“Of course, but that’s different. And eventually, we’re all going to marry.”
Diana touched her mother’s diamond necklace, wishing that she were there to guide her. “I am tired of waiting for something that may never be. And if I can find a comfortable marriage where I can focus my time on something I enjoy, that seems better than what is afforded to most.”
“Diana,” Juliana said quietly, “marriage doesn’t have to immediately be about wild, passionate love. It can be about friendship. But it should be rooted in some measure of mutual affection if you are going to spend the rest of your life with the person. That is what pulled Edward and me together.”
“You see?” Diana said, seizing on Juliana’s words. “A marriage not based on love can work perfectly well.”
“But Edward and I chose each other,” Juliana continued gently. “We knew we suited in temperament and interests. What you’re describing with Lord Ockham sounds more like… employment.”
Marina opened her fan again. “Exactly. You speak of him as if he’s hiring you to manage his estates, not courting you for a wife.”
“And what’s wrong with that?” Diana asked, though even as she spoke, she could hear how defensive she sounded. And she had a sudden urge to search for Lord Powis again. She wasn’t even certain ifshe truly believed the things she said or if she had dug her heels into her plan. She struggled to move away from something once she set her mind on it.
“Oh, Diana.” Hannah squeezed her arm. “You’ve always been far too stubborn for your own good.”
Her closest friend knew her far too well. And she might be right. But it didn’t change that she wanted to move her life forward. She didn’t see Lord Powis, and she took that as a sign. The man was mesmerizing, but that didn’t mean that there would be a future. He came from a line of libertine relatives, so it should come as no surprise that he was full of charm.
She was nothing if not practical, and Lord Ockham was practical. And she’d promised herself that she would take action this season. She was done waiting for her time to come.
Lord Ockham mentioned wanting fresh air, and perhaps… Perhaps this was an opportunity. If she could speak with him privately, away from the constraints of the ballroom, she might make her interest more clearly known.
“Ladies,” she said, barely listening to their continued protests, “I find I’m quite warm. I think I’ll step outside for some air.”
“Diana—” Hannah began, recognizing the determined set of her friend’s jaw. “I’m coming with you.”
“No. Please. I’ll only be a moment. And I need you to cover for me with Elias.” Diana was already moving toward the terrace doors, before Hannah could refuse. For once in her carefully controlled life, she was going to take a risk. She was going to throw caution to the wind and see what might happen if she pursued what she wanted.
The cool evening air beckoned through the open doors, carrying with it the scent of early spring flowers. As she stepped onto the moonlit terrace, Diana felt a thrill of anticipation.
Diana descended the stairs of the terrace, searching the grounds for him. It was quiet and she didn’t see anyone else. She moved deeperinto the shadows of the garden, following the gravel path and expecting to come across Ockham at any moment.
She turned around in the maze and wasn’t sure which way to go. She heard other footsteps, and picked up her pace toward a turn in the path, hoping that she had caught up to him.
Rounding the corner of a hedge, she ran right into a hard, muscular frame.
Strong hands gripped her arms to steady her, and she looked up to find herself staring into the startled green eyes of Lord Powis. Her pulse raced as she realized how close they were standing. Close enough that she could feel his heart beat wildly against her chest. Close enough to catch the scent of sandalwood and something uniquely him.
“Lady Diana,” he said more roughly than usual. “I… forgive me. I didn’t expect anyone else to be out here.”
I should step back, apologize, and return to the ballroom immediately.Instead, she found herself studying the strong line of his jaw, the way his dark hair had been slightly mussed by the evening breeze. Diana wanted to lose all control and allow her fingers to run her fingers through it.
“I was… that is, I came out for air.” The words came out breathier than she intended.
His hands were still on her arms, warm even through the silk of her gloves. Neither of them moved to break the contact.
“As did I. The ballroom was rather overwhelming.” His eyes scanned her face and the rest of her. “Are you quite all right? I didn’t harm you when we collided, did I?”
Her pulse was racing, and she felt as though she couldn’t quite catch her breath. But it had nothing to do with any injury and everything to do with the way he was looking at her with their bodies pressed together.
“I’m perfectly fine,” she managed, though her voice betrayed her. “Just startled.”
“Diana.” The way he said her name, soft and wondering, made her stomach flutter.
Something shifted in his expression. His gaze dropped to her lips, and she found herself wondering what it would be like if he kissed her.
There was no space between them now. Or perhaps she had moved closer. She couldn’t be sure.
“You should go back inside,” he said quietly, but he made no move to release her. And he didn’t sound as if he truly meant the words.
