Page 67 of Taken By the Icy Duke

Diana braced herself against the window seat, then rose slowly with his assistance. Though her legs felt unsteady, a measure of resolve coursed through her.

“I can manage, with your arm,” she said, regaining her balance. “Thank you.”

Together, they walked at a measured pace, Leopold ensuring she did not stumble. Diana held tight to Leopold’s offered arm, her steps slow and deliberate as they ascended the grand staircase. Her breath remained shallow from the dizzy spell, but his support steadied her. At the top of the steps, she paused, pressing a hand against the banister.

“Thank you, Lord Leopold,” she murmured unevenly. “Without your assistance, I fear I would have stumbled halfway up.”

Leopold gave her a faint, reassuring smile. “Think nothing of it. I trust you will take proper rest once we reach your chamber. And please, refer to me by Leopold, as though I am your brother.”

She nodded, attempting a calm tone she did not fully feel. “Very well, Leopold. I promise I shall lie down at once.”

Before either could say more, the sound of footsteps approached from the hallway beyond. Gilbert came into view, his brow creasing the instant he saw them together. He halted, regarding Leopold’s arm looped under Diana’s. A guarded look cast a shadow across his features.

“Diana,” Gilbert said quietly, stepping forward. “Are you unwell again?”

A flash of apprehension passed through her, realizing how she and Leopold must look. Clearing her throat, she withdrew from Leopold’s arm, turning gently to meet her husband’s gaze. For a moment, she felt the same as she had when Lady Whittaker had stumbled upon Leopold, drunkenly following Diana into the powder room, yet the circumstances were much different.

“A mild spell, nothing dire,” she assured him. “Your brother was kind enough to escort me upstairs.”

Leopold inclined his head, his tone subdued. “She was momentarily faint below stairs, so I merely offered support. I trust you do not mind?”

Gilbert’s lips thinned, but he answered with composed politeness.

“Of course not,” he said, though his comportment said otherwise. Then, more softly, “Diana, allow me to help you.”

She mustered a small smile and shifted toward Gilbert, lightly resting her hand on his offered arm.

“Thank you,” she said, this time sounding warmer. She pressed his sleeve, silently assuring him that she preferred his company. “I truly only need to lie down.”

Leopold glanced at them both, then bowed.

“In that case, my brother, I shall leave her in your care.” He paused, meeting Diana’s eyes briefly to ensure she was steady. “Shall I send for your maid or the physician?”

Diana shook her head.

“No need. You have my thanks. Please, take your ease for the afternoon.” Her gaze softened. “I am obliged to you, my lord, for your kindness.”

Leopold offered a courteous nod, stepping back.

“Then I bid you both good day.” With that, he withdrew down the corridor, his uneven footsteps echoing along the walls.

Left alone, Diana clutched Gilbert’s arm more firmly. She felt the rigidity in his muscles, and sensed the jealousy he did not voice but which emanated from him nonetheless.

Gilbert’s voice revealed the concern that lay beneath his feigned calmness. “You should not have walked unaccompanied if you felt faint. That was quite foolhardy of you.”

“I did not realize how unsteady I was until it overcame me,” she said, trying to reassure him. “Truly, it was a small matter.”

His dark eyes turned toward where Leopold had vanished.

“I appreciate that Leopold was there to help you in your time of need,” Gilbert managed to say, though his sincerity fell short.

Sensing his unease, Diana lifted her free hand to his cheek, letting her fingertips linger.

“There is no cause for alarm,” she said. “Leopold meant no mischief. He has proven thoughtful in my frailties.”

Gilbert exhaled, the rigidity in his body lessening minutely. “Then I am relieved, if still… vexed that I was not there first.”

“You cannot guard me every moment,” she chided. “And do not burden yourself further. Sufficient rest shall see me right again.”

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