A Virgin for the Rakish Marquess (In War and Love #3)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

Between Hearth and Society

“ W ell, you still have time to change your mind, Diana.” Selina smirked.

Diana looked upon her sister’s face. She didn’t need to have been raised with her to know that her eldest sister was teasing her.

It’s her usual manner, after all.

It didn’t matter that Selina was now the Duchess of Seymour. Diana knew better.

“Exactly! Our sister is right, Diana,” Herbert, their older brother, chimed in. “The Season does not start till a few more weeks. See this charity event as a rehearsal.”

“I am in no need of a rehearsal for something. I have no intention of participating actively.”

“Right, we forgot.” Selina turned to her brother with a mischievous smile. “You are determined never to marry.”

Diana fixed her sister with a pointed look.

Selina was not one to allow anyone to deny her the right to speak her mind. Diana always admired that about her sister.

And envied .

“Oh, Sister… firm on your decision to remain unwed like your namesake Diana,” Selina continued in a fake dramatic tone. “Unbothered by the whims of mortal men.”

“Selina, might I suggest saving those musings on Greek mythology for your literary gatherings?” Diana would hiss if it weren’t utterly unladylike to do so.

“I must agree with Diana, Selina.” Herbert chuckled.

For sure he will be coming back with a clever retort .

Diana refused to believe for a moment that her brother would side with her in that matter and deprive himself of the grand opportunity to tease her.

“After all, our little Diana would most likely be Hestia. You know, the one I always forgot when that awful tutor asked us to recite all the gods of the pantheon.”

“Oh, but of course!” Selina exclaimed. “Hestia, the goddess everyone forgets. The one that is always in the background. You might call… Hmm.” Selina pretended to be deep in thought, tapping her finger on her chin. “I wonder how one might call such a person who actively avoids the limelight.”

“My sweet sister,” Herbert hastened to add mockingly, “would perhaps the term wallflower be appropriate?”

“Most eloquently so, dear brother,” Selina agreed, her eyes twinkling with mirth. “And if we were to be more poetic, we might even call her the jilted wallflower .”

“Exceptional.” Herbert’s laughter bubbled forth. “You for sure have a flair for poetry.”

“I do not find you the least amusing, just so you know.” Diana arched an eyebrow. “May I remind you that I have indeed tried my hand in the marriage mart once? I hope you two remember how that went.”

Diana had to muster all her self-restraint so as not to throw a tantrum in front of the ton, who never missed the opportunity to attend any event thrown by the Duchess and the Duke of Seymour. So, she decided that the best course of action was to divert her attention—and gladly, the setting gave her many opportunities. The Seymour estate was nothing if not impressive, after all.

The famed crystal chandelier cast a sweet light on the vast ballroom, with its gilded plasters and impressive murals. Her eyes ran over the items on display to be auctioned later in the evening as many of the guests mingled and walked around the gallery with their lace dresses and ornate fans, tailored suits and silk scarfs.

Porcelain sets and rare jewelry, a week in the family’s villa in Derbyshire, a painting from an up-and-coming artist, a gown of rare beauty, and books from Selina’s collection. It was an impressive collection, and it was no wonder that a great crowd of the ton’s finest was there.

“Are you appraising the art, Diana?” Selina asked, her tone laced with amusement. “Though I suspect you hold it in far higher esteem than your prospects.”

“It is so good to see you have so much fun, dear sister,” Diana said through gritted teeth, “but don’t you have more important things to do, seeing as you are the hostess of this charity event? Other than torturing me, I mean. Unless there was something regarding that in the program that I missed.”

“Do not worry, everything is running smoothly.”

“Unlike your expectations of marriage.” Herbert seemed determined to not waste any opportunity to jab at her.

This time, her daggers were aimed at her brother, though she was absolutely sure that would have the same consequence it did when he pulled at her pigtails when they were children and she went running to her governess. Which was absolutely none.

Those two…

“My expectations of marriage remain exactly the way I wish them to be. None.”

“You can’t possibly mean—” Herbert insisted.

“Herbert, I have graciously accepted that nickname everyone whispers behind my back, and I own it with pride. I am a jilted wallflower—and trust me, that is a good thing. I enjoy my peace, and I am not trading this for any pointless conversation and meaningless pursuits that would most probably end in heartache and disaster.”

Both Selina and Herbert gaped at her. How could she explain to them the absolute freedom such a decision gave a person? She would remain forever a spinster so she didn’t have to think of her skills and how to flaunt them. She didn’t have to agonize over filling her dance card with names of men who were essentially strangers. She didn’t have to pretend, and she could enjoy being herself.

“Plus,” Diana continued, taking advantage of the rare occasion that Selina was rendered speechless, “I wouldn’t want Stephen to get wind of our conversation. You know how he is.”

The siblings shared a look of understanding. They didn’t need to be reminded of their strict eldest brother’s temper. The Duke of Westall tended to take things a tad too seriously, and the fact that the youngest in the family, the one who he felt like a father to, decided to never marry is a thorn in his side. And Stephen had a unique way to deal with such grievances, which was straightforward and unyielding.

“Yes, I am aware of how our dear brother is . Did I mention that he sent me five letters last month, with recommendations on how to manage my affairs more properly? Not estate, which would have been understandable. My affairs . The man would control the side on which I sleep if he could.”

“Five?” Selina protested. “I have only received three. I feel neglected now.”

“Well, you could both benefit from my approach, since I am indeed the main focus of his so-called protectiveness. I’ve learned that the best way to deal with him is to nod politely, agree on nothing, and let him tire himself out,” Diana said airily, though the mention of their eldest brother did make her shoulders tense slightly.

“I know I am joining mid-conversation, but I am acutely aware of its subject,” a female voice called.

It was Elizabeth, and the siblings flushed with shame. The reason being that she was none other than the Duchess of Westall, their sister-in-law, then one married to the ‘overbearing brute,’ as they lovingly called their brother.

“But I am furious, Diana,” Elizabeth continued.

Diana tightened her grip on the fan she was holding. She loved Elizabeth and was thrilled to see her brother being brought down from his mighty proverbial horse by such a spitfire as her.

“I believe”—Elizabeth leaned in with a mischievous smile—“I am the one who taught you this trick. Smile and nod and then wait for him to come around.”

“I am sure you have other ways to convince him,” Herbert muttered.

“Herbert!” all three women exclaimed, drawing the attention of all the people around them.

Luckily, none of the ladies and gentlemen frolicking around, a drink in hand, looking immaculate, paid attention to the siblings’ conversation.

“I meant,” Herbert added quickly, “that you know him better than we do.”

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow in a way that reminded everyone more of their brother, but no one dared make that observation in front of her. The Duchess of Westall was magnanimous but also quite feisty, and her husband was utterly devoted to her. There was no need to test what great disaster would fall upon their heads if she were to run and complain to Stephen. Luckily, her face melted in her usual gentle expression, and everyone breathed easier.

“I hope that you know how much Stephen loves you, Diana.” She took Diana’s hands in her own.

“I know he loves me and that he means well. I just wish he would cease breathing down my neck.”

Herbert leaned in. “In your case, Diana, I cannot blame the man.”

Diana would be angry if she knew how she could summon such a sentiment. But she was annoyed, for sure. As long as the Season didn’t start yet, she had the chance to breathe freely. But now, a few weeks before the official opening, she was back to being suffocated by other people’s worries.

Again, she had to defend her decision.

“And here I was, thinking I have made it abundantly clear that I have no desire to entertain suitors. Perhaps I should practice my embroidery stitches and make myself an embroidered handkerchief with the words ‘jilted wallflower’ and ‘spinster’ which I could use to wipe your tears any time this issue comes up.”

Her siblings stared at her.

Granted, Diana was mostly shy and reserved, but that didn’t mean that she was dim-witted, and having the same conversation again and again was testing her patience.

“Oh, how I like you, Diana.” Elizabeth chuckled. “Hm, I see Stephen spotted us. I will show how truly benevolent I can be and go to divert his course—which is most certainly this area—so you won’t find yourself needing your embroidery. I shall see you.”

Elizabeth did exactly as promised and took her husband’s arm, laughing playfully. Stephen’s eyes were still trained on Diana, and for a moment, she was sure that the Duchess’s efforts were falling on deaf ears. But when Elizabeth leaned in and whispered something in his ear, his green eyes lit up, and any thought of Diana faded into the background.

Huh, perhaps Herbert was right. She indeed has her ways.

Suddenly, she felt a pang in her heart as she watched her brother and his wife in their happy little bubble. There was something in their eyes that made quiet mornings and easy afternoons lose all their appeal—no amount of thread from her beloved embroidery kit would mend the little tear in her heart.

“I only wish for you to be happy, Diana,” Selina said and took her hand, pulling her out of her musings.

There was an added advantage to growing up in a loving family. Knowing that there were people around her who genuinely loved her no matter how domineering their love might turn. It was unfair of her to protest her siblings’ attentiveness.

“I know, Selina.” Diana placed her hand over her sister’s. “I know what you have done on my behalf. But trust me, I am happy. Truly happy. I enjoy my solitude. You of all people must understand that.”

Selina smiled as she searched for her husband in the crowd.

An almost spinster herself, Selina knew where Diana was coming from.

“I know. It is addictively relaxing and liberating. But my sweet, dear, beautiful sister, falling in love surpasses any other feeling.”

Diana looked away, annoyed. Love. Surely her sister held that value in high regard, and seeing how annoyingly blissful she was in her marriage, Diana could not blame her. Her romance with Richard came as a surprise to everyone but ended in absolute happiness that had radiated on Selina’s face every day for the last four years.

But Diana herself had given up on that pursuit.

Love…

That word haunted her after what had happened. She made sure to steer clear of it. And that elusive emotion seemed to avoid her with the same ardor. There might be a tear in her heart, but she was a remarkably skilled embroiderer and could not only mend it but also do it with a flair.

“Selina, I am happy for you. You know I am. But this is not for me. I am not as acutely dedicated to finding love as you were. I’d rather enjoy my privacy. My threads, books, charitable endeavors, intellectual discourse—these are the things that bring me contentment. Not the shallow pleasures of a fleeting courtship.”

“You are nothing if not steadfast,” Herbert commented.

“I have decided that I will not wed. I hope that the millionth time I repeat that would be enough to get it through that thick skull of yours.”

Herbert arched an eyebrow and looked at Selina in an openly conspiratorial way.

Those two are up to something.

Diana needed no other evidence on the matter than the mysterious, satisfied smirks on her siblings’ faces. A feeling that was confirmed when they turned to her and said in unison, “We shall see about that.”

What on earth could they possibly mean by that?

She was ready to demand answers when Selina smiled that mock innocent smile and decided that they had dwelled on one subject for too long.

“This is a great turnout? Is it not?”

“That is an understatement, Selina. You’ve really outdone yourself. It is not a surprise that all of the ton is here.” Herbert played along.

“I am happy, too. Who would expect that even the elusive and—let’s be honest—snobbish Earl of Southcott would attend.” Selina pointed at an old man inspecting a set of crystals.

Diana let herself breathe as Herbert and Selina went through the most striking names of attendants, whispering gossip and snickering lightly.

“Did I mention that the Marquess of Crawford is expected to attend tonight?” Selina suddenly added.

Diana welcomed the distraction too and was ready to dive into gossip. She was not fond of that particular sport—one tended to despise such a venture when one was the subject of it—but it was better than nothing.

“Crawford?” she echoed. “Where do I know that name?”

“He’s one of Richard’s closest friends. You may have heard a mention of him.”

“He wasn’t at your wedding?”

“No.” Selina hesitated. “He has been away for a while.”

Diana had an epiphany.

“Not that Crawford.”

“The one and only,” Selina confirmed, her voice dropping just slightly, the hint of a smile tugging at her lips.

“The rumors say that he is…” Diana trailed off, leaning in slightly as if the very mention of the Marquess’s name would make the room lighter with intrigue. She barely noticed her own curiosity. “Well, we all know what he is.”

“And the whole ton will be reminded, too, now that he is back.”

“Why was he away?” Diana asked.

“I have some suggestions,” Herbert interjected wickedly. “From enraged to tenacious lovers, he must have had a lot of reasons to run.”

“Let’s say that he’s a man of excess. Drinks too much, gambles too hard, and, well… loves too often.”

“That bad?” Diana whispered.

“He is that and so much more.” Selina smiled. “Richard tells me that he has always been… reckless.”

“So, translating Richard, he means he is a rake?” Diana swallowed, still feigning indifference.

“I doubt that there has ever been a woman strong enough to resist him,” Selina elaborated, much to Diana’s dismay. “He does make a tantalizing case for himself. He is rather good-looking, he has a title, and he is obscenely rich. Did I mention that he is good-looking?”

She studied Diana’s face intently, eager for a reaction.

Diana was ready to react in a way that would make her eldest sister regret ever challenging her in her own charity event, but it was Herbert who spoke first.

“I am guessing you expect him to throw an obscene amount of money on the auction.”

Diana was happy to see that her brother could be useful, after all.

“I hope he decides to do the same thing on the business venture I have in mind.”

“A business venture with a man who has such a reputation?” Diana arched an eyebrow. “That seems… imprudent. Even for you.”

“Well, my dear sister, one should never let opportunities pass them by.”

It was too good to last, Diana mused when Herbert didn’t waste the opportunity to poke at her self-imposed spinsterhood.

She was ready to give him a piece of her mind when Selina leaned closer to him, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. Then, they both looked up with identical expressions of mischief.

By Jove, those two are cooking an explosive absurdity.

Diana had the dreadful suspicion that the target for their ill-conceived plans was none other than herself.

“Must you behave like children?” she scoffed. “It’s tiresome.”

“Who? Us?” they both asked in mock innocence.

Diana sensed that she had reached the limit of her patience with her siblings, for now. She was painfully aware that her treasured peace was always just out of reach when one had siblings like hers. Though, something akin to self-preservation told her that she shouldn’t be leaving those two alone.