Chapter Six
Diana
Diana smoothed her pale yellow morning dress over her lap, forcing herself to keep from fidgeting in her seat. Lord Powis—Graham—would be calling within the hour. It was the first time she’d see him since two nights ago when they’d ended up betrothed.
She popped up from the settee and moved about the room.
She’d barely slept since it happened, her mind churning over the events in the gazebo.
The memory of his hands settling his coat around her shoulders, the way his voice had roughened just before she had pressed her lips so his.
The memory did things to her that she could never speak to anyone.
“Diana, you’re pacing again.” Lydia’s voice carried gentle amusement from her seat by the drawing room window. “It’s not going to make him appear any sooner. Besides, all will be well.”
Diana paused mid-step and turned to face her sister-in-law, who was working on her embroidery by the window. “Easy for you to say. You didn’t have to endure Elias’s lecture about maintaining propriety with my ‘fortune-hunting betrothed.’”
“You know your brother.” Lydia’s needle paused. “Let’s hope your father has a more reasonable head.”
Diana’s stomach twisted again. Papa. She could already picture the look of disappointment on his face.
Before Diana could respond, Mitchell appeared in the doorway. “Lord Powis has arrived, my lady.”
Diana’s stomach dropped to her slippers. “Show him in, please.”
She took a steadying breath, then another, but it did little to settle her nerves. When Graham appeared in the doorway, her breath caught completely.
He looked different in the afternoon light. Certainly no less handsome, perhaps even more so. His chestnut hair was perfectly arranged and his form nicely filled out the cut of his fine clothing. But when their eyes met, she caught a flash of the same nervous energy she felt herself.
“Lady Diana.” He bowed precisely. “Lady Snowdon. Thank you for receiving me.”
“Lord Powis,” Diana curtsied, which felt odd to do for her intended. “Please, do sit. Tea?”
“That would be most welcome.” He took the chair across from hers, close enough that she could detect his sandalwood scent.
Lydia remained in her seat across the room by the window, while Diana took to pouring for her and Graham.
After she handed him his cup, she picked up her own and stared at it, searching for something intelligent to say.
The silence stretched just long enough to become noticeable when Graham cleared his throat.
“I do hope you are faring well after all that has occurred.” His eyes held genuine concern.
“Indeed. Though I fear my poor maid nearly swooned when she saw my dress.” Diana found herself smiling at the memory. She might keep that dress forever.
Graham’s mouth twitched with suppressed amusement. “I don’t see any lemon cakes on your tray. I suppose we bypassed the need for them.”
Diana laughed despite herself. “Yes, it appears that they are wholly unnecessary. But if you are feeling slighted, I can ensure Cook prepares some for you.”
“I quite like lemon.” And when he flashed her a full grin, he almost made her heart stop.
There was something about him that instantly pulled her in. She felt it that night, and it was still alive and well in her drawing room. But that was dangerous. She didn’t know anything about him, nor what he believed the marriage would be.
She set down her teacup, suddenly serious. “Forgive me for speaking directly, I supposed you find out now that it is my usual course, but I know so little about you. And if we’re to be married…”
“You’d like to know who you’re binding yourself to,” Graham finished. “I understand completely. I feel the same.”
“So tell me what I should know about you, then?”
He appeared to contemplate her question.
“My given name is Graham Clive, which I give you leave to always use. I owned a business breeding horses before I inherited the title that was in my father’s family for generations.
My personal mount is Midnight, and I have him here with me in London.
” He fixed his gaze with hers and then leaned closer as if he were going to tell her a secret.
“I quite like the color blue, enjoy reading, and detest artichokes.”
Diana stifled a giggle. “That is all quite helpful information.”
“Your turn,” he said, sipping his tea and then setting the saucer to the side.
She tucked a loose curl behind her ear. “Well, I ran our household from around age twelve until last year when Elias married Lydia.”
Diana glanced over to make sure Lydia hadn’t heard her as she didn’t wish to offend her, then continued.
“You’ve met Elias, but I also have two younger sisters, Jenny and Grace.
I can’t think of a food I don’t like, my favorite color is pink, and I also like to read.
Mostly texts on agriculture, livestock, and estate planning.
I like to be useful, so I began learning so that I might help Papa… or my future husband.”
Graham focused intently on her the entire time, as though he truly cared about everything she had to say.
He appeared to ponder her words for a moment and then leaned forward. “I am expecting information on my estates and holdings in a few days. Perhaps you might like to give them a look and give me your assessment.”
She clasped her hands together at her chest. “Do you mean it?”
“Of course. I’d appreciate your input.”
It was almost too good to be true. It wasn’t common for a man of their society to ask a woman for help or input. But it was just the kind of partnership she had wanted with a husband. Her practical match that she was so hellbent on before her entire world shifted.
Suddenly, all she could think about was how entranced she’d been with him. And as much as she didn’t want to judge him by his relations, but given their situation, she couldn’t help but wonder if he might honor their marriage vows. And she had to know.
“Once we are married, do you intend that we will lead separate lives?”
It was the most proper way she could think to ask what she really wanted to know.
His face contorted to a deep frown. “Is that what you want?”
“No,” she said quickly, before she could stop herself.
“Good,” he replied, releasing a long breath as if he were relieved, which put her more at ease.
“It sounds like we are starting things as well as we can,” she said, trying to alleviate the awkwardness. “I suppose that is better than most marriages. We might even spend a bit of time together.”
Graham opened his mouth to say something and then closed it again.
“What? Tell me what you were going to say.”
He remained quiet for a moment, then glanced over at Lydia and then lowered his voice. “I thought perhaps after we’re married, I might teach you to ride a horse. We could spend time together that way, if you’d like.”
Diana’s breath caught. “You would really teach me?”
“If you want to learn. I know your father forbade it, but as my wife…” His voice trailed off, but she understood his meaning.
“I would love that more than anything.” Diana leaned forward eagerly and lowered her voice to a whisper. “But why wait until after we’re married? We could start now, couldn’t we?”
Graham shifted uncomfortably. “Well, your brother hates me enough as it is, and your father is likely to feel the same. They would never allow you to come to my home for riding lessons.”
“They don’t need to know.”
Graham looked torn. “Your brother will have my head if he finds out.”
Diana glanced quickly at Lydia to see that she was still intently focused on her embroidery, then back at Graham. “I don’t want to wait. I’ve dreamed of this for years. Can I even just meet your horse?” She looked up at him through her lashes. “Please, Graham.”
It was the first time she’d referred to him in such an intimate way, and it appeared to have the desired effect. And she watched his resolve crumble.
“Fine. But we will only start with the basics until after we are married.”
“Take your leave now, and I shall walk you out,” Diana chirped, practically bouncing with excitement.
Graham just shook his head at her and then rose from his seat. “I’ve enjoyed our time together, my lady. We shall do this again soon.”
Diana tried not to giggle at his stiff exchange.
“Good day, Lady Snowdon,” he called over to Lydia.
She looked up and nodded at him.
“I’ll walk you out,” Diana said, rising from her seat. Lydia wouldn’t follow if she just walked him to the door.
Diana took his arm and as soon as they were in the hall, she leaned close to him. It reminded her far too much of their kiss and made her wish that he would kiss her again. She got so entranced with the notion that she almost forgot the purpose for his hasty departure.
“Your townhouse is only a couple blocks from here,” she started. I’ll sneak out and meet you at your mews.”
He came to a dead stop. “You shall do no such thing.”
His reaction confused her as she thought they had just agreed to the lessons.
“Meet me behind your house in fifteen minutes and I’ll escort you. I’m not going to have my betrothed putting herself in danger.”
It warmed her heart that he cared so much for her safety. And that he would give her one of the things that she’d always wanted most. The freedom to ride.
“Very well. Fifteen minutes. I’ll be there.”
He cast her a concerned look as if he might go back on the plan, but then continued forward. “I’ll be waiting.”
She nodded excitedly and then released his arm so that he could depart. Then she turned on her heel and went back to the drawing room.
“Did you have a nice time?” Lydia asked, eyeing her curiously.
“I did.” And she meant that. “I think we might suit well.”
Very well, in fact. It might not have been a love match or happened how her family might have liked, but the thought of marrying Graham Clive in less than a week didn’t fill her with dread.
And she was taking that as a positive. Besides, it’s not like she had any choice anyway, so she might as well make the most of it.
“I think I’ll go to my chamber and read for a while. All this has been rather overwhelming and we still have more preparations ahead.”
“Of course, dearest. Rest will do you good.”
Diana made her way upstairs, but instead of going to her room, she slipped down the servants’ stairs and out through the kitchen. Her stomach was in knots as she made her way to the alley behind her house.
What am I doing? This is madness. If she were to be caught, she would never hear the end of it and it would only make things more awkward with her family. But as soon as she reached the alley and saw Graham waiting there, all her doubts disappeared.
“Are you certain about this?” he asked as soon as she approached.
“Absolutely.”
Graham took her hand and looked in both directions then led her through the alleys so they stayed off of the main streets. It was very likely that someone might see them, but since they were already betrothed, there wasn’t much else that could be done to them.
Once they finally reached Graham’s mews, he released her hand. “Wait here.”
He went inside and a few moments later he came out walking alongside a huge black horse. She didn’t know much about horses, but this one was massive and positively gorgeous in the way his coat shined in the sunlight.
Diana approached slowly, eyeing the horse. “Is this…?”
“Midnight. He’s very gentle.” Graham held the horse’s lead rope. “Would you like to meet him properly?”
Diana nodded, suddenly nervous. Graham took her hand and guided it to the horse’s neck.
“Just stroke him gently. Like that.”
The horse’s coat was warm and soft under her palm. “He’s beautiful. Hello there, Midnight.”
“Would you like to try sitting on him?”
Diana’s eyes widened. “Now?”
“Just for a moment. So you can see how it feels.”
Before she could lose her nerve, she nodded. Graham led Midnight to a nearby mounting block.
“I’ll help you up,” he said, positioning himself behind her. “And I won’t let you go.”
His hands settled on her waist, and even through her stays she could feel their warmth. Her breath caught as his thumbs brushed just below her ribs. When he lifted her as if she weighed nothing, his body pressed briefly against hers, leaving her breathless.
Sitting sideways on Midnight’s back, Diana felt a rush of exhilaration. “I’m actually on a horse.”
Graham was standing close, one hand resting on her knee to steady her and the other on her hip while he remained standing on the mounting block. The contact made every part of her body aware of his presence.
“How does it feel?”
“Like flying.” She looked down at him, acutely aware of his hand on her leg. “Like freedom.”
His gaze intensified, and he tightened his grip on her hip slightly. They didn’t break eye contact as he released her leg to grab her other hip and lift her down, and her body slid against his. She felt that familiar beat of his heart when her feet landed on the mounting block.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Graham lowered his head slightly and she held her breath waiting for the moment that his lips touched hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck to encourage him.
“His butler said he may be back here.”
They both heard the voice and Graham jerked his chin toward the sound.
“He hadn’t returned home since he called on Diana.”
Diana’s blood ran cold. Elias. How had he known she was there? And who was he speaking to?
Graham cursed under his breath and motioned for her to step inside the building. “Stay here,” he whispered. “Don’t make a sound.”
As footsteps approached, Diana pressed herself against the wall, trying to steady her uneven breaths hoping that her brother hadn’t seen her.
“So this is the man?” another voice said outside of the stables.
Diana covered her mouth to keep from gasping.
Her father was on the other side of the wall.