Page 76 of Taken By the Icy Duke

“Beg pardon, Your Grace,” he said, bowing. “A messenger has arrived with a letter from Rivenhall House for the duchess. Shall I present it now?”

Diana exchanged a wary glance with Alison.

“Please do,” she said, extending her hand to accept the sealed note. She recognized Gilbert’s formal crest pressed into the wax. Her heart thudded as she broke it, unfolding the neat page within.

Alison watched intently, leaning forward. “What does he say?”

Diana scanned the letter, absorbing each line of script.

“He writes that an invitation has come from Victor… some significant event Camburn is hosting,” she announced. “Gilbert insists we cannot miss it. He hopes I will attend for his sake and that we might… mend our rift.”

Alison clapped her hands together gleefully.

“He is making an overture,” she said. “That must mean something, Diana. Does he ask you to come back?”

Diana’s lips parted with a shaky breath. “He does not explicitly say come back to Rivenhall,” she said, turning the page to see if there was more. “He urges me to accompany him to Victor’s event, apparently a gathering of some importance, and he hopes we can at least stand united before the ton. He expresses regret about how we parted.” She lowered the letter, her voice trembling. “He says he wishes to make amends.”

“You see?” Alison insisted, letting out a cautious smile.” Perhaps this is a sign he truly does wish for your happiness. He might care more than you believe.”

Diana set the letter in her lap, staring at it.

“I do love him,” she said, pressing a hand to her eyes. “I ache to see him. Yet I dread the same arguments if I return.”

“If you do not go, you may let resentment fester, and the ton might spin fresh rumors,” she said. “If you attend his friend’s event, you can at least gauge how he conducts himself with you in public and in private. Possibly you can find a moment to speak plainly.”

Diana set the letter on the cushion beside her, leaning her head back to gaze at the soft canopy of leaves overhead. The warmth of the day pressed gently on her face, but a small breeze eased the humidity.

“I had best rest here a while longer,” she said. “I feel drained even by this decision.”

Alison stood, gathering her bonnet ribbons. “Shall I fetch more lemonade?” she asked, glancing at the half-empty pitcher.

Diana nodded, sinking more fully into the cushions.

“Yes, please,” she said. “I must remain in the cool shade. Perhaps by the time I finish my next glass I will have the energy to write Gilbert a response.”

Alison smiled, picking up the pitcher.

“I will return shortly,” she said, stepping away to find a servant who could bring fresh ice.

Left alone, Diana touched her abdomen, where the faint stir of life seemed to flutter with her every emotion. A small thread ofhope sparked within her. If he had taken the time to write her personally, perhaps he did yearn for more than a staged united front.

The carriage rattled easily along London’s lamp-lit streets, belying the awkwardness that permeated the cabin’s interior. Diana sat across from Gilbert, her gaze trailing along the passing facades, wondering if returning to London had been the right decision.

She could tell that Gilbert wanted to speak, but the stiffness between them maintained the silence. The week she had spent in the country felt like months and the man across the carriage from her felt like a stranger.

She clutched the folds of her new gown, conscious of the hidden life stirring within her. The last time she had attended a lavish ball she had fainted. She prayed she would not repeat that humiliation. She did feel more like herself, but apprehension still twisted in her stomach.

They arrived at Lord Camburn’s townhouse, its lanterns blazing across the entrance. Gilbert offered his arm, letting her lean on him discreetly. Diana detected the slight tension in his muscles and realized that he was trying to make amends, but she did not know if she could trust his peace offering.

Victor Camburn appeared, cheerful relief plain on his face.

“Rivenhall, Your Grace,” he said, pressing a polite bow. “I am so pleased you could join us. I feared you might still be indisposed, Duchess.”

“I am improved,” Diana said with a dignified smile. “I could not miss your gathering.”

Gilbert inclined his head, greeting Victor with subdued warmth. “We are glad to be here,” he said. “How fares the evening?”

Victor’s keen eyes studied the pair appraisingly.

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