Page 18 of An Earl Unmasked
Isadora and Cunningham stepped into the empty space next to Drake. Diana cleared her throat. “Lord Chestwick, may I also introduce to you my dear sister Lady Isadora and the esteemed Lord Cunningham, who also resides close by.”
Lord Chestwick’s features were calm and relaxed, but a tick in his jaw was a sign he was not at all pleased with her family and friends’ uninvited descent upon Chestwick Hall.
“Lord Cunningham. Lady Isadora, a pleasure. Lady Diana, I would like to speak to you…” Lord Chestwick glanced about those standing and added, “In private.”
Before she could give the others a signal to leave, Lord Chestwick scooped her up into his arms like had the day before and carried her out of the room.
“You cannot just pick me up any time you wish! Where are you taking me?”
“Back to your chambers where you are supposed to be resting and recovering.”
“My chambers! You cannot be serious.”
“I am.”
“But what about the others?”
“Once I see you settled, I shall dispatch them and inform them not to return. They can confirm you are alive and well at Malbury Manor in three days hence.”
She lifted her hand to his cheek, her little finger resting along the slightly raised skin. “Why is your solitude so important?” When he didn’t flinch or brush off her touch, she gently turned his face toward her.
He stopped and looked at her directly, his mouth opened to answer. Diana dropped her gaze to his lips.
When he sealed his lips into a tight line, she grinned and said, “I promise not to laugh if you tell me.” The corner of his mouth twitched.
“If I answer your query—will you promise you shall stay abed for the remainder of your stay.”
Diana rubbed her thumb along his strong jawline. It would be a challenge to linger in her chambers when she desperately wanted to be in the library. Diana peered up at Lord Chestwick. “I promise.”
“It is not solitude I seek. It is simply a matter of safeguarding oneself.”
What could the Beast of Chestwick possibly be afraid of? She lowered her hand from his face and placed it against his chest. “From what?”
“I agreed to provide you an answer to your question, not explain the logic behind my decision to keep others at bay.”
Riddles! The man was akin to his papa, always speaking in double entendre. Had she not hoped to find a man who shared her love of riddles? Transfixed by Lord Chestwick’s hazel eyes, Diana remained mute.
Lord Chestwick arched a brow. “No bargaining. No arguments?”
“I realize it is unfair of me to expect you to confide in me. I shall have to wait until I have gained your trust. Trust I sense you rarely grant.”
He’s gaze bore into her, but like before, he remained silent, leaving her guessing as to what his thoughts could be. After a moment, he shook his head and resumed marching her back to her room.
Safely tucked against his chest, she let her mind wander back to the problem of Minerva and Drake. With the door to her chambers in sight, Diana gathered her courage to seek out her host’s assistance. “Lord Chestwick…”
“Randal. You should call me Randal.”
“Very well, Randal.” His name rolled off her tongue as if she’d spoken it a thousand times before. “If I am to retire to my chambers for the remainder of my stay, I hope the edict doesn’t also extend to my sister Minerva.”
“I see no reason why it should.”
“Grand. I believe she is hiding in my rooms now. If Minerva returned with you to the library, my reputation should remain intact and, she is very skilled at dispatching unwanted guests.”
“I should hope you had more faith in my abilities to dispatch a few guests.”
He wasn’t the scary beast gossips made him out to be, and her family was not easily ordered about. “You have been abroad for many years. You know little of my family and our neighbors. Trust me, you shall need Minerva’s help.”
He stopped in front of her chamber door. “Was it not you who mere moments ago hypothesized that I rarely trust others?”
