“Of course,” Hannah said quickly, offering her a small, comforting smile.
Diana felt a rush of gratitude for their unwavering support. Whatever questions they had would wait until they could speak privately.
Matt appeared at Powis’s shoulder, and his expression also laced with concern.
“Graham,” he said, his tone tight. “Congratulations on your betrothal to our Diana here.”
At least Diana now knew the given name of her betrothed. That was a start. It didn’t mean he would give her leave to refer to him as such, but it’s a detail she should know about the man she was going to marry.
“Thank you,” Graham replied stiffly, not meeting Matt’s eye.
Before anyone could say more, Diana spotted Elias cutting through the crowd, much like a raging bull. She could see the way he strained to control his fury. And she drew a long breath to brace herself as curious onlookers watched the scene.
“Sister,” Elias said when he reached them, his voice deadly calm. “I believe we need to speak.”
“Elias,” Diana began, but he held up a hand.
“Lord Powis,” he started, barely hiding his contempt before he lowered his voice so only they could hear. “I believe I am owed the courtesy of a conversation.”
Graham straightened, and to his credit he didn’t cower at her brother’s harsh tone. “Indeed, my lord.”
“I’m pleased my sister accepted your proposal,” Elias said loudly, so that his voice carried.
Diana saw several guests turn to listen, not bothering to hide their interest in the unfolding drama.
“As am I,” Graham replied carefully.
Elias stepped closer, his smile never wavering for the benefit of their audience, but his voice dropped to a deadly whisper that onlyDiana and Graham could hear. “Though I find this rather suspicious. A man inherits a title and within hours of entering society has compromised an earl’s daughter with a considerable dowry into marriage.”
Diana felt the blood drain from her face at Elias’s cruel words. Graham went rigid beside her.
“Elias,” Diana hissed.
But her brother wasn’t finished. Still speaking quietly enough that only they could hear while maintaining his facade for the watching crowd. “I will see you on the dueling ground if you have a mind to take her dowry and abandon her in the country for mistresses and gambling halls.”
Graham’s jaw tightened, but he kept his voice equally low. “I am not of that mind, my lord. But I appreciate your concern.”
Elias extended his hand to Graham for a formal shake. When Graham took it, Elias pulled him closer.
“Do you?” Elias asked, his nostrils flaring. “Because I do not make idle threats.”
The threat hung in the air between them as the men faced each other, then released hands.
Graham nodded stiffly.
Elias straightened, extending his arm to his wife, Lydia, who had been watching the scene with concern. “Wonderful! We shall begin the wedding preparations tomorrow,” he said loudly enough for nearby guests to hear. Then, dropping his voice once more, he continued, “And we’ll continue our other conversation privately. Soon.”
Lydia patted her husband’s arm, urging him to maintain his composure.
“I must apologize for my brother,” Diana whispered to Graham. “He shouldn’t have—”
“He’s right to do it,” Graham cut her off quietly. “And I did compromise you.”
Matt stepped closer to Graham’s right. “Perhaps you should make the formal announcement,” he suggested. “Put an end to the speculation.”
“And then I’m taking my sister home,” Elias added firmly.
Diana nodded just as Lady Fletcher approached with her husband in tow. “Lord Powis, Lady Diana, did we hear that an announcement may be in order?”
