by Dawn Brower
She cleared her throat. “Of course.” Could things get any more uncomfortable? She hated small talk as much as she did the theater. It irritated her to not know what to say. In some ways it was easier when they were fighting with each other. She didn’t have time to think about what she should say and just reacted when necessary. This awkward silence was torture. “I ordered refreshments.”
“Lovely,” he replied. “That was perhaps a good idea.”
It seemed as if he was having as much of an issue as her finding something to talk about. That didn’t bode well at a future between the two of them. How could they have forever when they were fumbling in the present? She didn’t want to think about it. It was one meeting in a series of encounters they’d have over their courtship. She couldn’t hold it as the standard for every single one.
“Come and join us,” she motioned to a seat.
He smiled and sat on the settee. Katherine sat in a nearby chair leaving the seat next to Lord Northesk open for her. She swallowed hard and joined him on the settee. She was all right—really. Now if only her heart would stop pounding in her chest.
Luther was at a loss for words. He didn’t expect it to be so difficult. Lady Katherine didn’t help matters. She didn’t say much, but her presence was enough to unnerve him. He wanted to be alone with Lady Diana. Perhaps once they were at the theater he could talk with her easier. He rather wished she hadn’t ordered refreshments. It would take that much longer for them to be able to leave, and even longer for them to have some time together one on one.
A maid pushed a cart into the room with tea and cakes. At least they hadn’t had to wait long for the refreshments to arrive. Lady Diana spoke to the maid briefly and then returned to the cart to pour the tea. She handed each of them a cup. Luther lifted his to his lips and sipped the strong liquid. It soothed and warmed him. For the first time since he arrived he began to calm. Everything was going to be fine. He just had to be patient and trust his instincts. Courting Lady Diana was the right thing to do and he would continue on that path even if at times it proved torturous.
“How well are you acquainted with Lord Holton?” Lady Katherine asked.
“Quite well,” he replied. Lady Diana’s friend was rather interested in his. That could prove useful once they arrived at the theater. Lady Katherine and Holton could distract each other and he could give all of his attention to Lady Diana. It couldn’t go better if he planned it himself. “We went to school together.”
“Eton?” Lady Diana asked.
“Yes,” he replied. “And Oxford. Then we did our trip together afterward.” The trip he’d been on when his father died. The one he sometimes wished he’d never gone on, but he couldn’t change that no matter what. He had to live with the decisions he had made. Yeah it would be easier if he could go back and redo it all. He finally realized that. It had taken a lot of years and almost as much brandy to accept his mistakes and move forward with his life. The night he’d been reintroduced to Lady Diana had been the key.
“Interesting,” Lady Katherine said. “It must have been nice to do all that.”
“School?” He frowned. “Not really. It was rather tedious most days.” His friends had made it tolerable. He couldn’t help wondering when would be a good time to suggest they leave. He didn’t really want any more tea. The idea of food made his stomach churn with unease.
“Do you think we should head to the theater now?” Lady Diana asked.
He probably shouldn’t shout with glee at that statement. It would look rather bad and he didn’t want to appear anything but the best in her eyes. Instead he held himself back and replied coolly, “If that’s what you wish.”
“It is,” she answered and turned to Lady Katherine. “Is that all right with you?”
“Oh, yes,” she agreed. “I’m rather restless. It will be good to start our evening. We won’t be the first to arrive now either. It’s not good to be there too early.”
Luther didn’t attend the theater enough to know what that statement meant. The last time he’d gone he’d been foxed and didn’t recall much, but then again, he was in that state a lot over the past several years. He stood up and held out his arm. “Then let’s be on our way.”
Lady Diana rose and looped her arm with his. “Lead the way.”
Lady Katherine followed close behind them as they headed outside. He’d had his carriage readied for the evening so they wouldn’t have to walk all the way to the theater. He didn’t use it much preferring the use of his own feet to travel by. He assisted each of the ladies into the carriage and then joined them.
“This carriage looks new.” Lady Katherine ran her hand across the velvet seat.
“It’s not,” he replied. “I don’t use it often.”
“You brought it out for Diana?”
“And you,” he admitted. “A lady should travel in style.”
Lady Katherine tilted her lip up into a smile. “That’s sweet.”
That was him. All sweet and cuddly… The only woman he wanted to pull into his arms was Diana. She didn’t seem to keen on conversing with him at the moment. She stared out the window as the carriage rolled down the street. What was going through her head? He was completely off his game and had no clue how to proceed. It seemed as if the only time they managed to carry on a conversation was when they argued. Maybe he should anger her into speaking with him. Might not be the best way to win her over though.
It didn’t take long for them to arrive at the theater. The carriages were already starting to line up as everyone who was anyone arrived. It took longer for them to able to disembark from the carriage then it had been for them to reach the theater. Once they were safely inside Luther breathed a sigh of relief. Now all they had to do was find Holton’s box and he could relax. Once they were all safely seated he could begin to charm Lady Diana. That was if he could manage to remember how to be the charismatic rogue he was known to be…
Chapter Nine
Locating Lord Holton’s box inside the theater was more of a trial than any of them had expected it to be. Not because it was hidden in some far corner, but because the crush of people inside were stifling. Moving through the clumps of people proved nearly impossible. No one seemed interested in watching the performance and were more concerned with putting on their own show for the ton. Laughter echoed through the building in deafening waves. The only other sound that drowned it out was the constant thrum of voices trying to outshout the person next to them. It was beyond ridiculous and it reminded Diana how much she hated coming to any entertainment the theater presented to the public. Even the pit was filled to capacity. Apparently it was opening night of a new play by the bard. Of course one of Shakespeare’s works was the only thing that could have been chosen. Though Diana still wasn’t certain which particular play had been selected for this run at the theater.
Lord Northesk had kept a firm grip on both Diana’s and Katherine’s arms as he maneuvered them through the crowd. So far the evening hadn’t been fun at all and she’d fumbled with each word that left her mouth. Sometimes she couldn’t help but wonder why she had issues talking with others. It didn’t happen often, but it did enough for her to become a permanent wallflower and future spinster. She’d only truly felt comfortable at home and during a fencing match. Those times when she was truly herself were akin to magic.
“Here it is,” Lord Northesk pulled a curtain apart and stepped aside for Katherine and Diana to enter the box. “I feared we’d never make it here.”
“There are an awful lot of people in attendance tonight.”
“That’s the usual outcome on an opening night,” a male said.
Diana glanced in his direction and took a sharp intake of breath. She’d thought Lord Northesk a beautiful male, but this man put even him to shame. He had chestnut hair tinted with red highlights. His eyes were a mix of green and brown that reflected with the glow of the thousands of candles lit in the theater. He had high cheekbones and broad shoulders. If she wasn’t al
ready smitten with Lord Northesk then this gentleman would have caught her interest. He must be Lord Holton.
“Hello, my lord,” she greeted him.
“Holton,” Lord Northesk said with a nod. “This is Lady Diana Thomas and her friend, Lady Katherine Wilson.”
Lord Holton bowed gracefully. “My ladies,” he said smoothly. He was the epitome of charm and refinement. “Lady Katherine why don’t you join me in the front of the box and allow Northesk and Lady Diana to sit next to each other.”
Katherine smiled serenely. “Splendid idea.”
Diana almost snorted at her friend’s eagerness. She’d been keen on meeting Lord Holton since she’d heard they’d be sharing his box. Katherine was determined to find a husband and not just any man would do for her. She wanted one that had prestige and status. They had been hugging the wall for too long and her friend longed to shine in the light. Those ladies considered diamonds of the season had snubbed them more often than not. Diana didn’t blame Katherine for wanting to rub their noses in her own successes. She deserved to find happiness and Diana hoped her friend found it. If Lord Holton lead her there then that was even better. There was no way of knowing who you would meet or with whom you belonged with.
“Lady Diana,” Lord Northesk gestured to a seat. “Please join me.”
She allowed him to help her to a seat. He settled next to her and they both stared down at the stage. The play continued on even though more than half of the audience ignored it. Diana scrunched her nose up and tilted her head to the side as she tried to figure out what one of Shakespeare’s plays were being performed.
‘”You lie, in faith, for you are called plain Kate, And bonny Kate, and sometimes Kate the curst, But Kate, the prettiest Kate in Christendom, Kate of Kate Hall, my super-dainty Kate—For dainties are all Kates—and therefore, Kate, Take this of me, Kate of my consolation: Hearing thy mildness praised in every town, Thy virtues spoke of, and thy beauty sounded—Yet not so deeply as to thee belongs—Myself am moved to woo thee for my wife.’”
“Strangely appropriate,” she muttered under her breath. They were performing the one about a courtship of sorts. Petruchio was pursuing Katherine—Kate as he called her. He too had been insistent and wanted a woman to be his wife—even if force was necessary. They shared barbs of wit and in the end Katherine fell in love.
“I rather agree,” Lord Northesk said. “Some women are worth the effort and Petruchio was wise to not give up on the one who held his heart.”
Diana snorted. “That’s one way of considering it.”
His lips tilted upward into a slow sinful smile. Her heart beat heavily in her chest. Why did he have to have such a profound effect on her? She was weak and nearly pooled at his feet in adoration. Diana would not give in so easily. He’d soon find out how similar she could be to Katherine in The Taming of the Shrew.
“Darling.” His voice held a husky edge to it as he enunciated that one word. It sent shivers down her spine and she barely regained control of herself. “Trust me when I say that there is several ways to consider every possibility. We have much to learn about each other.” He brushed his knuckles over her bare arm.
Damn him and his roguish charm. “Is this another attempt to steal my heart for your very own?” Two could play and she was in a puckish mood.
“Another one of those perspectives I mentioned.” He winked. “Something tells me you’re more than willing to allow me to steal it.”
“I’m not so easily won.”
“Of that I’m certain,” he agreed. “You’re no fool’s willing victim, but you are more than worth fighting for. I believe we could be good together and I’m not going to walk away because things might be too difficult. Some things are written in the stars—perhaps we’re one of fate’s couples fumbling their way back to each other.”
“It’s more likely you are a maudlin fool.” She would not admit how romantic that sounded. He was saying all the right things and if he kept spouting sweetness she’d be the one begging him.
“I’m only a fool for you.” He picked up her hand and kissed her palm. She stared down at where he had pressed his lips and barely resisted the urge to rub the sensitive spot. Heat filled her from deep inside and nearly spilled out in waves of pleasure. One little kiss and she was burning into ashes. Could something good come out of that pile of dust she was turning into?
“Forgive me if I find that a little difficult to believe.”
“It’s the truth,” he said as he placed one of his hands over his heart. “I would never lie to you.”
“I never said you would. I think you believe everything you’re saying.”
“But?” He lifted a brow.
She sighed and considered how to answer that. He said all the right things and he lit a fire in her soul that only he could extinguish. If he broke her heart she’d be left to flutter in the wind. All those ashes she turned into would blow away and there would be nothing left of the person she’d worked so hard to become. Could she allow him—a man she’d loved from afar for so long—the chance to break her? Can there be something beautiful between them if she let herself believe in a future? It was so difficult to take a leap of faith… “Life is too unpredictable. You could change your mind tomorrow. So today you speak honestly, but tomorrow you might believe in a different truth.”
“What made you so cynical?”
“Life,” she replied. “I’m no great beauty. I don’t dance much at balls and most gentleman can’t be bothered to notice me. The ladies are far worse though—they can be veritable shrews. Kate has nothing on them—at least she saves her barbs for the male fools in her life.”
“It’s just a play,” he said quietly. “Kate is reacting to the idiots around her. Shakespeare had that much right. The ton is filled with fools aplenty. Lord knows I’m not any better than a lot of them. It wasn’t until recently my eyes were opened and it was you that I noticed first. Don’t let my past misdeeds—or the transgressions of others determine how we go forward from this moment on.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“It is if you allow it to be,” he said quietly.
Some things were not that easy and she couldn’t figure out how to let go of all her misgivings. He wanted her to give him a chance, but that might be more than she would ever be able to do. Letting go of the pain and what made her into the woman she was—no, she couldn’t do that. Then she’d be a shell with nothing to fill her. “Lord Northesk—I”
“Luther,” he said firmly. “Call me by my given name.”
“I don’t think that is wise.”
“We are a sea of imprudent decisions. This isn’t one of them.” He rubbed his thumb over her palm in the same place he’d pressed his lips. “Diana we are heading toward a future and in that future we won’t ever be parted. I can’t go back and undo my thoughtless actions. All I can promise is that I will do my very best to never do anything so profoundly stupid ever again.”
She wanted to believe him… Could she use his given name? It was probably wrong, but she wanted that intimacy. Didn’t she deserve a little bit of happiness? She’d wished it for her friend, but had never dared to do the same for herself. Maybe it was time to start taking the good and not thinking about how it might all go wrong. She stared at the stage and the actors playing Kate and Petruchio. They had to battle a lot to claim their love—even each other. Sure it was a play but there was some truth to it.
“I did promise you a fortnight,” she finally said. “Any more than that…”
“I understand.” He leaned closer to her. His hot breath caressed her ear. “I’ll just have to find a way to convince you that we have something that will last beyond that.”
She was starting to believe already, but she couldn’t admit that. At least not yet… Diana wanted to throw herself into his arms and confess her undying love. She held herself back though. If she gave in now she’s always have doubts. She needed the full fortnight to make her decision. If at the end of that ti
me period he still claimed to want her then she’d consider a future with him. Perhaps a fortnight wasn’t enough time for love and trust to build, but she had to start somewhere. It seemed like a logical enough place to begin.
“It will be interesting,” she replied. “To see what you do next.”
He pressed his lips to her cheek. How brave and roguish of him.
“You shouldn’t have done that,” she chastised him.
“It’s not what I wanted to do. If I had my way I’d wrap you in my arms and kiss you. It’s my goal to make sure you always feel wanted and that you never forget how much you’re needed. Mostly, though, I plan to show you the way I see you and how much you’re loved.”
Damn him… He was back to saying sweet words and making her heart beat heavy inside of her chest. She’d definitely be mush by the end of the fortnight. He made her want things she’d long ago given up on. Her Luther was fast turning into a lord worth keeping…
Chapter Ten
Days flew by in a blur with each one seeming even shorter than the last. Two more days and a whole fortnight will have passed. Sadly, Diana still didn’t quite know what she wanted. She couldn’t let her uncertainty prevent her from completing her duties to the club. Lulia was working with Abigail Franklin—another ladies maid hoping to set her future away from the service industry. She was a good girl that hated bowing and scraping her way through life. If she won her match she’d have enough funds to relocate someplace more pleasant. She wouldn’t acquire quite as much as Bessie had but it would be enough for what she had planned. The largest difference between Abigail and Bessie was who they were set to fence against. Bessie had battled against the lady she served. Abigail’s opponent had yet to be determined. It wouldn’t be as big in the betting pools and the prize would be much lower. In short—the stakes weren’t quite as high, but there would still be enough interest to make the match interesting.