Page 60 of Taken By the Icy Duke

She inhaled, setting her fork aside with utmost care. “I will not demand he depart. Yet let us be clear. I am uneasy with your presence, Lord Leopold. That does not simply vanish because you are repentant.”

Leopold nodded. “I understand. If it helps, I plan to keep out of your way. And if there is anything I can do to show you my sincerity—” He paused, wringing his hands. “I will do as you ask. I owe you that much.”

Diana studied him, her heart heavy. She could not forget the sleepless nights of scandal, or the day she had felt the world as she knew it collapse around her, but the remorse in Leopold’s eyes was unmistakable.

“I suppose time will reveal whether you truly mean what you say,” she said, her voice gentler than she intended. “I will not stand in your path, but do not expect trust or friendship overnight.”

Gilbert reached across the table, covering her hand with his own. “If that is settled,” he said, trying for a steadier tone, “perhaps we can eat without further strain.”

She gave him a tight smile while drawing her hand back. Even with his reassuring gesture, the undercurrent of discomfort lingered. The trio once again fell into an uneasy quiet and resumed their meals, although each bite of food had been rendered tasteless by the conflict.

Before the conclusion of the main course, Diana felt her composure crumbling. She dabbed her lips, then stood. “I am sorry… I need some air.” She dipped a slight curtsy. “Please excuse me.”

Gilbert half rose. “Diana… should I come with you?”

She shook her head, collecting her nerves. “No. It is all right. I will only step out for a moment.” Her gaze darted toward Leopold, who avoided her eyes, the guilt plain on his face.

Without waiting for further protest, she slipped into the corridor. The silence pressed in around her as she wandered aimlessly through the house. She did not want to collapse in front of them or betray her roil of emotions. Eventually, she spotted Hollings passing near the stairs.

“Your Grace,” Hollings said, bowing. “Is everything?—”

“Fine,” she interrupted, exhaling sharply. “I just needed to breathe.”

He straightened, his expression mild but sympathetic. “Would you care for tea in your room, perhaps?”

She almost declined, then nodded, appreciating the small kindness. “Yes. Thank you, Hollings. Please see it done. And perhaps let His Grace know that I have retired for the evening. I am quite tired.”

Hollings bowed and Diana headed up to her chambers. Hollings met her there and set a modest tray of calming tea in front of her. Ruth also hovered nearby, ready to help Diana dress for bed as soon as she requested.

“Has His Lordship—Leopold—caused any disruption for the staff?” she asked Hollings quietly, swirling the tea with a spoon.

Hollings cleared his throat, choosing his words carefully. “He has made it a point to be courteous, my lady. There is some friction, of course, but no real trouble.”

She managed a weak smile. “I suppose that is something.”

Hollings hesitated, then ventured, “He does seem intent on earning everyone’s respect. Perhaps he truly regrets his past actions.”

Diana closed her eyes, nodding. “Yes, he might. But regret does not erase the discomfort I feel.”

Hollings offered a discreet bow. “Understandable, my lady. If you need anything else…?”

She shook her head. “No, that is all. Thank you.”

Diana sipped the tea, struggling to steady the frantic beat of her heart. If Leopold’s remorse were genuine, perhaps time could soften her resentment. However, the discord also weighed heavily on Gilbert, and she feared the burden might cause a wedge between them all. The air in the house had shifted and she was anxious for life to return to the happy normal one she had created with Gilbert.

For now, at least, she was grateful for a moment’s reprieve from the dining room’s stifling atmosphere. But as she finished her tea in the quiet of her room, she promised herself she would not let Leopold’s presence unravel the fragile closeness she and Gilbert had built. If it meant keeping a polite distance, so be it. She had endured worse storms of scandal; she could endure this too, until sincerity or time proved Leopold’s worth.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Diana paused in the foyer, bonnet in hand, as the footman swung the door shut behind her. She had just returned from an outing with Alison selecting ribbons and trimmings for a new bonnet in preparation for Lord Crayford’s upcoming dinner.

A swirl of masculine laughter echoed from the drawing room at the corridor’s far end. She recognized Gilbert’s low, controlled chuckle, mingled with Leopold’s unexpectedly bright laugh and Victor’s more booming mirth. The sound was jarringly companionable. Over the last few days, the discord at home had weighed on her, yet at this moment, the men sounded perfectly at ease. A pang of disquiet made her stomach contract.

“Welcome back, Your Grace. Shall I have tea sent up to your chamber?” Hollings asked, stepping forward.

“Not yet, Hollings. Thank you. I shall see if—” She broke off, glancing down the corridor at the closed drawing room door.Laughter rose again, Victor’s voice layered over Leopold’s. She braced herself. “I believe I shall join them for a moment.”

Hollings bowed. “As you wish, Your Grace.”

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