“And is your husband happy?” the Countess asked, as though that was the most important thing of all.
“I believe that he may be happy,” Diana replied, trying her best to be polite toward her mother.
It was difficult, however, when her mother seemed not to care about her happiness but rather that of a man who was virtually a stranger to her.
“That is wonderful news. Such a wonderful match!” the Countess gushed.
Diana had to turn away from her. Had to focus on her sisters, who were still gazing around the room in amazement.
It truly was a beautiful house. With the right décor, it could be even more so. And she planned to do everything she could to make that happen. It would just take a little bit of convincing Matthew. Though, she reminded herself, if they managed to find a new home, she would not need to bother with this one.
“Have you missed us?” Marigold asked.
Diana pulled each of her sisters in for a hug. “Of course, I have missed all of you a great deal. Especially when I first moved here. Oh, how I missed you all.”
“But your time here has … improved? ?” Marigold seemed hopeful, and Diana was reminded that all of this happened because of her sister.
Diana had stepped in to take Marigold’s place, and no doubt Marigold still felt guilty for it.
“I am.”
She glanced over at Matthew again, noting the way his suit fit him so well, and once more she was struck by how handsome he was. He looked so… relaxed over there with John and Isabelle. His cousins were clearly his favorite people, and she wondered why he had not had them over before now. At least, not officially, she thought, remembering Isabelle’s visit to her and all she had learned from it.
“I am glad to hear it,” Marigold told her.
Diana smiled at her. “Now, come, we shall have a wonderful meal, and then there shall be dancing.”
It was at that moment that a servant approached Matthew, quietly informing him that dinner was ready, and his eyes met her own.
Even from across the crowded room, Diana could feel his eyes on her. The way they seemed to penetrate deep into her soul. And yet they also caused something to flutter in her chest.
The way his lips turned up slightly as he looked at her only made the sensation more intense, and she quickly averted her eyes before he could read anything in them.
But the way he strode over to her, strong and assured, reaching out for her so he could pull her to the head of their procession and lead her toward the dining room… there was no hiding the almost giddy smile on her face at his touch.
And so the dinner progressed, with exclamations of delight from all of their guests as dish after dish was presented to them. Beautiful dishes that they all loved. Except, perhaps, his uncle.
The uncle who remained silent throughout the entire meal and simply stared at them.
Diana wasn’t even sure that he had a bite of the food, and her mood soured slightly as she tried to determine just what it was about the party that he did not like.
Had she done something to offend him? To upset him in some way?
“Is this not what you had wished for?” Matthew murmured gently, leaning toward her.
She jumped slightly at the suddenness of his words and turned to look at him. “It is not that. I am having a wonderful time. Only… I wonder if your uncle is doing the same.”
Matthew looked up, and his brow furrowed slightly as he, too, noticed his uncle’s stiff posture and clenched jaw. “I am sure it is nothing. Do not worry yourself about him. Enjoy your party and your guests. Everyone else seems to be having a wonderful time.”
He was right about that. They alldidseem to be having a wonderful time, and she managed a small smile before returning to her food and talking with her sisters, who were seated near her.
By the time the meal was finished, everyone was more than full, and she was certain they would be ready for some fresh entertainment. “Now that everyone has finished their meals, we shall move our party to the ballroom for a little entertainment and dancing.”
“Shall we really have dancing,?” Valery asked, excitedly, though the others were looking about the room at their assembled group with some uncertainty.
“Indeed,” Diana replied. “John and Mathew have agreed to dance with each of the ladies,” she added with a sparkle in her eye.
“Oh, wonderful!” Arabella exclaimed and Isabelle laughed.
