Page 61 of Taken By the Icy Duke

She handed over her bonnet and gloves, then smoothed down the sleeves of her traveling gown. Nothing to worry about, she told herself. Gilbert is with friends; there is no cause to dread an argument. Yet her heart thumped uncomfortably as she approached the door.

Light spilled into the hall from beneath it. She caught murmurs interspersed with low amusement. Steeling herself, she turned the handle and stepped inside.

Victor had perched himself on a high-backed chair, one leg crossed over the other, swirling a glass of port. Leopold lounged near a side table, his arms folded, while Gilbert stood by the hearth, brandy glass in hand. At the soft click of the door, all three men looked her way.

Gilbert straightened, his brow lifting in a gentle curve. “Diana,” he said in a welcoming tone. “I was not sure when you would return. How was your outing?”

She mustered a polite smile. “It went well,” she replied, turning her gaze momentarily on Victor. “Good day, my lord. I had not realized you would be visiting.”

Victor rose to greet her with an amiable bow.

“Your Grace, I seized the chance to see my old friend while business keeps me in London. And, as fate would have it, Lord Leopold joined us. We have been sampling some new vintage.” He gestured to a decanter. “Care to partake?”

Leopold inclined his head but said nothing. Diana felt his subdued scrutiny land upon her, as though he was trying his best not to intrude.

At least he is being polite.

He had been nothing but civil for days, but she still found it difficult to forgive him.

She forced her lips into a delicate smile. “I am not in the mood for port, but thank you.”

Gilbert examined her face as if searching for any sign of discomfort. “Perhaps you would prefer tea?” he inquired.

“I am all right, truly,” she told them with a shake of her head. She inched further into the drawing room, the crackle of the fire and the tang of liquor both thick in the air. “Alison found a bonnet she liked, so that was a small success.”

Victor grinned. “Shopping adventures. Did you choose anything for yourself, duchess?”

“I only chose to offer opinions,” she said, letting a faint laugh escape. “I have plenty already.” The realization stung more than it should; so many dresses, all purchased at Gilbert’s insistence.

Gilbert gestured to an empty seat near him, concern still etched in the subtle lines of his expression.

“Sit with us, if you wish. We were just discussing a bit of boundary business between me and Camburn.”

Victor added, “indeed, a mild dispute that I shall have sorted by next week. Nothing too harrowing.” He chuckled. “But brandy helps the thinking process, or so we say.”

Leopold’s quiet laughter joined his. Diana noticed that Leopold’s posture seemed less guarded than before, as if he had eased into a calmer, more amiable mood. Perhaps the brandy contributed to that.

She inhaled slowly, settling into the chair Gilbert had indicated. “Boundary lines and brandy aside, I hope it is a pleasant conversation.”

“It is,” Leopold spoke up cautiously. “We have not argued once this evening.” He paused, glancing at Gilbert with a subdued smile. “I might not be an expert at estate matters, but listening in helps me learn.”

Gilbert nodded as something like guarded approval flashed across his features. “We must all begin somewhere.”

Silence stretched for a moment, punctuated only by the crackle of the fire. Diana forced another polite smile.

“I am glad you are all having a fair time.” She folded her hands in her lap. “Leopold, I trust you have found your room comfortable?”

Leopold gave a slight bow of his head. “Yes, thank you. It is more than I deserve…”

He hesitated as if he was trying not to bring up the scandal. Diana felt her anxiety rise once she realized they were doing their utmost to tiptoe around the topic.

Victor cleared his throat, sensing the shift.

“Lady Diana,” he said, mild curiosity in his tone, “I heard your father might soon host a dinner? Perhaps Lord Crayford is entertaining again?”

She blinked, momentarily startled. She had meant to mention it to Gilbert.

“Yes. He extends an invitation to us… end of the week, I believe. Alison reminded me earlier, and asked me to confirm.”

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