C*cky Marquess by Annabelle Anders

Chapter 6

“Shall we go through?”

Diana forced herself to blink away the unexpected chill that settled on her at the marquess’s departure and turned what she hoped was a brilliant smile in the captain’s direction. “I’d be honored, Captain.”

She slid her hand into the crook of his arm and allowed him to lead her through to Chase’s large dining hall. When she searched for something to say, though, she failed to come up with anything even remotely witty.

Should she flirt? Should she attempt an air of mystery? If her instincts had been wrong before, could she rely on them now? She wished she had been able to spend a few more minutes alone with Lord Greystone. He could have instructed her as to what to say to the Captain.

Reeling, her emotions lurched wildly.

Lord Greystone had called her Diana. Not Miss Diana.

Just… Diana. The word that was her name had sounded so… proper. But it had also sounded sensual as it rolled off his tongue.

How was it that he managed to sound more aristocratic than her brother or even her father ever had?

Was it his arrogance? Confidence? Or was it simply something that was unique to himself?

“That color gown suits you. Brings out the lovely shade of your eyes,” Captain Edgeworth filled the silence.

Diana had all but forgotten that she was wearing her favorite of all the new gowns she and Bethany had decided upon for the Season. The muslin underdress was an eggshell blue, almost white, and the overlay consisted of a transparent material. But her favorite detail was the row of painstakingly embroidered bluebirds that had been crocheted and appeared to be dancing along the hem. A few pointed upward as though they would fly past her bodice and into the sky.

The dress was both whimsical and innocent, without being gaudy.

Most of the debutantes complained of having to wear mostly pastels, but since Diana hadn’t ever expected any of this, she was delighted with her new wardrobe.

There was something… pure about them, and in the eyes of society, from her very first breath, no one had ever considered her to be untainted.

“Thank you.” She glanced over at the captain. His shoulders were slightly broader than the marquess’s, but he wasn’t quite as tall. And his lips were full, his jaw rugged, and she appreciated the midnight blue of his eyes. “I must admit that I was exceedingly pleased when I learned England’s most famous heroes would be joining us for dinner this evening.”

Exceedingly pleased?

Most Famous heroes?She cringed at her own words. It served her right for trying to sound like she belonged in society.

Captain Edgeworth laughed. Was he laughing at her? Or was he pleased with the compliment she’d given him?

“It was our pleasure.” He covered her hand with his.

This gentleman’s touch was pleasant—even a little exciting. But it didn’t elicit that odd buzzing sensation deep in her belly.

Thank heavens.Such a feeling could have a girl thinking she might be coming down with a deadly disease.

As they entered the high-ceilinged room that’s length nearly extended the depth of the entire townhouse, servants greeted each guest individually and led them to their respective places at the long table.

As host and hostess, Chaswick sat at one end and Bethany at the other. Her sister-in-law had, of course, assigned Diana the seat beside Captain Edgeworth.

And most serendipitously, Lord Greystone sat on her opposite side. Lord Major Cockfield sat directly across from her, flanked by Lady Isabella—who sat directly across from Lord Greystone—and Collette.

Even before everyone was seated, menservants circled the table pouring wine for everyone.

Diana reached for her glass but froze and felt herself flush when she bumped elbows with Lord Greystone. Had anyone noticed? It had been an accident. She knew the rules. In addition to that, she was the host’s sister.

But you are illegitimate.A voice that sounded suspiciously like her mother’s whispered in her head, keeping her from becoming overly confident.

“My apologies, my lord,” she murmured.

“My fault.” He leaned closer, and this time, at the sound of his lowered voice, the buzzing was accompanied by a warm sense of belonging. “I knocked the knife right out of a lady’s hand at the very first formal dinner party I ever attended. The Countess of Peabody. I rather thought she might have apoplexy.”

He sat straight beside her, and with a searching glance along the table, Diana realized that none of the other guests seemed overly concerned with their exchange.

“What did you do?” she turned to ask him.

“I blamed her, of course.” His lip twitched as he fussed with the lace that draped over his wrist.

This gentleman wasn’t nearly the stoic he pretended to be.

Hearing Captain Edgeworth laugh at something witty that his other dinner partner must have said, Diana pounced on the opportunity to glean further instructions from the marquess.

“What should I say to him?” she whispered. “What should I do?” Her mouth suddenly dry, she scooped up her glass and took a healthy swallow of the wine. It was sweet, and she savored the flavor even after she swallowed.

Her brother never watered down the wine he served to his guests.

“Inquire how long he is going to be in London.” She only caught his words because she was listening so hard for his answer.

She nodded and then turned away from him. Even though she would address the captain who sat to the left of her, she was almost equally aware of Lord Greystone, who had initiated a conversation with the older woman on his right.

“How long will your regiment be in London?” Diana asked Captain Edgeworth.

He leaned back, allowing Miss Faraday to be included in their conversation. “As a military man, we never know for certain. But for the time being, I’m hopeful we’ll not be called back until season’s end—possibly later.”

He was proud of his vocation, deservedly so, and she could see that in his expression. He was just the sort of man she could respect in a marriage—a man with courage and strength and, best of all, no title.

He also had purpose, which would keep him out of trouble.

Purpose was something most aristocratic men lacked in spades—excepting, of course, one gentleman’s inclination to outshine all the ladies in their finery…

She sighed in resignation. Because, ironically, Lord Greystone’s tendency toward bright colors and lace was growing on her.

Not that it mattered.

“Where was he stationed before returning to England?” the whispered question sounded from behind her.

“Oh!” She blinked as she realized the marquess was assisting her in moving her conversation with the captain along.

“Where was he… where were you stationed?” Diana tilted her head because, of course, she must be fascinated to hear of this hero’s military accomplishments.

“West Africa, but I’m afraid I cannot be any more specific than that.” Diana shivered at the implications of such secrecy. As he expanded upon the workings of the military in general and then in greater detail, however, her attention wavered.

Behind her, Lord Greystone was participating in a lively conversation with the others in their vicinity. Diana found herself smiling at the anecdotes they shared involving Lord Major Cockfield, his twin sisters, and their older brother, the Duke of Blackheart.

Who she was certain was pretending to be the Marquess’s butler. She’d mentioned her suspicions to Chase, but he’d only laughed at her. Likely, the duke’s predicament had to do with one of their ridiculous gentlemanly wagers. Perhaps Lord Greystone would provide her with more details when he took her driving tomorrow.

With a start; she realized she was quite looking forward to it.

“Are you one of those ladies who would be willing to follow the drum, Miss Diana?” Captain Edgeworth ceased to speak in general but had focused his midnight blue eyes on her.

She ought to be swooning. Truly.

Why wasn’t she swooning?

“I’m not against the idea,” she answered. “Although I suppose there is something of a romantic appeal. Traveling new places every day… seeing the world…”

Captain Edgeworth frowned. “Romantic moments in the field are unfortunately far and few between.” Listening to him regale her and Miss Faraday with the hardships of moving about with a regiment, Diana winced slightly to herself.

She’d mostly just imagined the excitement of traveling to different places, meeting interesting people, and having her husband return from battle looking magnificent in victory and then sweeping her into his arms.

She had not considered that her floor would be dirt or sometimes mud, nor had she imagined sleeping out of doors, in a tent, throughout grueling winters. Even worse was Captain Edgeworth’s description of the African climate. He explained, in great detail, how the humidity and heat left one’s clothing constantly clinging to a person’s flesh, sometimes causing raised bumps, which were barely discernable from the numerous tiny spots left by mosquitos.

And, of course, there was always the possibility of contracting malaria.

A chill slithered down her spine, but she held her smile graciously.

Was she at all amenable to following the drum? Why hadn’t she considered the possibility of living under such harsh conditions before?

“None of those hardships matter, however,” he concluded, “when two people are in love.”

The very fact that he mentioned love sent heat flooding her neck and cheeks. Such love must be genuinely magnificent if it could make all those inconveniences worthwhile.

What would it be like to be loved by Captain Greystone…? No, not Greystone, she corrected herself, by Captain Edgeworth?

“Miss Diana.” A manservant chose that moment to reach between her and the captain to serve the first course.

“Thank you.” Was that her voice, sounding so high and breathy?

“Ahem,” Lord Greystone cleared his throat loudly. She must have done or said something wrong. Was she swooning again? She sipped at her wine to hide her blush.

“What of you, Miss Faraday?” the captain asked the lady on his opposite side.

The marquess’s cousin lowered her eyes but then just as quickly brightened them. “I’m not inclined to become attached to a military man ever again.” Apparently electing not to elaborate further on that particular statement, she went on, “But to be perfectly honest, neither am I inclined to make my bed on the ground. I’m far too old for that.”

“You are not that old,” Diana insisted. She didn’t allow herself to question Miss Faraday about the attachment to which she referred. Had the older woman given her heart to a soldier when she was younger? Was that why she’d never married? Diana was dying to ask, but even she knew that wouldn’t be appropriate.

“Lady Tabetha said she and Mr. Spencer slept beneath the stars on their way back from Gretna Green,” Collette inserted, breaking away from her conversation with Lord Greystone. “Do countryfolk do that often?”

“Only when they are willing to be walloped for it. Do you remember, Cockfield? That night your father thought we were sleeping in the gamekeeper’s hut?” Lord Greystone asked.

“How could I forget?” the Lord Major answered. “Blackheart, Mantis, Chaswick, Gil—Captain Gilcrest, I mean—and his brother, Tempest, all took part as well. Although, I must say, you and Blackheart took the brunt of the punishment.”

Lord Greystone winced jokingly, laughing as he sent Diana an amused glance. “And to think I only went so I could try out my new telescope. But with you and Chaswick insisting you heard bears rustling about in the trees, none of us got any sleep. Cowards, both of you.” He was teasing, of course. Lord Major Cockfield could not have achieved his distinguished rank if he was unable to exhibit great courage.

“Did you find any?” Lady Isabella’s lovely eyes were wide. “Were there bears in the trees?”

“Kittens.” The major leaned back in his chair, looking chagrined. “But in my defense, I have since come across a few bears, and I’ll have you know that the sounds they make can be eerily similar to the noises those felines made that night.”

Lady Isabella’s shiver seemed somewhat exaggerated, and her widened eyes lent a fragility to her natural beauty. “I don’t know how you gentlemen do it, putting yourself in danger like that. Your mothers and sisters must suffer greatly knowing that your survival is never a certainty.”

The lady’s comment drew the conversation to a jarring halt. Because, of course, every soldier’s mother and sisters always worried—as did anyone who loved them.

“What did you do with the kittens? You didn’t leave them to fend for themselves, did you?” Diana said the first thing that came to mind, trying to lighten the suddenly solemn mood.

“Greys insisted on taking all four of them back to the stables,” the major answered. “Mocking us the entire time.”

“Although I don’t think your father appreciated the contribution,” Greys added. “I distinctly remember him complaining that his stable was already littered with cats.”

Diana’s gaze shot toward the marquess. “You saved them?”

He shrugged. “They would not have survived. Autumn was already setting in, and if I remember correctly, that particular winter turned out to be a rather miserable one.”

But it was he, the marquess, who had saved them. Diana raised her fist to her heart. “My mother kept two cats in our kitchens. One of them caught mice and ignored all of us, and the other loved us unconditionally. He even slipped into our room on occasion.”

“To sleep in your bed—which was forbidden, but you allowed it anyhow.” Collette reminded her as older siblings were apt to do—not meaning any harm, but not thinking that it would be improper to mention a young lady’s bed. Diana stared down at her food, warmth crawling up her neck.

A warm hand settled on her leg, and Diana straightened.

Was Lord Greystone comforting her? Reassuring her? Did he not realize how inappropriate that was?

Of course, he did. His palm felt heavy and warm, and the circling of his thumb both excited and calmed her.

Was he simply being kind?

“Such an experience sleeping outdoors must have provided an excellent learning opportunity.” Collette declared. Of course, that was how Diana’s sister would view it. It made perfect sense for Collette to enter the field of teaching.

“Oh, we learned. We learned never to try to trick my father. He certainly lit into us…” Lord Major Cockfield laughed.

“How did your father find out?” Lady Isabella asked.

Lord Greystone removed his hand.

“Gil ratted us out.” The Lord Major glanced a few seats down to where Captain Gilcrest winked back at them.

“We would have been found out eventually once the duke discovered all the cats. My telling him was merely a matter of self-preservation.”

Captain Edgeworth turned to Diana. “And what of you, were you punished for sharing your bed?”

“Occasionally.” Enough about her bed! Diana squirmed.

“And does your… pet still keep you warm at night?” Captain Gilcrest joked.

The question was made in jest, and yet, this turn in the discussion had Diana shifting uncomfortably in her seat. She swallowed hard. Little Paws had run away right after they’d moved into her brother’s house. She missed him dreadfully.

“He—I—” She pushed a stray curl behind her ear and then cleared her throat.

Silence fell around her as they waited for her answer.

* * *

“Is Tempest in town?”Greys addressed his question to Captain Gilcrest, filling the pregnant pause as he returned his hand to Diana’s leg. Despite all her bravado, this woman needed a hint of encouragement that didn’t come from a family member—something that would bolster her confidence so she could navigate the rough patches.

It had been inordinately improper for the older Miss Jones to mention her younger sister’s sleeping arrangements in mixed company, but she hadn’t made the comment maliciously.

Lords Edgeworth and Gilcrest, however, knew better. Greys would have lit into them if it wouldn’t have upset Lady Chaswick’s evening. He also doubted Diana would appreciate it.

He glanced to the end of the table where Diana’s brother was deep in conversation with the dinner guests seated in his proximity. No doubt if Chase had heard the comment, he would have asked them to step outside.

Such a remark revealed that the two Captains did not consider Diana a proper lady, else they would have undoubtedly held their tongues.

They’d known precisely what they were doing.

He’d have a chat with Chaswick later.

Footmen began circling the room with another course, and when they went to lean in between Greys and Diana, Greys was dismayed to realize his hand had remained on her thigh. He snatched it away.

She was Chaswick’s younger sister, and Greys was only helping her out. Did his promise to pretend to court her allow for modest indiscretions? No, quite the opposite.

The subsequent nine or ten courses passed without further incident, the conversation having drifted to upcoming balls and musicales and, as always, the weather. Greys fought off the usual boredom until Diana leaned toward him.

“He’s asked me to walk with him in the garden. What should I say?” she whispered.

“No,” Greys answered. “Absolutely not.” He didn’t even have to think about it. Who did this Edgeworth fellow think he was?

Diana stiffened beside him.

“Is it too soon, then?” This time when she whispered closer to his ear, her sweet breath teased his jaw. By God, if this was how she’d been speaking to the captain on her opposite side, it was no wonder the man had the gall to attempt to get her alone in a romantic setting.

“He has not spoken to your brother, so that would be highly improper.”

“Oh.” She shifted in her seat and, after a moment to deliberate Greys’ advice, returned her attention to the uniformed man at her left.

“I’ve heard Lady Chaswick’s garden is one of the loveliest in all of London.” Lady Isabella was staring at Greys from across the table.

“Oh, but it is,” Diana’s older sister answered. “And even though a person misses the full effect at night, the fragrant scents make up for it.”

“Then we must all experience this garden, don’t you think? Edgeworth? Greystone?” Cockfield suggested.

“Absolutely.” Captain Edgeworth said, glancing over at the lady on his right.

Of course he did.Greys scowled.