CHAPTER 21
DIANA
I watched Clifton leave the room, my heart in my throat.
I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I wanted to stay in the bedroom, safely hidden away.
But I didn’t have to worry about repercussions if I did something to displease my uncle.
Our marriage was recognized in England, and they no longer had any control over me.
Clifton had saved me, and I couldn’t abandon him to suffer my uncle’s wrath while I hid.
I followed him into the main room and tried to remain calm while he opened the cottage door. When I saw a young maid standing in the doorway, I sagged with relief.
She dipped into a curtsy. “My lord. I’m afraid I have bad news. Someone has arrived at the inn, an older gentleman.” Her eyes darted past him and landed on me. “He says he is searching for his niece.”
Clifton glanced at me and then turned back to the maid. “Thank you for letting us know. I will follow momentarily.”
She dipped into a curtsy again before leaving.
Clifton closed the door and turned to me. “I’ll deal with this.”
I was already shaking my head. “No, I must come with you.”
“There’s no need to put yourself through this ordeal—”
“There is every need,” I said, interrupting him. “Uncle will need to see me. I’ll need to convince him that it is too late.”
“No convincing will be necessary. You are legally my wife, and there’s nothing he can do about it.”
I took a deep breath, trying to settle my rising panic. This was no different than any of those other times when I’d displeased my uncle. He’d never been fond of me and rarely tolerated my presence. Although he’d be much angrier now, given the inconvenience I’d put him through.
I shuddered. The fact that he’d arrived so quickly on our heels meant that he, too, had traveled by post chaise. I don’t know if he’d ever exerted himself in such a manner before now. My uncle was a man who appreciated his comforts.
I pushed back my emotions, forcing myself to embrace the stoic demeanor I wore as a cloak whenever I was in his presence. This time, I held the upper hand. I was safe.
I made my way back to the bedroom to retrieve my hair pins. I didn’t bother combing my hair. If I took too long, Clifton might slip out without me. I twisted the long strands and pinned them up, doing my best with the little time I had.
Clifton was leaning against the doorframe, watching me. He waited for me to finish before speaking. “Tuttleford can’t do anything to you.”
His expression was filled with the supreme confidence of a man who was certain of his position in the world. A man who would never back down from a fight.
That brought up an absurd image of the two of them engaging in a physical fight, and I couldn’t help but laugh. Uncle would never lower himself in such a way. There was nothing he could do to Clifton. He was merely a baron, and I was now a countess and above his station.
I nodded. “You are correct, of course. I am fine now. I just want this whole thing behind us.”
Clifton took both my hands in his. “You won’t have to see him again. This is the last time he will bother you.”
I nodded, knowing he was correct. I just wanted this whole thing behind me now. “We should get this over with.”
He was searching my face for any hint of doubt. “If you’ve changed your mind—”
I shook my head. “No, I am coming. I need to see this through. I chose to go with you, and I will not be a coward now.”
He shook his head, smiling. “You’re a constant surprise, Diana.”
I tilted my head and gazed up at him.
“After we get through this and I’ve regained my strength with a hearty meal, I think I’d like to try a few of the other things Caroline told me about.”
The spark of interest in his eyes was unmistakable. “I’m hoping she hasn’t told you everything.” He tucked me against his side. “Come, we’re at the last hurdle now, then it will all be behind us.”