful union than his first marriage and he actually felt optimistic that it could be a very positive experience for them both. He was surprised to find that he trusted the young woman at his side. Unfortunately he knew she did not return the sentiment. And trust was not something one could force or coerce. It had to be earned, and time would be needed in a case like this where she had good reason to doubt him. But he knew he was a trustworthy fellow; he had full confidence she would come to see that with time. So he struggled not to mind her anger and tried not to cajole her about it.
    “Were you able to get any sleep last night?” he thought to ask her, noticing the strained tension around her mouth.
    “Reasonably well, thank you for asking, my lord,” came her muted reply.
    “Do you think you might be able to call me by my name, my lady? I would appreciate your permission to call you by yours.”
    This finally brought her eyes to his face, even just briefly. He could see that she almost smiled but then she pulled her eyes away and turned her attention to her lap. He didn’t press the subject.
    “I thought you might like a drive in the countryside, my dear. There is an inn a short way from Town where we could stop for some refreshments before we return. You might feel more comfortable talking with me if you aren’t forced to look at me. Would that be fine with you?”
    “That would be fine,” she answered, keeping her head averted. He could see that she was again nibbling on her lower lip. The sight nearly drove him to distraction before he thought to worry about her. She had never seemed like the nervous type to him. He had spent the weeks of the Little Season watching the young ladies of the ton in an effort to determine which was likely to make him a good wife. While he had not at the time considered Lady Elizabeth a suitable candidate, he had thought her a lovely, confident young woman. It scourged his conscience that he was to blame for her fears now. He was inordinately pleased when she suddenly turned to him and started talking until he realized what she wanted to discuss.
    “Are you really going to go through with marrying me, my lord?” He could feel her wide eyes watching him sharply. He glanced toward her and tried to offer her a reassuring smile.
    “I would very much like to do so, yes.”
    “Even though you know I do not particularly want it?”
    “I hope I will be able to change your mind eventually.”
    “How do you plan to do that?”
    He could hear the suspicion in her voice and kept his amusement from his face with a valiant effort. “If you get to know me, I am certain you will find that I am an excellent catch.” He tried to be cajoling and just hoped he didn’t sound like an arrogant dandy instead. It must have worked because he was gratified to see a slight smile pushing away the worry displayed on her face.
    “Do you not think it’s ridiculous that we have to marry just because of one lapse of judgment? Do you not think this is going to be a travesty of a life?”
    Justice tried not to wince with offense over her words. “I don’t think being married to you will be a travesty. I would like to think I am a decent husband. I promise not to mistreat you. I will do everything in my power to see that you want for nothing. Can you not make some sort of effort to come to terms with this?”
    He could see her cheeks brighten with color but he was uncertain if it was from embarrassment or distress. He hoped she would confide in him.
    “I apologize, my lord. I am being churlish. You are being a perfect gentleman. It is not your reputation which would be shattered if we do not wed. And you have not uttered one word of complaint about the situation. One would almost think you were delighted with the turn of events.”
    Justice thought there was a strange tone in her voice as she said that and he was about to question her on it but then she turned his attention with