Page 67 of A Virgin for the Rakish Marquess

“Alright, I need to ask.” Elizabeth’s voice brought her back to the sunny drawing room. “What is that letter you keep reading?”

“Nothing.” Diana hastened to fold the letter and place it by her teacup.

“Interesting how many times can one readnothing.” Her sister-in-law was too observant for her own good.

“It’s an invitation that I am debating whether I should accept.”

“Suitor?” Elizabeth’s eyes twinkled.

“Nothing like that. Just some social event.”

“I am teasing you. I knew from the way you read it that it was not a love letter.”

“Love letter? Elizabeth!”

Diana was still furious, while Elizabeth was shaking with laughter. She wished she shared the sentiment. But by three o’clock, she had to make a decision.

The carriage rolled up the drive at three o’clock sharp, and Diana climbed in. Not too long after, it rolled to a stop in front of the grand, imposing entrance of Pemberton House.

Diana couldn’t help but notice how beautiful the place was. She had expected something more intimidating like James. But it had a beauty about it, a delicate splendor that made her smile. Somehow, this huge, magnificent place reminded her of the little house James took her tothatnight.

She was greeted by a butler who led her down a marble hallway to a large, well-lit study.

The Duke was waiting. Even if she didn’t remember seeing him by James’s side, she would still recognize him as his father. He stood up as she entered the room—a polite but distant gesture.

“Lady Diana,” Solomon said in a measured tone, bowing slightly. “I trust your journey was pleasant?”

“It was, thank you,” Diana replied, her voice tight as she curtsied.

She looked around nervously but discreetly, and quickly realized that whatever this was, James was not here. She started to panic, all sorts of scenarios going through her mind.

“Please, make yourself comfortable.” Solomon guided her to the small sofa in his study, leaving the door open and the butler standing outside.

Comfortable?

Diana smiled and took a seat. A fresh teapot was served already, and Solomon hastened to pour and offer her a cup. For a few moments, they just drank their tea in silence.

“Lady Diana,” Solomon began, eventually. “I knew of your father, but I never had the pleasure of meeting you or your siblings. You are the youngest, am I correct?”

“Yes, Your Grace.” Diana smiled.

“I have heard that your brother is bearing your father’s title with honor and dignity.”

“Stephen is doing an admirable job of taking care of the family. I am grateful for that. He had to take on so much after our parents died.”

She noticed that Solomon tensed up at the last comment. He clenched his jaw, and his grip on his cup tightened. For a moment, he looked away, almost wincing in pain.

“I hear that he is happily married.”

“Very much so. I am lucky to have Elizabeth as my sister-in-law. I know there are some terrifying stories about sisters living with their brothers’ spouses. I can assure you, I couldn’t be happier to have her as a sister and a friend.”

“The Duchess of Seymour is also your sister. Richard is one of my son’s closest friends.”

Diana swallowed her tea at the mention of James. She watched Solomon, who was also studying her. It was obvious that he didn’t invite her to talk about her family. It was bound that James would be mentioned. The real question was what the endgame was.

“Yes, Selina got married to Richard four years ago.”

“A good match as well. Richard is a person of rare integrity. I am sure, judging by yourself, that the boy I’ve known for many years is happy with your sister.”

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