repent them. In fact when Marguerite demurred I did my best to persuade her to my view.” He stopped and stared at the burning flame as he considered what else to add. Violet knew many of his secrets, but far from all. “I saw her. I needed her. I claimed her. It is that simple, but of course it is not simple at all.”
He resumed his pacing. Violet’s head followed his movement.
“I do not understand.”
“It is true that Marguerite promises to be the key I needed. She is of the correct birth and demeanor to be accepted anywhere. And with Lady Smythe-Burke’s patronage she will even be welcomed. I should be most content with the situation. Even Lady Minerva Harburton and Lady Hawkins will extend her invitations.”
“I’d heard that Lady Harburton had extended you a multitude of invitations on your own in the past.” Violet raised a delicate brow.
Tristan coughed. “Yes, but I believe she was interested in activities other than tea. My refusals did not endear me to her.”
“No, I imagine not.” Violet dropped the ruined petals on the table and rose to stand beside him. “A sweet young wife is another matter. Do you not worry that Lady Harburton may feel the need to spread a little poison?”
“No. I will keep my wife well and she will have faith in me. I shall give her no reason to doubt.”
It was hard to miss the slight twist of Violet’s lips, but Tristan did his best. He would treat Marguerite fairly and that would be enough.
“I am glad that your plans are running so smoothly.” Violet’s soft words belied the disquiet on her face. “The moment I realized Marguerite’s identity it was clear she could be an asset. I remembered that Lady Smythe-Burke had claimed some influence in her sister’s marriage and I was sure she would take an interest in Marguerite. If she has Lady Smythe-Burke as a champion no one will dare refuse her. Marguerite is perfect, the granddaughter of a viscount through her mother and an earl though her father. She exudes sweetness and innocence. She will be invited everywhere and you will trail at her side. She is almost too good to be true.”
“I must confess I’d never had the thought until Marguerite presented herself.” Tristan smiled at Violet. “Then my mind ran parallel to yours. It will be simple to write the script that will explain all. The story will be that we met a year ago and have corresponded ever since. Now we can wait no longer. Our longing to be together is so great that she has run off to join me, fleeing her mother. It is a true love match.”
“Ah, , have you met her mother, though? She is not a pleasant character. It is hard to believe she caused her own scandal when still a girl. I believe she ran away to avoid marriage and became a governess. Then, she actually married a son of the household and regained respectability.”
Was that where Marguerite had gotten the idea of running off? “I hadn’t heard that, but it doesn’t matter. It is long ago and forgotten. As you say, the mother married respectably in the end. Marguerite has not a flaw.”
Violet lay a hand on his shoulder. “But what of when this particular game is over? Will your current associates welcome you back in their midst when you are done? Will they be so willing to share their secrets?”
“That is the true brilliance of my plan. Marguerite is with child.”
“Well then of course you must – but, no – it is not yours, is it?”
“No, but it will provide the perfect excuse when this is over. My current friends will understand that I was forced to wed and then grew bored quickly. It will seem very natural when I seek relief from matrimony in their midst.”
“You have thought of everything. But, what of her, your wife-to-be? You sound both cynical and callous in your plans.”
“She will be well cared for. What more could she want than to be the wife of a marquis? She should have no complaint.” Tristan refused to consider that Marguerite still seemed less than delighted by his offer. She was simply being foolish. He imagined her lying spread across his bed, her hair bright against the pillows. He would enjoy persuading her of the sense of his plan.
Violet pursed her lips. “If you say so. You are, after all, never wrong. I am sure she could do worse than