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Helen’s eyes bulged, and Jacob moved to the edge of his seat. “You live here?”
“Yes, Father,” she replied calmly. “I live here now. I am betrothed to the duke, and Emma is staying with us, as well.”
“What manner of arrangement is this?” Jacob asked, disapproval pulling his brows over his eyes.
“I began living here a few days ago when I injured my foot. I could not walk, so I stayed. Besides, I am no longer welcome in Aunt Margaret’s home.”
“And what precisely are the circumstances of your engagement?”
His words were like a knife in her heart, and Diana winced, momentarily looking away. “I had hoped your opinion of me would improve after two years.” She looked up at Jacob, feeling her expression harden. “It is an ordinary engagement, Father. Banns have been posted, and everything is following a natural course.”
Helen cast him a disapproving glance but she did not speak. She never did have the power to challenge him. But she gave Diana an apologetic look. Her mother’s behavior toward her had changed, although she was uncertain whether it was genuine or influenced by her engagement to Matthew.
Turning to her father, Diana said, “You will not be embarrassed.”
“I did not mean…” He shook his head.
“I understand, Father,” Diana said impassively, holding everything she felt within.
“You said you were no longer welcome in Margaret’s house,” Helen finally spoke, and Diana almost raised her brows in surprise. “What happened?”
“I discovered that she had spent some of my dowry,” Diana revealed.
“Margaret would not do that,” Jacob immediately defended.
Diana felt her eyes narrow. “Then how do you suppose I lost my dowry?”
He stared at her, and in his eyes, she saw her answer. Disappointment scraped her insides but she pushed it down.
“I know my sister,” he continued. “She is kind and generous. That is why I sent you to live with her.”
“I do not think we should doubt Diana, Jacob,” Helen said, and he gave her a look that instantly silenced her.
Diana would not be quieted so easily, however, and she straightened her shoulders. “You may believe what you want, but it no longer matters. I know the truth, and those dear to me believe it.”
Her father gaped, his eyes bulging. She turned to her mother and forced a smile. “Would you like to rest before the duke returns, Mother? You have had quite a long journey.”
“Yes, I would like that, Diana,” Helen replied, rising with her.
“I shall show you to your chambers.” Diana led her out of the drawing-room, leaving Jacob by himself. She decided to keep away from him as much as she could while he was here.
“You already have the authority of a duchess,” Helen said as they climbed the stairs.
“I never imagined I would ever be a duchess,” Diana muttered, glancing at her mother. Her father, she could easily disregard, but Helen was more difficult to read even though she was malleable.
“How did you become acquainted with the duke?”
“We met during a ball he hosted.” It was only partly true but Diana did not think they needed to know about her long correspondence with Matthew.
Oh, Matthew,she almost sighed, feeling forlorn again.
Helen did not speak again until they arrived at her chambers and Diana opened the door for her. “Can you come inside for a moment?”
Diana hesitated but she walked in, watching her mother admire the rose and cream hues of the bedchamber and sitting room. When she had seen enough, Helen sat on a sofa and called Diana.
Again, she hesitated, but she went to sit beside her. “Do you love him?” Helen asked suddenly, and Diana blinked because she had not expected to hear that question; most certainly not from her mother.
“Yes, I do,” she answered. She had loved Matthew when they knew each other only through writing, and she loved him now much more than she had then. The feeling had been growing, and every time Diana saw him, the words wanted to come out, but she had stopped them because of the uncertainty that had filled her life for years.
