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“The duke might call upon us at any time, so I expect you to join us in the drawing-room when he does. I am happy that he gave Florence more attention than he gave you the last time he was here. You are not a threat to her prospects, but if you do anything to interfere with her chances, I will tell the duke what you did in London myself.”
“Do you not think that telling him might discourage him from courting Florence?” Diana asked, grinning. Her aunt must have thought she could trick her.
Surprise and displeasure passed over Margaret’s expression but she recovered quickly. “You know I have the power to undo your life, do you not?”
That power will be taken away once November came, and Diana found great comfort in that, but she said, “Yes, I do,” so her aunt did not suspect anything.
“Good. I am glad we have reached an understanding.” Margaret turned and made for the door. “From today onwards, you will join us for breakfast,” she added over her shoulder.
Diana followed her down to the dining room and Florence did not look surprised to see her, which suggested that Margaret had informed her of the decision to have her become less of a prisoner in the house. Or perhaps Florence had suggested it to her mother. One of the maids in the room, however, was surprised to see Diana in the room.
Margaret did not want Matthew to know about her ill-treatment of Diana, but the servants had been watching for two years, and although they had been paid for their silence, the word could still reach his ears.
They had just begun eating when a maid walked in to deliver a message. Diana could not see the seal on the letter from where she sat but the look in her aunt and cousin’s eyes told her who the sender was. Her aunt quickly opened it and read on, then she squealed.
“The Duke wants us at Kendall Castle this evening!”
“Oh, my goodness!” Florence jumped in her seat, her hand knocking over the cup of milk in front of her. The liquid ran down the edge of the table onto her bright pink morning dress. “Oh, my goodness!” she yelled again, this time horrified. It was only milk but one would think swill was poured on her dress for how she reacted.
Diana smiled, not at her cousin’smisfortune, but at the prospect of seeing Matthew again. Her smile broadened as she thought about it, and even wondered if they would get a moment alone.
Matthew was waiting for them, with another gentleman and a young lady, in a beautiful drawing-room when they arrived. He crossed the room to greet them, his eyes appearing amber in the candlelight that was reflected all around the room by crystals in both the chandelier and sconces.
Florence held her hand out to him before he offered for it, and Diana saw the brows of the other gentleman in the room rise. Matthew lightly kissed Florence’s hand before he turned to Diana. Heat covered her skin when she placed her gloved hand in his.
He lingered when he kissed her knuckles but not long enough for anyone to notice, and there was a silent communication that happened between them when their eyes held. He was glad to see her, and he had not forgotten their kiss.
“Please allow me to introduce my dear friend, Mr. Albert Kingsley,” Matthew said when they joined the others, “and his sister, Miss Emma Kingsley.”
Miss Kingsley looked up shyly at them and curtsied before lowering her eyes, while Mr. Kingsley bowed, and gave them a very charming smile. Diana noticed a hitch in his gait when he moved away from them. They sat to wait for dinner to be served, and Florence immediately drew Matthew into a conversation, while Margaret encouraged her.
Diana’s attention was claimed by Mr. Kingsley when he said, “I do not believe I saw you at the ball two days ago.”
“Oh, I was here but…” She glanced at Matthew and saw him looking at her, his expression amused. Was he curious to hear her response? “I got lost exploring the castle.”
Mr. Kingsley laughed. “Kendall Castle is fond of doing that to anyone who dares to go off on their own. I was eight years old when I first came here, and I could not find my way back down after I got trapped on the third floor. Where were you trapped?”
“On the first floor.” She took care not to reveal exactly where she had been and Matthew had one corner of his mouth turned up in a smile when she looked at him.
“Will you give me a tour of the castle, Your Grace?” Florence fluttered her eyelashes.
“I would love to,” he replied cordially.
“After dinner?” Florence insisted.
And he nodded.
“Have you always lived in Kent?” Mr. Kingsley’s question made Diana’s back stiffen.
Several answers and their consequences passed through her mind. “Yes, I have,” she said when she felt Matthew’s gaze upon her.
“Your name sounds rather familiar,” Mr. Kingsley continued. “Have we met before by any chance?”
Diana's breath hitched. “I…I am sure I would remember you if we had.”
“You are right.” He laughed sheepishly. “I am only trying to recall where I heard your name.”
Diana was certain he had heard of the now infamous scandal of London. She had to escape the conversation before he recalled anything that would expose her. Slowly, she stood and smiled, saying, “Please, excuse me.”
