Page 28 of Taken By the Icy Duke

“Father and I had hoped to speak with Diana as well, but she seems quite in demand tonight,” Alison mused, glancing across the room. “I only just saw her with Lady Bembridge.”

As if on cue, Diana appeared at the edge of their gathering, glancing between the three of them with a slight tilt of her head. She stepped closer, emerald skirts brushing lightly against the floor, and offered a curtsy to her father.

“Papa. Alison. I trust you have been enjoying the evening?”

“Oh, yes. Though we must beg a moment of your time,” Her sister beamed and reached out to touch Diana’s hand. “Father wished to express our thanks to your husband for everything.”

“I only regret that the two of you had to cut your wedding trip short,” he said quietly, mindful of curious ears all around them. Lord Crayford patted his daughter’s shoulder.

“Nonsense,” he replied smoothly to Lord Crayford’s polite remarks. “It was a sensible decision, one that benefits all concerned. And I assure you, we have not neglected all pleasures, merely postponed them.”

He let his eyes graze over Diana’s gown, fully aware of how the candlelight played along the satin folds that hugged her figure. She glanced at him, her cheeks flushing at his attention, and the instant spark that passed between them set Gilbert’s nerves alight. He was tempted to reach for her hand but checked the impulse. The crowded ballroom was not the place for the kind of closeness he truly craved.

“Yes, well,” Alison’s voice chimed in with a sly tone, “I am certain you both have much…catching up to do, once society’s demands have been met.”

Diana’s blush deepened. Her reaction spurred Gilbert’s protective streak as well as something more primal.

“We shall be leaving London for a little time,” Alison continued, turning to Diana more privately. Diana frowned as her sister continued. “Despite your husband’s generosity, funds are a bit short for us to continue the Season. We shall return after a few weeks, of course.”

“That is a shame,” Diana breathed, clutching her sister’s hand. “You could always stay with us to continue the Season.”

“I may take you up on your offer,” Alison said, smiling sadly, as though she did not believe her own words.

“As a matter of fact,” Gilbert interjected, his tone edged with a hint of urgency, “I was just thinking we ought to depart at a reasonable hour. The duchess cannot be expected to linger until dawn; there is far too much awaiting her in the morning.”

He caught the bemused look on Lord Crayford’s face but pressed on, determined not to let the evening drag while he was condemned to merely looking at Diana from across the room. Alison smiled again, pressing Diana’s hand before letting it go.

“Do consider visiting us,” she encouraged. “I hope you have not forgotten Crayford Manor.”

“We will,” Diana promised.

“No doubt you have pressing matters, Your Grace,” Lord Crayford said slowly, taking Alison’s arm. “We shall not keep you.”

For a fleeting moment, Gilbert wondered if his eagerness was too obvious—if everyone in the vicinity perceived his desire to steal Diana away. Alison, in particular, was wearing a curious smile that suggested she guessed more than she let on.

However, Diana offered a light laugh and mentioned Gilbert’s work at the estate, for which he felt a grateful sense of relief. She was covering for his restlessness, attributing it to his responsibilities rather than the fiery longing he was certain was visible in his eyes.

“My husband works too hard, you see,” Diana said, her voice carrying a pleasant lilt. “There are certain affairs that cannot be delayed. Perhaps we should not tarry much longer.”

Diana’s turn of phrase nearly coaxed a smirk from Gilbert, but he kept his expression neutral and offered a polite bow to Lord Crayford.

“It has been a pleasure to speak with you both. If there is anything you require, please do not hesitate to seek me out, or to call on us at Rivenhall House,” Gilbert said in a rush.

“Please call upon me soon,” Diana told Alison softly, her smile warm. “There is much to catch up on.”

Alison assured her she would. Diana thanked her father and sister and as she did so, she slid her hand through the crook of Gilbert’s arm. The sensation of her slender fingers, even through the fabric of her gloves, caused his heart to thud. He wondered if she realized how much that small touch shook his composure.

They turned to walk away, and Gilbert gently guided her through a knot of onlookers. He felt the room’s curious glances drifting their way, but all he could focus on was the soft press of Diana’s side against his own.

They made a few more polite farewells, each one taking a greater degree of effort for Gilbert to maintain the veneer of civility. At last, they reached the grand doors leading to the foyer.

A subtle hush of cooler night air beckoned and he exhaled, his shoulders relaxing now that they had made their escape. They would soon be on their way back to Rivenhall House and far away from the ton’s prying eyes.

His arm still looped with Diana’s, Gilbert stole a sideways glance. The magnetism between them was potent; he sensed it in her slightly unsteady breathing, and in the way she leaned ever so subtly into him. Unspoken yet undeniable, it crackled in the silence that settled around them as they stepped out onto the landing.

Let them whisper.

He lowered his head close to Diana’s ear, murmuring just loud enough for her alone to hear, “Shall we be off, Your Grace?”

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