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“I hope you have not had a change of heart, Matthew.” Her voice was low, and her expression solemn.
He did not know how to respond and was very grateful when Albert saved him from answering. “I think we should go to the theater some time,” Albert announced to the room. “I heard there is a ridiculous new play that everyone is clamoring to see.”
“I think that is a brilliant idea,” Matthew said. “Shall we?”
His eyes found Diana and she quickly looked down at the book in her hand. Could knowing that her cousin was Dee be the reason she left him in the gallery twice, and also refused to return to the ballroom to dance with him? It was very likely, and he admired her for her loyalty.
“I would love to see the play,” Florence said.
“As would I,” Crawford joined in.
Matthew glanced at Diana again, and she still would not look at him. “Miss Pearson?” he called, and she looked up, a small smile curving the lips he wanted to kiss again, desperately.
“Yes, seeing a play would be lovely,” she answered, and something told him she might not join them. If he wanted her there, he would have to find a way to convince her.
Matthew showed them a couple more rooms in the castle before it was time to bid them good night. Crawford was the first to leave, and Matthew and Albert walked the ladies, excluding Emma, out to their carriage.
“Do call upon us for tea anytime you wish, Your Grace,” Lady Dervin said. “Florence has many more paintings to show you.”
Mathew smiled politely. “Of course, Lady Dervin.” He turned to Florence and placed a light kiss on her hand, disturbed by the passiveness he felt. He quietly told himself that it was Diana’s presence that caused it. He courteously helped Lady Dervin and Florence climb into the carriage before turning to Diana and holding his hand to her.
The jolt of sensation that ripped through his body when her hand touched his did not surprise him because he knew what his body wanted, but it deepened his conflict. Still, he kissed her hand.
“I hope to see you again,” he whispered.
She only nodded, and he knew it was only meant to placate him. He helped her into the carriage and closed the door, his spirits darkening.
“So. Which of them is Dee?” Albert asked after the carriage had rolled away. Matthew had changed his mind earlier and told him the reason he was hosting dinner was to find Dee, and that he suspected it was Diana. He had then asked Albert to give Diana that note to get her alone.
“Florence Dervin,” Matthew murmured.
“You are disappointed,” Albert observed.
“Yes. I was almost certain it was Diana. It had appeared as though she was hiding something from me, but Florence gave me the proof I needed.” He turned and walked back into the castle, heading for his study.
“What are you going to do now?” Albert asked when they were inside the study.
“I do not know,” he admitted, going to pour some liquor for them. He needed it.
“What does your heart tell you?” Albert asked.
Matthew chuckled humorlessly. “It will not speak to me.”
“And your body? Will it speak to you?”
He handed Albert a glass containing some gin before he sat in a chair by the hearth and answered with, “Diana.”
“Perhaps you should listen to your body. Desire often leads one to their heart.”
“And abandon years of friendship and admiration that I have with Florence?”
“Perhaps Florence is meant to only be your friend.”
Matthew did not believe that for they had said some things to each other that mere friends did not say. It felt like he was betraying a confidence if he chose her cousin, out of everybody, over her. Closing his eyes, he sighed. “I will find a way.”
Albert gave him an encouraging smile and sat in the chair opposite him, wincing as he did. “I should have brought my cane today. I did not think I would need it.”
“You do not have to drive back to your house. You and Emma may stay here,” Matthew offered.
