pleased to swear to that effect. As for Wimberley tricking me, why would he? How have I suddenly become such a prize? When you told Mr. Clark I would marry him you made it clear nobody else would have me. What has changed?”
“None of that matters.” Her mother pushed towards standing and then settled back on the settee with a groan. Moving that bulk was evidently an effort. “You are still too young to marry without my permission. I need you to come home with me.”
It was time to take the discussion into his own hands. “As you say, it hardly matters,” Tristan began. “It has been decades since the courts enforced such laws in all but the most blatant cases of abuse. I hardly think that the case here. I am not noted for my pursuit of children and I hardly think anyone would believe I am after her dowry – assuming she has one. Tell me, Madam, do you have such powerful friends that your own view will hold sway?”
“Well . . ,” Mrs. Wilkes stuttered. “It can still be annulled.”
“Can it now?” Tristan asked.
The palm shuttered and Tristan was sure he heard the gnashing of teeth before Mr. Clark spoke up. “Marguerite stated you had only married this morning. There has not been a wedding night and I as I said, she is not of age.”
Marguerite tilted forward in her seat and Tristan was left with only the view of the back of her head, the fine hair glinting in the sunlight. He rested a hand on her neck in reassurance. She pushed back against him and the small curls at her nape wrapped around his thumb.
“Lack of consummation will not get you an annulment, as I assure you both parties are able, and do you really believe these matters require the cover of nightfall?” he asked. His fingers stroked down her neck, marking his possession. “I took you for more a man of the world. And, forgive my bluntness Mrs. Wilkes, it was a rather slow carriage ride back to my home and before that . . . Well, let’s just say my dearest Marguerite may already be working to provide me with an heir.”
The palm shook again and then stilled as Mr. Clark stepped around it and came to stand directly in front of Marguerite. He leaned forward and Tristan could not see his face.
“Are you with child? Is that the explanation for all this nonsense? I would have moved the wedding up if you’d told me. These theatricals were not necessary.”
Tristan started as Marguerite threw her head back to face Mr. Clark head on. Every time he thought she would fade away she sprang back into the fight.
“Despite my mother’s sometimes unkind words,” she began. “I am not an expert on these matters, but I do believe it is a little early on to tell if I am with child.”
Mr. Clark’s jaw clenched, the muscles throbbing beneath the skin. “That would only be true if . . . .”
“If what, Mr. Clark?” Marguerite replied. She rose to her feet. “Is there something you would like to divulge, here, in this company?”
For a moment Tristan thought Mr. Clark would do it, spit out whatever secret it was that vibrated throughout the room. Was he the father of Marguerite’s baby? Mr. Clark opened his mouth to speak.
Tristan stepped forward. His mind began to siphon through the possibilities. It would certainly explain a lack of kissing. Tristan’s height did not match Mr. Clark’s, but he knew how to project power and strength. He filled his chest, let his arms fall back and spoke. “Yes, is there more you would wish to say about – my wife, the woman I have just promised to cherish and – protect? I take my vows very seriously.”
Mr. Clark stepped back. He met Tristan’s glare, then faltered. “No.”
“Is that all, then? Do we have more to discuss?” Tristan stepped back, but kept his gaze locked on Mr. Clark’s face.
“Yes, we are through, for now.” Mr. Clark leaned forward and in what could almost have been described as a courtly gesture lifted Marguerite’s hand and brought it to his lips. “Until later – my lady.” He turned and strode from the room.
Mrs. Wilkes sat on the couch doing her imitation of a fish.
“Forgive me, Mrs. Wilkes, but I do believe you arrived with Mr. Clark.” Tristan put on his ballroom manners. “Will you be departing with him also or should I instruct Winters