“It isn’t pitiful.”
“Oh, it is so. You are just trying to be kind.” Caroline wiped her face with the handkerchief. “I certainly never suspected having a baby was going to involve all of this, Diana. I feel totally unprepared.”
“You are going to be fine, Caroline. The symptoms you have just described are all normal. You must not worry so much. The nausea and dizziness will pass after a time, and you still have many months to prepare yourself for motherhood.” Deliberately changing the subject, Diana asked, “Have you told Tristan yet?”
Caroline smiled slightly. “No. I just had to be certain I truly was pregnant before I mentioned it to Tris. I couldn’t bear his disappointment if I were wrong.
“I think it is safe to inform him, Caroline,” Diana said, smiling. “You know he will be thrilled with the news. And it is important for you to discuss these fears and concerns with someone. Who better than Tristan?”
“Who better than Tristan for what?” a familiar voice said.
“Tris!” Caroline’s voice rang out with relief as she embraced her husband.
“Did Derek find you?” Diana asked.
“No,” Tristan said, his arms automatically encircling his wife. “I finished my dance with Alyssa and came searching for Caroline. Lord Hampton said he noticed Caroline strolling on the balcony with you and Derek. Is everything all right?”
“Yes,” Caroline said. “Everything is fine. I do feel rather tired, Tris. I should like to go home.”
“Of course, sweetheart. I shall make our excuses to Lord and Lady Harrington.” Tristan tried to break away, but his wife refused to relinquish her tight hold on his waist. “We rode to the ball with Morgan, so I will have to take his carriage and driver. I’ll send the coach back for Morgan, Alyssa, and Grandmother later. Grandmother will be riding home with them since she is staying at their London house. I know my brother was ready to make his departure hours ago, but Alyssa and Grandmother are enjoying themselves too much. He will just have to wait until they are ready to leave.”
Caroline nodded in agreement, but even in the dim outdoor lighting, Diana noticed the absence of color in her face. She was afraid Caroline was going to start retching again and then become completely distraught over her queasy stomach.
“I shall be happy to explain about the coach to Morgan, as well as make your excuses to Lord and Lady Harrington, Tris,” Diana said. “I think it is best that you take Caroline home right away. She really isn’t feeling well.”
Tristan was immediately solicitous of his wife. “You are right, Diana. She is very pale.” Tenderly he brushed back an errant wisp of hair from Caroline’s forehead. Then he turned his attention to Diana.
“I don’t want you staying out here alone, Diana. Promise me you will return immediately to the ballroom,” Tristan said, sweeping his wife up into his arms. Caroline protested weakly that she could walk, but he ignored her and she clasped her hands around his neck.
“I shall go back inside now, Tris,” Diana said. “I will call on you tomorrow afternoon, Caroline.”
With a small wave, the pair disappeared into the darkness, Tristan electing to carry his wife around the outside balcony rather than through the crowded ballroom. Diana took a last breath of clean air and turned to leave. The moment she took a small step forward, a large gray shadow blocked her path. Alarmed, she looked up, but the figure remained in the shadows, and in the darkness of the night, she could not discern the features of the person standing before her.
“Leaving so soon, Countess,” the stranger said in a low voice. “Now that I have finally succeeded in getting you alone, I was so hoping we could have a long, private conversation. It is vastly overdue.”
Diana felt a chill ride up her spine. “You have me at a disadvantage, sir. Knowing my name when I am unaware of yours,” she said, forcing a calmness into her voice she did not feel.
“I prefer to keep it that way, Countess,” the stranger insisted. “For your safety, as well as my own.”
“And I prefer not to have conversations with mysterious strangers,” Diana said haughtily in her best imitation of the dowager duchess. “If you will kindly excuse me, sir.” Shaken, but determined, she took a step forward. The stranger again blocked her way, but still remained in the darkness.
“I regret that I cannot excuse you, Countess,” the stranger said. “I have no wish for our remarks to be overheard nor I suspect, will you.”
“That is not my concern,” Diana said, trying yet again to move past the man. She was in a relatively secluded section of the balcony and was uncertain if she could scream loud enough to bring attention to herself if necessary. Thus far, the man had made no threatening gestures toward her, but his detaining her, along with his refusal to reveal his identity, bespoke of the possible danger.
Diana strained her eyes in the darkness to see him, but could only briefly make out his silhouette and not his facial features. Her heart began to beat more rapidly in her chest.
“I often told Giles you appeared to be a woman of more intelligence than he credited you with,” the man said in a silky voice. “Please don’t do anything foolish to belie my confidence in you, Lady Diana.”
Diana gasped at the mention of Giles. “Who are you?” she whispered in horror.
“Ah, I see I have finally succeeded in capturing your attention, Countess,” the stranger said mockingly. “Have you changed your mind about leaving?”
Despite the dryness of her mouth and the thudding of her heart, Diana was able to keep her voice steady when she asked, “What do you want of me?”
“Very direct and to the point. I like that in a person, especially in a woman. It is such a rare quality. Giles was a fool to prefer Henriette to you. But I digress.” Diana could not be sure, but she thought the man smiled in the darkness. “Giles stole something from me of extreme importance. And I want it back. Unfortunately, he met with his rather tragic and untimely death before he was able to reveal precisely where he was keeping my property.”
Diana lifted her hand in confusion. “What does this have to do with me?”
“The item in question is of a sensitive nature. I am certain it is hidden somewhere in the London house you are now occupying. I expect you to find my property, Lady Diana, and return it to me.”
In spite of the absurdity of the situation, Diana’s curiosity was piqued. “What exactly is this item?”
“It is a small, leather-bound book containing the names of various members of the peerage. I assure you it has little value to anyone but myself.”
“It sounds as if it might have great value, sir, if you are so very anxious to retrieve it,” Diana said, feeling a bit less anxious. “Why should I assist you in finding this book?”
“Because I have in my possession a page from the church register from St. Michael’s in Chippenham. This particular page verifies the marriage of Giles Rutledge, Earl of Harrowby, to one Diana Crawford. It is dated several months prior to the earl’s marriage to Henriette. Now that Giles is dead, the charge of bigamy no longer applies, but I strongly suspect you would prefer this marriage not be made public. If you don’t cooperate with me, I shall be forced to send the evidence of your previous marriage to the newspapers. British society feeds on scandals such as this one. I am sure the Times readership will find yours a fascinating story.”
Diana felt the knot in her stomach tighten. This man knew everything. Her mind raced ahead, trying to formulate some sort of response. Then like a bolt of lightning, it hit her.
“Jonathan Marlow.” Diana was so surprised by the revelation, she did not realize she had spoken aloud until she heard Marlow’s voice.
“Ah, so you have guessed my secret, Lady Diana.” Marlow clicked his tongue in admiration. “I am pleased. It proves to me what a very clever young woman you really are. Clever enough to locate what I want.”
“If you know as much as you claim to about me, Mr. Marlow, then you are certainly aware I have no knowledge of where Giles kept any
of his personal papers.”
“Yes, it was rather shocking the way your husband treated you, Lady Diana.” Marlow almost sounded sympathetic. “I confess, I was a party to some of his more lucrative transactions involving your inheritance. However in this case, it should not be too difficult for you to find my property. You are currently living in the house.”
“And if I refuse?”
“That would be unnecessarily foolish. Make no mistake, Lady Diana. I will make your marriage to Giles public knowledge.”
Diana did not doubt his intentions. She squinted in the darkness, hoping to catch a glimpse of his features. Even though she had correctly guessed his identity, Marlow still remained in the shadows. She could easily meet him again in the light of day and not know him.
“Despite what you have said, Mr. Marlow, I know this book must be of extreme value. If I find it for you, what will you give me for it?”
Marlow laughed. “You sound almost eager, Countess. I propose we make a fair exchange. You find the book for me, and I will give the church register page to you.”
Diana nodded her head in agreement. She had no idea what she would do if she was able to locate this mysterious book, but she was not about to infuriate Marlow by refusing him outright. For now, it was best to agree to his demands and remove herself from his secluded company.
“How shall I contact you when I find your property?”
“There will be no need for that, Lady Diana. I shall be in touch with you.”
“All right.” Diana stepped forward, hoping he would let her pass since their business was concluded.
“Two days.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“You have two days to find the book, Countess. And I must insist you not tell you husband about our little arrangement.”
“If you wish.”
“I have kept a close eye on you, Lady Diana, from the moment you set foot in London. The shots fired at you in St. James’s Park were intended to instill doubts about the earl, and the disastrous fire at Snowshill Manor was necessary to assure your return to London. But I sent your crushed bonnet to Ashton’s house to convince you of the vast network of people I command. If you try to cross me, Countess, I shall know of it. And if your husband interferes in any way, I will have him killed.”
Chapter Twenty-four
Diana had no clear recollection of returning to the ballroom. It was odd, but after she had escaped from Marlow’s menacing presence, she felt trapped and helpless. Derek was across the room, still searching for the already departed Tristan, and she suppressed an almost overwhelming desire to rush to him. It was all she could do not to burst into sobs. She felt a flood of fierce protectiveness toward Derek, sensing Jonathan Marlow also returned to the ballroom and was most likely observing them both at this very moment.
Only the knowledge that Marlow could be watching prevented Diana from running to her husband’s side. Derek would immediately notice her agitation, and she was too frightened and unsteady not to tell him what had just occurred. She did not doubt for a moment Marlow’s intent or his ability to carry out his threat to kill Derek, if she informed her husband of her distressing meeting.
No. She wouldn’t tell Derek. Not yet. That discussion could only take place in absolute privacy. Reluctantly, Diana tore her eyes away from her husband. Schooling her features into a bland expression, she rejoined the dowager duchess in their corner of the ballroom.
Unfortunately, the older woman was not alone. Hovering next to her was Lord Bennington, Henriette’s older brother.
“Lord Bennington informs me you are already acquainted,” the dowager duchess said, as Diana sat down.
“We have met,” Diana said noncommittally. She could hardly forget the chance meeting with Henriette’s brother in Chippenham only a few days before.
“I am flattered you remembered me, Lady Diana,” Lord Bennington replied with a smug grin. “I do hope you will be free for a dance.”
“Perhaps later,” Diana said, and Lord Bennington settled himself on an unoccupied chair and stared rather boldly at Diana.
She sighed loudly and attempted to ignore him. He was the least of her problems. The enjoyment she’d experienced at the start of the evening was gone. She sat silently next to the dowager duchess while the older woman engaged in idle chatter with Lord Bennington. Diana felt skittish and preoccupied as she kept a vigilant watch on Derek’s every move, her eyes uncontrollably drawn to her husband’s broad, muscular shoulders.
“I assume Tristan was successful in locating Caroline?”
Diana jumped guiltily when the dowager duchess spoke to her. She was so absorbed in her worries over Derek’s safety she had forgotten the promise she’d made to Tristan to explain their early departure to the members of his family and their host.
“I am sorry. I forgot to tell you,” Diana muttered hastily. “Caroline was not feeling well, so Tristan decided to take her home. I told him I would make their excuses to Lord and Lady Harrington.”
“Poor Caroline,” the dowager duchess said, a hint of worry evident in her voice. “I hope it is nothing serious. ”
“I do not believe Caroline’s illness is serious,” Diana said distractedly.
The dowager duchess leaned closer to Diana and whispered gently in her ear, “Has anything happened to distress you, my dear?”
Diana’s eyes flew wide open in alarm. “No,” she said vehemently. “No, of course not, everything is fine.”
The dowager duchess was not convinced, but she dropped the matter. She did note, however, the unconscious wringing of Diana’s hands, which ceased the moment Derek’s eyes met hers and he began crossing the room toward them.
Derek’s physical presence calmed Diana, but obviously made Lord Bennington uncomfortable because he quickly took his leave.
“Has Caroline recovered?” Derek asked.
“She is feeling a little better,” Diana said evenly, pleased to feel her breathing finally begin to slow down. “Tristan has taken her home.”
“Good. Perhaps we can take our leave also?”
“No!” Diana said desperately. Both the dowager duchess and the earl stared at her. “I should like to stay until supper is served, Derek. Everyone has been talking all evening about the fabulous table Lady Harrington sets. And her new French chef is touted as a culinary genius of unequaled skill. We certainly would not want to miss this meal.”
Diana knew she must sound like a half-wit, babbling on about the soon-to-be-served supper, but she could not stop herself. Terrifying images of Derek broken and bleeding filled her mind. At all costs she wanted to avoid a hasty retreat, thinking Marlow would suspect her intentions to inform the earl of his demands.
Derek reluctantly consented to his wife’s wishes, but sitting next to Diana during the sumptuous meal, he noticed her thoughts were anywhere but on the food. She spoke very little and ate even less. Mostly, Diana pushed the food around her plate in an abstract, brooding manner.
Derek waited patiently for another hour before insisting they leave. The dowager duchess, Morgan, and Alyssa also decided to depart, and after amiable good-byes were exchanged, the group split up for the journey to their respective homes. Derek was anxious to question his wife in the seclusion of their carriage, but the streets were not crowded at this hour of the night, and they quickly reached their residence.
Once inside the house, Derek suggested they adjourn to the drawing room for a drink. Diana declined the offer of a brandy, but followed him dutifully into the drawing room. He poured himself a generous portion of the fragrant amber liquid and waited with quiet calm for his wife to tell him what was bothering her.
Diana stood in front of the large fireplace, the crackling glow of the embers heating her already warm skin. Now that the moment was at hand, she felt her courage begin to falter. She had been so preoccupied with her fears for Derek’s safety she failed to take into account her husband’s occasionally volatile temper. She had already provoked him once this evening,
albeit unintentionally, with her low-cut evening gown. That incident would surly pale in comparison to the news she would soon impart.
She observed Derek idly swirling the fine French brandy in his glass. She offered up a silent prayer, hoping Derek would find the strength to control his anger when she related her conversation with Jonathan Marlow. Mustering her courage, she plunged ahead.
“I met Jonathan Marlow this evening.” Her voice was low and soft. She did not wait for Derek’s reaction as she quickly continued. “He knows everything about me, including all the sordid details of my marriage to Giles.”
“Jonathan Marlow! What are you talking about, Diana? Are you saying Marlow was at the ball this evening?” Derek spoke to her in a tight, unnaturally calm voice. Diana did not take that as a good sign.
“Please don’t be angry with me, Derek,” she whispered. “I honestly don’t think I could bear it.”
Her eyes were luminous in her pale face, and Derek could feel her anxiety. Her obvious distress aided him in keeping a tight rein on his explosive anger. Marlow with Diana—it was nearly unthinkable. Derek slapped down his brandy snifter, fearing the increasing pressure of his grip would shatter the fragile glass. He took a deep breath, swearing colorfully underneath it, and turned to confront his wife.
“Why did you not tell me this sooner, Diana?” Derek asked slowly, trying valiantly to maintain his self-control.
“Marlow threatened to kill you Derek, if I told you about my meeting him.”
Derek scowled, not the least bit intimidated by the threat. “I am not all that easy to dispose of, madam.” Derek’s scowl turned into a questioning frown. “Do you think I am incapable of defending myself, Diana?”
In spite of her distress, Diana smiled. Derek sounded almost insulted. She stared intently at her husband, the man she loved with every fiber of her being, and her fears began to slowly diminish. Even at this distance she could feel the controlled strength in his broad, powerful frame. The directness of his piercing blue eyes bespoke his intelligence. Derek was clearly a formidable opponent, a man not easily bested in a fight, no matter how unfairly challenged.
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