Page 83 of A Virgin for the Rakish Marquess

Diana’s head snapped toward her so fast that she felt dizzy. Elizabeth gave her a warm look, knowing and soft.

Diana felt tears well up in her eyes again. Was it that obvious?

“I… Oh God.” She couldn’t bring herself to say it.

Elizabeth was waiting patiently, still rubbing slow, comforting circles on her back.

“This wasn’t supposed to happen.” Diana shook her head.

“I do not believe we have any control over such matters.”

“How could I have fallen for a man like him?”

“Diana, you didn’t fall for a manlikehim,” Elizabeth said with the wisdom of a woman who had been exactly where Diana was. “You fell forhim.”

“I did. I love him,” Diana said, looking out the window as if wishing that the tight feeling in her heart would evaporate.

“But he…?” Elizabeth trailed off.

“I love you…”

Diana closed her eyes at the memory. A man like him must be mistaking passion for love.

“He said he loved me,” she muttered.

“Excuse me?” Elizabeth was obviously not expecting this.

“He said he loved me. Twice, I believe.”

“Twice?” Diana looked at Elizabeth to find her gaping in shock. “I am sorry, Diana. I had mentally prepared a list of appropriate names that I would call him after you told me he let you down gently.”

“What does it matter what he said?”

“What does it matter? It does matter!”

“Then if what he says matters, then let me tell you that a few days ago, he said, ‘So, we had some fun, a mutually entertaining agreement, and you thought you had any claim onme?’ Which versions of him should I believe?”

“He said what? The heartless scoundrel!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “Oh, I am so glad I prepared all those names.”

Diana smiled the most bitter of smiles, but her heart winced at the little joy and snuffed it out.

“So, you see,” she sighed. “There is no use in taking his word at face value. He doesn’t love me. He is just playing a game.”

Elizabeth frowned, deep in thought. Her romance with Stephen had not been so smooth either—Diana knew well.

“I saw how he looked at you, Diana.”

“Like a hunter circling his prey, I am sure,” Diana scoffed.

“Like a man longing for something.”

Diana got up, upset. Her anger was making her stronger than she expected.

She turned to Elizabeth with fury in her eyes. “Lust. You mean lust.”

“Oh, I know longing from lust, Diana.”

“James… That man looks at anything with a skirt with interest,” Diana said shakily. “Hardly a testament to his devotion.”

---