Chapter Seven
Graham
Graham stepped out from where he’d hidden Diana just as he could hear footsteps and voices moving closer. It would seem that Elias wasn’t alone, and it wasn’t out of the realm of possibility that the man hadn’t ruled out the notion of challenging him to a duel.
“Lord Powis,” Elias called as he rounded the corner. Behind him walked a tall, distinguished man with graying hair and deep dimples even with the scowl he wore. The resemblance was unmistakable.
Graham straightened his shoulders and stepped forward. “You must be Lord Snowdon. Viscount.” He bowed formally, his pulse stuttering wildly. “I wasn’t expecting—”
“I just arrived,” the Earl of Snowdon cut him off. His tone was firm, but there was also a kindness in his eyes. “I thought it best not to delay meeting the man who will marry my daughter.”
“I am glad you have arrived safely.” Graham prayed Diana had the sense to stay hidden. “Perhaps we might continue this conversation somewhere more comfortable? I could offer you some refreshment at the house.”
“This location suits me fine,” the earl said curtly.
“I prefer to speak plainly, Lord Powis. My son has explained the matter to me, and it would seem that we have no choice but to go along with this little arrangement. But you should know that if my daughter is treated in any way that I don’t deem acceptable, I will not hesitate to bring her home.
I don’t give a damn what the law says. Do I make myself clear? ”
Graham’s spine went rigid. “I can assure you, my lord, that your daughter can do as she wishes in our marriage.”
“That’s not what I asked.” The earl stepped closer. Suddenly his eyes weren’t quite so kind anymore. “I asked if I made myself clear? I will not tolerate any mistreatment of Diana. She may be forced into this marriage, but she deserves happiness and comfort nonetheless.”
A thud came from just inside the stables where Diana was. The men noticed and glanced toward the opening. Graham forced himself not to glance in that direction and took a side step to further block the entrance.
“You are clear, my lord,” Graham said firmly, recapturing their attention. “And I intend to see that she is content.”
The earl studied him for a moment. “Good. Because despite the circumstances that brought you together, I expect this marriage to be a real one. Diana deserves a husband who remains faithful and doesn’t make a fool of her with other women and gambling.”
“If you knew me at all, you’d know that shall never be a concern,” Graham said, meaning every word.
Something in the earl’s expression softened slightly. “You give me the correct responses.” His voice grew harder again. “The problem is that we don’t know you. So I have no choice but to take you at your word.”
“You have nothing to worry about. I assure you that I mean what I say.” This was all the more reason that no one could know about his financial matters. Her family would never believe that what had occurred to result in this marriage was purely an accident.
The earl nodded curtly. “Then we understand each other.” He turned to Elias. “Come. We should return home. I’d like to speak to Diana next.”
Graham’s stomach clenched at the mention of Diana’s name, but he kept his expression neutral. “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me, my lord. I look forward to us getting to know each other better.”
“As do I.” The earl’s expression was unreadable. “Good day, Lord Powis.”
Graham bowed as the two men departed, waiting until their footsteps faded completely before he sagged against the wall of the mews and released a deep breath.
Diana’s father was clearly a man who loved his daughter fiercely, and Graham had no doubt the earl would follow through on his threats if given cause.
The earl and his son wouldn’t think twice about ripping him limb from limb.
Diana appeared in the doorway. “Are they gone?” she hissed.
“Yes,” Graham said, kicking off the wall and standing at the entry. “Though I’m not certain I will ever win over your father or brother.”
“What did you mean when you said that if my father knew you at all that other women and gambling wouldn’t be a concern?”
Graham felt heat rise in his cheeks. He forgot that she would have heard the entire conversation.
And he didn’t exactly wish to confess that he was completely inexperienced.
He wasn’t even certain she’d believe him anyway.
But he had to give her something. Something real.
“I watched my mother suffer because of my father’s…
appetites. I swore I would never put a woman through that. ”
Diana’s expression softened. “Your father was unfaithful?”
“Among other things.” Graham’s jaw tightened, then he shook off the thoughts of his father. “And I detest gambling, almost as much as artichokes.”
Diana’s lips curled into the most adorable grin. “And I’ve learned a few more things about you.”
“I’m afraid that is all the education we have time for at present. Your father is on his way home to speak with you.”
Her face shifted to an expression of panic. “How am I to get home without being caught?”
“We will take the alleys as quickly as we can so you can sneak back into your house. Or at least get to the garden.”
He took her hand and they slipped out of the mews and through back streets, Graham keeping watch for anyone as they crossed each short block.
At the corner of her street, Graham stopped. “I’ll keep watch until you’re safely inside.”
Diana turned to face him, and for a moment they simply looked at each other.
“Graham,” she said softly. “Thank you for being honest with me about your father. Honesty is important in a marriage.”
The guilt of the situation he was hiding from her gnawed at him, but he told himself he was doing what was best. To give them the best chance. Their marriage wouldn’t start with love, but there was attraction and connection. And he couldn’t ruin that before they’d even started.
He couldn’t speak, so he just nodded.
She rose on her toes and brushed a kiss to his cheek, lingering just a moment longer than before.
“Thank you for today. I hope to see you tomorrow,” she whispered, then turned and walked swiftly toward her house.
Graham watched until she disappeared inside, his hand rising unconsciously to touch the spot where her lips had touched his skin.
He was doing the right thing. The attraction and quick comfort between them couldn’t be coincidence.
He did mean every word he said to her father.
Somehow she had quickly become the person that would matter the most to him over anyone else.
Once he resolved the one matter hanging over his head, there was a change that their marriage might actually become something real. Because Diana Armstrong would be easy to love.
*
The next morning, Graham was up early, as was his habit from his years of running a business. After breaking his fast, he was informed that Luna had arrived with one of his grooms, Thomas. They must have traveled some through the night to get her here.
After Graham questioned the man about the happenings back at his old home, he sent Thomas to settle the horse in the stables with the other horses. Then Graham immediately ventured to his study to review the letters that Thomas had brought with him.
First was a letter from John.
Graham,
I read your letter three times before I believed the words. Marriage so soon? I hardly know what to think, but congratulations are certainly in order.
Fair warning your mother is… well, I’ll let her tell you herself. But you might want to prepare for quite the lecture when you see her next.
I look forward to meeting your new bride. And don’t worry about things here, as I have everything well in hand.
Your cousin,
John
He immediately rang for Mitchell and then set John’s letter aside and picked up his mother’s, bracing himself for her reaction.
My dearest son,
What in heaven’s name have you done?
Marriage? And within a week of inheriting that dratted title? Have you taken complete leave of your senses?
I am, of course, delighted that you’ve found someone to share your life with. But darling boy, this haste concerns me deeply. I expect you to tell me everything when I see you.
I shall make arrangements to travel to London. I have commitments here and I am not certain I will be there in time for the wedding, but should arrive within a fortnight. Please forgive me for missing the ceremony, but I’d be out of place in a grand London event.
All my love,
Mother
Graham set the letter down and pushed aside the disappointment that his own mother wouldn’t be there for the wedding.
But at least she was coming to London. That was at least something.
He knew how it felt to be cast into a society you weren’t even certain you wanted to be a part of. And doing so was his burden, not hers.
He pulled a clean piece of parchment to begin a reply. As soon as he dipped his pen in ink, his study door flew open and then clicked closed.
And Diana stood leaning against the door.
“Diana.” Graham shot to his feet, nearly knocking over his inkwell in the process. “What are you doing here? How did you—”
“I know my way around a townhouse,” Diana said with a mischievous smile. “I just got lucky when I assumed you were in your study.”
Graham raked his fingers through his hair.
“You shouldn’t have snuck out without an escort.
Anything could have happened.” Even as he said it, he couldn’t help but drink in the sight of her.
She was wearing a deep blue walking dress that brought out her eyes, and her cheeks were pink from the morning air.
“I just couldn’t wait any longer,” she said, pushing off from the door and moving further into his study. “I wanted another riding lesson.”