The earl reached into his breast coat pocket, pulling forth the rest of the papers Diana had given him yesterday. She heaved a sigh of relief when she saw he still had her marriage contract in his possession.
“Check the signature on the marriage contract,” she said smugly.
Tristan brought the documents over to the Sheraton writing table in the corner of the room. He turned up the wick on the lamp, casting a bright light on the papers. The earl raised a skeptical eyebrow at Diana, who sat motionless in her chair; then he followed Tristan over to the desk.
Caroline also walked over to the desk, wanting to examine the evidence herself. Tristan cleared his throat twice and said in a voice filled with regret, “I am afraid, Diana, the signatures do appear to be one and the same.”
Diana snorted in disgust and rose from her chair. She strode over to the desk and stood before her three adversaries, her hands on her hips. “Naturally the signatures appear the same. I imagine Giles hired the very best forger he could find. And yet I am forced to conclude they were in a rush when this particular document was forged, since there is a discrepancy. Look closely at the names. Can you not see it?”
The three heads turned back to stare at the documents. “I’ve found it,” Caroline called out excitedly. “There it is. The second name. On the deed for the tavern the name reads Diana Maria, but on the marriage contract it is signed Diana Marisa.”
“Thank you, Caroline,” Diana remarked in a stiff voice. “I am glad at least someone is willing to examine closely the evidence before passing judgment.” She stared at the two men, waiting expectantly.
Tristan colored slightly, but apologized readily. “You are right, of course, Diana. We should not have been so hasty.” He turned to the earl.
“I do hope you will accept my apology also, madam,” Derek said, keeping his tone level and his expression impassive.
“I ask only that you treat me with a fair and open mind, my lord,” Diana said gracefully.
“I feel it is appropriate to drop the subject for now,” Caroline said. “I’m sure Cook has prepared a marvelous supper for us this evening. I insist you stay and dine with us, Derek. Or do you have other plans?”
“Nothing that cannot be changed, Caroline,” he replied smoothly. “I would be honored to join you for dinner.”
Diana gazed at the earl from beneath her lowered lids, annoyed with her heart’s involuntary skip of pleasure when he consented to stay for dinner. She tried to convince herself she wanted him to stay only because she needed to know what his next move was to be. Yet as he gallantly extended his muscular arm to escort her into dinner, Diana knew she was not being completely honest with herself.
Dinner turned out to be a far more pleasant experience than Diana could have imagined. Caroline was an accomplished hostess, and she kept a lively flow of chatter going through each course and put everyone at ease. The food was as delicious as Caroline had predicted, from the cream of watercress soup to the roast leg of lamb with tarragon sauce and the rich hazelnut cake with chocolate sauce.
Diana had never before dined in such elegant surroundings. The table fairly sparkled with the fine cut of the crystal, heavy sterling silver flatware, and gold-edged china. Even the creamy white tablecloth was lovely, with its fine Venetian lace edge. The candles on the table and sideboard glowed romantically, casting an unreal atmosphere in the large, formal dining room. Liveried servants stood a discrete distance behind each diner, rushing forward unobtrusively to refill a wineglass or to offer up another tasty morsel of food. Although raised among considerable wealth, Diana was unaccustomed to such luxury, and she found that she enjoyed it tremendously.
The conversation during dinner centered on harmless bits of gossip and amusing wartime escapades of Tristan and the earl, watered down, Diana had no doubt, for her and Caroline’s benefit. Diana listened mostly, relaxing amid the warmth and established comradery of the others, occasionally interjecting an astute comment or observation.
Diana’s quick wit and agile tongue were not lost on Derek. Why was she so damn likable? he wondered. And stunning, he thought, absently tapping his fingers on his wineglass. Surely her hair had not been so golden yesterday, nor her skin so smooth and porcelain-like, with just a pale hint of roses brushing her high cheekbones. Despite her rather plain black mourning gown, Derek could still see and admire her full breasts and slender waist. He could only imagine how lovely she would look properly dressed with her creamy shoulders and breasts rising above the bodice of a low-cut evening dress.
“Don’t you agree, Derek?” Tristan said, interrupting Derek’s thoughts.
Shifting in his chair, Derek turned toward Tristan, uncomfortable at being caught unawares.
“Sorry, Tris,,” Derek apologized with an artful grin. “I’m afraid I didn’t quite catch that.”
“Help me out,” Tristan said, raising his voice a bit. “Caroline is beginning another long discourse on Lord Byron’s exalted talent, and Diana is clearly being too polite to disagree.”
“I am certainly not being too polite, Tristan,” Diana said, wagging her fork at him. “I find Byron’s poetry to be stimulating, a bit fanciful, yet totally engaging. I derive a great deal of pleasure from his work.”
Caroline spoke up before the men had an opportunity to comment. “You see, Tris. Diana agrees with me. We spent a perfectly delightful afternoon together, reading Byron’s poetry.” Caroline’s eyes twinkled mischievously at Diana, who grinned directly at her.
Derek was aware of the current of conspiracy between the two women, and when he caught Diana’s eye, she gave him a broad wink. He was momentarily caught off guard, but after a brief hesitation, he smiled at her.
“I believe, Caroline,” Derek said in a soft drawl, “it is not so much your admiration for Byron’s poetry that Tris and I take exception to, but your regard for him. He continually proves he is not a man worthy of such regard.”
“Oh, really, Derek,” Caroline retorted hotly. “Since when have you become such a prude? Byron is merely a man who craves excitement and pleasure. He enjoys amusing women and a few fellows around the decanter. What is so wrong with that?”
“Nothing at all, Caroline,” Derek agreed, with a charming smile. “Except the excitement and pleasure is often perverse, the women usually married, and the decanter bought on credit.”
“Well, I still find him amusing and I am proud to call him my friend,” Caroline insisted.
“He should be honored, my dear lady,” Derek responded with kindness, not wanting to upset Caroline. She had always been blind to Byron’s faults, no matter what Tristan had told her over the years.
“Tell me, Caroline,” Diana said, “are you also acquainted with Mary Shelley? I recently read her novel, Frankenstein, and found it most fascinating.”
Caroline shook her head. “I am not familiar with either the author or her work. Have you read this book, Derek?” She grinned impishly at him, showing she held no anger toward him over his criticism of her beloved Byron.
“I also must confess I am unfamiliar with the work,” Derek responded smoothly. “Tris?”
“I do believe I recall the story,” Tristan said, sitting back in his chair and crossing his arms in front of his chest. “Is it not the tale of a man destroyed by the huge, unlovable, lonely creature he has created?”
“Yes,” Diana whispered softly. “I found the story quite moving.”
“Then I shall be certain to read it also,” Caroline declared, rising to her feet. “And now if you gentlemen will excuse us, we will leave you to your port and cigars.” She waited until Diana had also risen from her chair; then the two women swept regally out of the dining room.
Once alone in the drawing room, Diana and Caroline fell into a companionable silence.
“Would you care for anything to drink?” Caroline asked suddenly, walking over to the Pembroke table in the corner, where various decanters of cut crystal were filled with spirits.
“No, thank you,” Diana
replied, confused by the other woman’s anxious tone of voice. Although Diana did not think she could lay claim to a friendship with Caroline, she did believe they had progressed beyond awkward politeness.
“I am sorry for the dreadful way I have been acting,” Caroline blurted out, “both yesterday when you first arrived and today. My conduct was disgraceful. I can only offer in defense that I was. . . not quite myself.”
Diana’s eyes widened in surprise at Caroline’s apology. “It really is not necessary to explain,” Diana replied gently. “Mrs. Roget already informed me about your medication.”
“But I must explain,” Caroline insisted. “I was so jealous when I first saw you with Tristan yesterday. He was so kind and solicitous toward you, and when he told me that ridiculous story about Giles—well, I thought for sure he was lying to me.” Caroline’s voice became strained as she fought against the urge to cry. “I thought Tristan—well, that he might have an interest in you.”
It took a few minutes for Diana to comprehend Caroline’s meaning. Tristan interested in her? The very notion was absurd!
“There is no cause for distress, Caroline,” Diana said, too affected by the other woman’s sadness to be insulted by her remarks. “Surely you cannot doubt Tristan’s affection. Why, ’tis plain for anyone to see how dearly he loves you.”
“I know,” Caroline said, shaking her head. And then without warning, she burst into tears.
Diana walked over to Caroline and place a hand on her shoulder to comfort her, but Caroline sobbed louder. Diana fumbled in the pocket of her gown, pulling out a snowy-white handkerchief and handed it to Caroline.
After a few moments, Caroline regained control, and her sobbing slowed to short hiccups. “You must think me the greatest fool,” Caroline said, wiping her face. “I am sorry to be such a watering pot. I just seem to be taking everything to heart these days.”
Diana escorted her to the settee and they sat down. “You must not get so upset, Caroline,” she said softly. “Tristan is a special and wonderful man. He loves you very much and would never do anything to hurt you.”
“I know that he loves me,” Caroline admitted as she patted her nose. “And I love him so—almost beyond reason, I’m afraid.” Caroline sniffed loudly, and her eyes filled again with tears. “But I am so unhappy, Diana.”
Caroline put her head in her hands and wept loudly. Uncertain how to react, Diana patted Caroline’s hand gently, waiting for her to regain her composure.
Finally Caroline threw her head back against the settee. “I’ll get you a drink,” Diana said, hoping the other woman would be able to collect herself before the men joined them. She was sure Caroline would not want Tristan to see her so distraught, and the earl would most likely jump to the conclusion that Diana was the cause of Caroline’s unhappiness. Caroline accepted the glass of brandy with a sniff and took a tentative sip.
“You must tell me what is wrong, Caroline,” Diana said sympathetically. “Perhaps I can help you.”
“If only you could,” Caroline said wistfully. “It is all so dreadful.” She hung her head and spoke in a low monotone. “I am barren, Diana.” Caroline heaved a tremendous sigh, and continued speaking, her voice so low that Diana had to lean closer to hear her. “Tristan and I were married over five years ago. At the beginning of our marriage, I was relieved that I didn’t become pregnant. I was present when my sister-in-law, Alyssa, gave birth several years ago, and it frightened me. But since that time, I’ve come to realize how much I want a baby, need a baby. And yet I cannot conceive.”
“What does Tristan say?” Diana asked, finding it difficult to keep her expression impassive.
“Nothing,” Caroline whispered. “He refuses to discuss the subject any longer, since it upsets me so much. Tristan claims it doesn’t matter, but I don’t believe him. I know how much he adores children. You should see him with his two nieces, Diana. He fairly dotes on them. And they think the sun rises and sets on their uncle Tris.” Caroline blew her nose again and heaved another sigh. “How I long for a child of my own.”
“I am so sorry,” Diana said with genuine feeling. She was not unfamiliar with the longings of unfulfilled motherhood. “Have you spoken to a physician about this?”
“Yes,” Caroline replied. She gave a small, hollow laugh. “I’ve seen several doctors, for all the good it has done me. They are a bunch of charlatans, the lot of them. Even Baron Wells, Tristan’s family physician, and a man I have great respect for, can come up with no particular reason for my problem. Baron Wells told me I must relax and not think about it so much, but I cannot help myself. I fear I’m becoming quite obsessed.” Caroline shrugged her shoulders. “And it is beginning to affect my marriage.”
“You must not allow that to happen, Caroline,” Diana insisted.
“I know.”
“Is there anything I can do?” Diana offered, touched by Caroline’s raw anguish.
Caroline’s face suddenly became very still. “I do know there are people who can mix potions for barren women, but the cures I have tried thus far have made me dizzy and sick to my stomach. I just know if I could find the person with the right knowledge I can give Tris a child. Will you help me find such a person?”
Diana eyed Caroline with trepidation, uncertain how to respond. Caroline had already tried the usual cures concocted for her problem with no success. At this point, she appeared desperate enough to do something dangerous, and Diana could not allow that to happen. But what could she do? Through her love of flowers and gardening she had gained some knowledge about the healing properties of plants and herbs, but she knew nothing about concocting a remedy for a barren woman. What possible assistance could she offer to Caroline? Diana racked her brain for a suitable reply, while Caroline continued to watch her with luminous eyes.
Finally, Diana said, “It is true, Caroline, that some healers will sell you a portion for your ills and know very little about the power of the herbs in it. These individuals are usually of an unsavory and dishonest nature. Oftentimes, the cure they sell you can be dangerous, sometimes fatal.” Diana paused a moment to allow the importance of her words to sink in. “I do possess a rather small amount of knowledge about the healing properties of certain plants and herbs.”
Caroline reacted instantly to her words, throwing her arms about her and hugging her tightly. “Oh, Diana,” Caroline cried, her voice choked with emotion. “I feel as though my prayers have finally been answered. I shall be in your debt for the rest of my life.”
“Wait a moment, Caroline,” Diana cautioned. “I can make no promises. My knowledge is somewhat limited.” And she was not precisely sure what she was doing when it came to creating potions for fertility, she concluded to herself silently.
“You are just being modest,” Caroline insisted, tilting her chin upward. “I just know you shall be able to help me. You can make a list of the things you will need this evening. I shall send Lucy out to the apothecary first thing in the morning.” Caroline turned anxiously toward Diana. “That is to say, if we can purchase everything at the apothecary. Do you think you will need any special sort of ingredients?”
“Special ingredients? Do you mean like the eye of a newt or ground spiderwebs,” Diana teased, unable to help herself.
“Well,” Caroline said, her voice trailing off.
Her expression clearly told Diana that she would have moved heaven and earth to find any item Diana requested, no matter how ridiculous. Diana knew, in that moment, she had made the correct decision in offering her assistance to Caroline. At the very least, she could be sure her potion would not harm the other woman. And perhaps it would even help.
Tristan and Derek entered the drawing room at that moment, and all further discussion between Caroline and Diana ceased. Tristan immediately strolled over to his wife’s side, and Diana marveled at his devotion. The earl’s voice startled Diana and she turned quickly toward him. She raised her face and met his gaze. His normally cold blue eyes softened as they gazed at h
er, and he broke into a charming grin.
“I must take my leave, madam,” he said pleasantly. “I shall call on you tomorrow so we may discuss your future plans.”
Unconsciously, he lifted Diana’s hand to his lips. Diana drew in her breath sharply at his warm, intimate touch. Then she admonished herself to calm down as the earl’s lips gently caressed her hand, soft and feather light.
“Until tomorrow,” he said in a deep husky voice, his powerful eyes never leaving Diana’s face.
“Now please don’t call on us too early in the morning, Derek,” Caroline instructed the earl, hooking her arm through his and walking him to the front door. “Diana and I will be busy for most of the morning. You may collect her directly after luncheon. Perhaps you could bring your new phaeton? I’m sure Diana would enjoy an outing in Regent’s Park.” .
Belatedly, Diana followed them and she arrived in the entrance foyer just as the earl left the house. She stood at the bottom of the staircase, absently rubbing her hand, puzzled by his strange behavior. Tristan also came out of the drawing room and invited both the women back inside.
“I think I shall retire now,” Diana said, deciding she needed some time alone. She was very confused and slightly suspicious about the earl’s rather pleasant good-bye. He obviously had decided to change his tactics when dealing with her. Why?
“Good night, Tristan. Caroline,” Diana called to the couple as she began the long climb up the central staircase.
“Sleep well, Diana,” Caroline said. “I shall see you first thing in the morning.”
Diana did not miss the anxious note in Caroline’s voice, and she felt a pang of guilt. She sincerely hoped she could in some way aid Caroline. Even if she couldn’t help Caroline become pregnant, she could at least prevent her from doing harm to herself.
Diana shook her head suddenly, laughing out loud at the irony. Caroline was so positive Diana would be able to assist her in having a baby. She wondered how strong Caroline’s faith in her would be if Caroline knew the truth about her. When it came to the conception of a child, Diana had only a vague notion of how it actually was accomplished physically. Naturally, her ignorance put her at a great disadvantage, but after all, virgins usually were ignorant in those matters.
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