Page 57 of Romanced By the Orc

His eyes narrowed. “I wish I could say your worry is unfounded.”

“Might our dear brother have connections that could help? It can’t be safe for English women to remain in Chamberly. Could Duncan not intervene to escort them home?”

Albie sighed. “Not until your sister is willing to leave. Has she sent a missive?”

“I have not heard from her at all. I can only trust that because she is well occupied with her work. And that the postal service is unreliable given how matters stand in that land.”

“I am sorry. I’ll talk to my brother. Perhaps there is something we might do.”

His expression, as though the crushing weight of the world’s problems had flattened him, made her want to confess everything, to sob in his arms and hope he would understand. But she couldn’t drag him into this business. Shame seared every part of her.

“Thank you, husband.” She released her hand from his.

What a comfort it would have been to confide the ultimatum Sir Reginald had presented and to cry in Albie’s arms, unburdening all the guilty secrets of her past. First among them, the endless regrets regarding her behavior in the presence of Sir Nigel Halman—behavior she thought she’d tempered but clearly had not—and the misguided notion that she could outrun the scandal with what had ultimately been no more than an extended holiday in America.

Had Diana remained in Philadelphia, living on her aunt’s charity, she’d never have been placed in the position of betraying a gentleman who represented everything right in this world.In contrast, Lady Daisy Higgins, nee Diana Stewart, embodied all that was wrong.

Then again, she never would have married Albion, either.

Sharing all of this with even one person might have eased her heart. But Lillian was gone, and her other friends were emotionally distant since she’d returned to London. Not friends at all, really. Iris seemed like a decent sort, but Diana did not yet know her well enough to trust that she wouldn’t be judged.And rightfully so. Then she would have no hope of a good relationship.

Now, she faced the gentleman she should have confided in: her husband, Albion. And she could not bring herself to confess. Even as dull regret wound its way around her heart.

“I think I will have a lie down,” she told him. “Calm my heart.”

With that, she left to go upstairs, leaving her husband with the peace he deserved.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

“It is but a quick trip, Dunc. No need to discombobulate.”

Albion had taken their usual place at the club and ordered a light dish—plaice with lemon and potatoes, which was still overly burdensome on a nervous stomach. His brother remained rigid and, for the most part, silent.

Then again, this was Duncan’s customary deportment. It shouldn’t have surprised him and yet he worried that for once, his elder brother might not relent in the end and let him have his way. After all, he had never asked for a favor that would put Albion himself in danger. That was something Dunc might not tolerate. It was the very reason he hadn’t told his brother about his work as the Phantom before. Seeing Duncan’s reaction to his request only verified the prudence of that decision.

After Daisy had spoken to him the previous day, so sad and preoccupied, Albion had understood at once what he had to do next. No question remained in his mind. He would not ask Edward Langley to check in on Lillian. Which meantheneededto travel to Chamberly personally to ensure she was all right. Albion wouldn’t entrust anyone else to see her safely out of harm’s way. He would visit Chamberly.

Daisy deserved no less. She deserved complete peace of mind.

Yet he still had not told her that he was the Phantom.

As his wife, she’d every right to know. Besides, her talk of the Phantom had given him the perfect opportunity, as though she were playing one of the lawn games the English were so fond of and had lobbed a ball for him to bat with a stick.

At that crucial moment, however, Albion froze. The words were so close. How rewarding it would have been to see her reaction. Innate Orcan common sense had stayed his tongue. When seated at a gaming table, he relied on the same instinct.

Still, he could make the Duke of Rostin understand that Lillian Stewart was under the personal protection of the family formerly known as Hooradech mak Teer.

Though Albion was not as bonded to their homeland as his brother, he took great pride in what that meant. As the Phantom, he dared not reveal his identity for the sake of success and protecting the Langley brothers. But Rostin could not be so reckless as to allow anything to happen to the innocent sister-in-law of a Lord of the Hidden Realm.

He’d an idea for how to accomplish this even in his unmistakable Orcan form. But he needed Duncan’s help.

“You must understand why I need to do this.” Albion switched to their native tongue, hoping that might prompt his brother to speak. “Daisy is nearly incapacitated with worry. She didn’t leave bed until luncheon.”

“You should have told me as soon as the notion popped into your head,” Duncan said at last. “It sounds as though you’ve already a plan in place, and are simply seeking my approval.”

“I shan’t be there long. And I’ve enlisted Hugh to help with the travel arrangements.”

“Hugh! Is that what he calls himself these days?” Duncan gave a gruff laugh before downing more ale from his tankard. “You know I’ve never trusted our cousin. Does he still run routes to Chamberly? Foolhardy at best.”

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