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“I did not hear much of anything,” Matthew said in the most cordial tone he could manage under the circumstance, but his hands were clenched into fists at his sides, and his shoulders were very rigid. “I came to invite you to have breakfast with us downstairs.”
“How very kind of you.” Lady Dervin clapped her hands. “We shall not be long, my dear, Diana.”
Matthew intended to keep them away from her, and this invitation was only a part of his plan.
He stepped aside to allow them to leave the room before reaching for the door. His eyes met Diana’s and he hoped the smile he gave her would comfort her. Guessing he had heard the exchange, she looked embarrassed and cast her gaze down.
Matthew closed the door and guided the ladies to the morning room. When they sat to eat, he went to find Mrs. Ross to tell her to prevent everyone except Emma from entering Diana’s bedchamber, but he had to take a moment for his anger to abate first.
“The duke asked me to stay with you. I hope you do not mind the company of an old lady,” Mrs. Ross said as she entered Diana’s room shortly after Matthew had rescued her from her aunt and cousin.
It was not the way she wanted him to find out but she was grateful to him. “I am happy to have you keep me company, Mrs. Ross,” Diana returned. “Thank you.”
She came to set a stack of books down on the nightstand on Diana’s right. “Miss Kingsley sent these for you. She asked me to tell you that she will come to see you soon.”
Diana suspected Mrs. Ross, Matthew, and Emma were working to keep her aunt away from her. Their efforts and care touched something deep inside her heart, and she smiled ruefully.
She picked up the books and inspected them, and when she found one with a blank cover, she glanced at Mrs. Ross, who had taken a seat near the fireplace and was about to begin embroidering, before opening it to see that it was the book she thought it was. The very novel that had made them blush in the bookstore.
Leaning back against her pillows and ignoring the dull ache in her foot, she began to read, and very soon, her eyes grew heavy. She yawned and closed the book before absently turning to her side so she could sleep comfortably.
The pain she reawakened in her foot made her yelp and she sat up. Mrs. Ross was immediately at her side, inquiring solicitously.
“I turned while falling asleep,” Diana explained. “Please do not worry.”
Mrs. Ross smiled warmly. “If His Grace worries about you, then I must, too.”
Diana’s heart filled with tenderness and appreciation when she heard that, and the smile that came to her face was bright. Another pillow was placed beneath her aching foot, and she attempted to sleep again.
She was unable to, likely because the drowsiness had been chased away by the pain. She picked up the novel again, and as she finished another page, a soft knock came at the door, but before Mrs. Ross could answer it, Emma opened it and walked in.
“How do you feel?” she asked, coming to sit beside Diana on the bed, taking her hand.
“Much better than I was last night.” Diana had a slight fever the night before that had thankfully abated after a hot tea.
“I am very glad.” Emma’s expression changed, and Diana thought she looked guilty.
“What is the matter?”
“Your aunt and cousin.” Emma seemed to watch her carefully as she spoke. “I have noticed that they are not always kind to you.”
Diana glanced to the side. “Well…”
“I told Matthew,” Emma revealed, her tone hushed. “Forgive me. I know you did not want to share this but I was gravely concerned about you and thought he might help.”
Matthew could help her, but her past could slip in to undermine matters. However, Diana smiled at her. “You do not have to beg my pardon for this, and I greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness.”
Emma glanced behind at Mrs. Ross, who was seemingly not paying any attention to them, and lowered her voice further. “He sent Mrs. Ross to stay with you, and to keep your aunt and cousin away... I think he might be in love with you.”
Matthew? In love with her? It was possible, and the notion made a small quiver form at the base of her stomach and spread over the rest of her body. She breathed deep and held it because Emma continued, “He might make you an offer.”
Yes, that news was certainly enough to snatch her breath away. “Did he tell you that?” she asked. Mrs. Ross quietly rose from her seat and left the room, likely because they were whispering and she thought they needed some privacy.
Emma giggled. “No, but he does not have to. His opinions and feelings for you are quite apparent.” As if a needle had been pushed into her chest, Diana shut her eyes in pain and looked away. “What is the matter?” Emma asked, touching her shoulder. “Is it your foot?”
“No, my foot is fine. I…” Diana gave her head a slight shake, then decided to be honest. Well, partly. “I cannot marry him.”
“Is he not the one you were referring to when you told me that your heart is spoken for?”
