Chapter Seven
Graham
Graham stepped outfrom 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 herhome. 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 meetwith 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 backinto your house. Or at least get to the garden.”
