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Their conversation from then on was very pleasant, and Diana was able to forget her troubles for a moment. Until she raised her eyes and found both Matthew and Crawford watching her. Crawford looked away when Florence said something to him but Matthew’s gaze remained on her, enticingly coaxing a response from her body. She knew a blush was spreading over her cheeks when they became warm.
Again, she wished they could get a moment alone, but he was going to show them the castle after dinner, and they might leave afterward. Diana did not see the chance, and she let out a small sigh.
After dinner, Matthew stood and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to tour you of the late and great Kendall Castle.”
Margaret looked about the dining room’s features with her lips pursed before she exchanged a look with Florence that Diana immediately recognized, and something bitter turned in her chest. Her aunt was encouraging Florence to make Matthew hers, and Diana was realizing a mistake she had made.
Florence could do something that would force Matthew to marry her, and they only wanted his wealth and title. Diana needed to save him if she could. No good man should fall into the grasp of devious women.
“Miss Pearson,” Mr. Kingsley called. He was standing beside her, and he took her hand, placing something in it before she could react. Then he offered his sister his arm and led her out of the room.
Diana looked down to find a folded piece of paper in her hand, and she allowed everyone to leave the dining room before she unfolded it. Matthew’s penmanship drew a smile from her as her pulse quickened.
I have to see you again, Diana. Will you wait for me in the place where we first met? —M.
She sucked in her lips to contain her excitement. Quickly folding the paper, she tucked it into her reticule and walked out of the dining room. She remembered where the ballroom was, and from there, she found the gallery.
It was not lit tonight, not even the fireplace, but the moonlight streamed into the room to illuminate it, aided by the mirrors and crystals around. She closed the door, and a voice in her mind asked her exactly what she was doing. Why she was agreeing to secretly meet with Matthew? He did not know who she was, and she wanted to indulge in her yearning. Diana did not want to refuse his request.
But was it any better if she courted him as Diana and not Dee? Was there even a point in hiding her true identity from him then? An uneasiness withered in her stomach.
No. It is just to be merely acquainted with a childhood friend. By November, I will leave all of this behind anyway.
She moved toward a window and stood before it, gazing at the beautiful garden outside. She remembered once telling Matthew that she loved gardens, especially walking in them on a warm day. Could he remember? Her shoulders grew rigid when she heard the door open, and she turned very slowly, hoping it was Matthew and no one else.
“Diana,” he said softly, a smile in his voice.
She breathed, greatly relieved. “Should you not be giving your guests a tour of your castle?”
He shook his head and covered the distance between them in five long strides. “I have a matter here that requires my attention.”
“Is that what you told everyone?” She gazed up at him, a flutter in her solar plexus.
“I told them I had business to see to, and Albert is showing them around.” He took her hand and raised it to his lips, brushing her fingers very lightly, tantalizing her senses with a promise.
“Why did you want to see me?” she whispered.
“I think you know, Diana.” He lowered her hand but did not release it. “I want to know who you are.”
“You think I am someone else, Matthew, and I am not.” That was not a lie. She was no longer the woman he knew.
“No, you are not, but I still want to know you.” He tenderly caressed her cheek with a finger. “You have not left my thoughts since the moment I first beheld you.”
Diana closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. She wanted him to know both versions of herself but the price would be high, and he could reject her afterward. Rejection might be an old foe but she would not be able to bear it if it came from him.
But perhaps she could indulge her desires just this once. “I want to know you, as well, Matthew.”
His smile brightened the room, and a little laugh bubbled up her chest. “There is a lake about three miles from here. Do you know it?”
“The place where…” she paused.Where the willows dance.She bit her tongue, recalling that he had written to her about the exact place not far from his country seat. A place only Dee would know. “I have heard of such a place,” she said instead.
“Yes. Will you meet me there?”
“When?”
“I will write to you.” He stroked her cheek again before leaning forward, his temple inches away from hers, igniting a fire inside her that she now knew only he could quell. “Will you meet me there, Diana?” he asked again.
“I shall try,” she whispered, unsure if she should. “I cannot make you a promise.” Her voice quivered slightly as the reality of what was happening hit her.
