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Diana’s heart tumbled, and she stepped out of his arms, looking away the instant she saw his smile begin to fade. She had to draw out every ounce of courage she had to say the words. “Matthew, I cannot accept your offer.”
She felt his hands on her shoulders, and he slowly turned her around to face him. “Is something preventing you, Diana?”
She quickly shook her head. “No. Of course not. I realize that we do not match, and I…I do not want to waste your time.” She was unable to meet his eyes. “Please excuse me.” She brushed past him and unlocked the door, hurrying out with her heart in her throat.
She had one thing left to do, which was to give Crawford the money, and then she would be free to leave Kent.
Chapter 24
Diana was woken up the following day by a loud knock on her bedchamber door, and she bolted up in bed before wincing and raising her hand to her temple. She had not slept until dawn after lying awake and staring at the roof of her four-poster bed, contemplating her decision.
“Open this door at once, Diana!” Margaret called.
She threw back the covers and got out of bed, feeling unsteady on her feet. She was not allowed to properly open the door before her aunt burst in with her cousin behind her. “What is this about, now?” Diana asked.
“Money was stolen from my study and I demand to know who stole it,” Margaret spat, but Diana was unperturbed by her fury. She had greater problems to deal with, and she would never allow Margaret to find the money.
Diana folded her arms across her chest. “Did you see me enter your study, Aunty?”
“Florence told me she saw you with money some days ago.”
Diana’s gaze went to her cousin. “Did you, now, Florence?”
“Where is the money, Diana?” Margaret demanded.
“Where is my dowry?” Diana asked coldly.
“What manner of question is that?” her aunt returned.
“I am asking to be sure you still have the full sum, seeing as I might marry by summer’s end.”
Margaret shifted uncomfortably. “What are you implying?”
Diana shrugged. “My father sends you money every month, and you spend most of it on yourself and Florence. I want to know that my dowry is safe. My father would not be pleased to learn you have allowed it to be stolen...or even squandered.”
“Your father will not believe anything you say, you insolent cub!”
Diana’s rage was boiling like a potion in a cauldron. She spoke to Florence now. “Did you ask your mother where your dowry is?”
“…No.” Florence regarded her mother dubiously. “Mother, do you still possess the full sum of my dowry that father left behind?”
“How could you even consider Diana’s words to be true?” Margaret yelled.
“I am only asking you!” Florence shouted back. “Will you tell me the truth?”
Diana picked up her robe that lay at the foot of her bed and put it on, then started toward the door because she could not bear their shrieks. She had neither admitted nor denied taking the money but she had laid the truth bare for her cousin to see.
“We no longer have any money left, Florence,” Margaret confessed. “I had to use the funds my brother sends for Diana to take care of your needs.”
“I am asking aboutmymoney, Mother! The money my father left me so I could marry. Did you spend it?”
“…I have.” Margaret’s answer was barely louder than a whisper, and Diana froze.
“How much did you spend…” Florence whispered hushedly.
“All of it.”
Turning around slowly, Diana felt sorry for her cousin because she looked utterly stricken by that revelation. The amount Diana had found had indeed been entirely hers. “And how much of mine did you spend to fund your lavish lifestyle, Aunty?” she asked.
