Page 78 of Taken By the Icy Duke

“You push too far,” she said unsteadily. She glanced around and saw several guests eyeing them, murmuring behind fans. Her heart lurched viciously. Josephine had orchestrated this moment to intensify the scandal, or at least the speculation.

Gilbert placed a firm hand on Diana’s back.

“We shall depart your company, Lady Halfacre,” he said icily, guiding Diana away before Josephine could respond.

Diana’s breath was quick and shallow, the world tilting with each step. She sensed the roil of her stomach, whether from Josephine’s spite or her child’s unsettled reaction to her distress. She caught at Gilbert’s sleeve, forcing a steady step.

“I need air,” she whispered.

He nodded, voice tight with worry. “Yes, let us find a quiet corner.”

They edged through the throng, but the salon seemed more crowded than before, pressing around them with their collective heat, scents, and chatter. Diana tried to inhale slowly. She could not faint. Not again. But darkness lurked at the edges of her vision, each beat of her heart pounding in her ears. Her knees wavered, and she let out a small gasp.

Gilbert turned abruptly, his arm wrapping around her waist.

“Diana,” he said, panic etched on his face. “Stay with me.”

She heard a strangled whimper escape her throat as the last of her strength left. The room swam. She felt herself collapse against him, the swirl of gowns and polished shoes blurring. The voices receded into a dull roar.

Diana managed to maintain enough consciousness to feel Gilbert carry her off to a side room just off the main salon, her eyelids fluttering. A cool cloth was being pressed against her temple, and she felt the gentle motion of someone stroking her hair. Her lashes parted enough to see Gilbert’s anxious face hovering above her.

She caught sight of the physician, the same older man who had attended her prior fainting spell. Embarrassment burned in her cheeks at the memory.

Gilbert bent close, his voice shaking with relief. “Thank the heavens. You fainted.”

She tried to speak but her throat was too parched. She managed only a faint murmur and leaned into the crook of his arm. The physician offered a small goblet of water. She sipped at it with Gilbert’s help, tears of humiliation filling her eyes. She let her gaze dart around the room. Josephine was mercifully nowhere in sight, but she suspected the intended damage had been done.

“I did warn you, Your Grace, that these spells could happen to someone in your condition,” the physician said, taking away the water.

Gilbert looked at Diana questioningly, but she avoided his stare.

“Though, I am surprised that you are still affected, given how far along you are,” he continued, unaware that Diana had still not relayed her pregnancy to her husband. She flushed, feeling faint again.

Gilbert took her hand, murmuring quietly, “we shall leave; do not argue.”

His tone brooked no opposition. She felt him lift her carefully. Over the hum of guests, she heard hushed exclamations and murmurs of speculation. She tried to hide her face against Gilbert’s chest, though the shame clawed at her belly. If only Josephine had not cornered her. If only she had more stamina.

They made their exit swiftly, aided by Victor’s discreet intervention in clearing a path. By the time they reached the carriage, Diana’s head throbbed mightily; her chest heavy with guilt and dread.

Gilbert helped her inside, settling her gently onto the seat. He slid in beside her, ordering the driver to depart at once. The lamplight blurred past as the carriage rumbled away from Victor’s townhouse. She tried to gauge his reaction, but she could see nothing in his face that would give away his thoughts.

She closed her eyes, breathing shallowly. Gilbert said nothing for a moment, but she felt his ire like a palpable force in the dark interior. Finally, he spoke, “I am sorry Josephine accosted you. I should not have left your side.”

She could not muster a reply, tears once again threatening to overcome her. He did not press her. Instead, he carefully wrapped an arm around her, letting her lean against his shoulder in silence. As they traveled, she felt each mile bringing them closer to Rivenhall House, and the reckoning she had avoided for so long.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Diana sat wrapped in a shawl, her arms folded protectively over her midsection, and her eyes flicking to Gilbert’s face every few moments. He watched her with an intensity she had rarely seen, as if torn between worry and a gentler emotion that softened his eyes.

She drew a shuddering breath, recalling the physician’s blunt announcement, the sudden hush in the room, and the look of horrified relief on Gilbert’s face.

“I am thankful you have stirred,” he said, angling towards her despite the cramped space. “Do you feel ill at all? Any dizziness or pain?”

She shook her head, though her throat felt painfully tight.

“Only… fatigued,” she said, blinking away her overpowering exhaustion. “I cannot believe I once again caused such a scene. I never meant—” She faltered, the words tangling in her throat.

He smoothed a hand across his rumpled coat sleeve. “We shall speak more at home, but the physician insisted you return home immediately. He was adamant that your condition requires rest.”

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