Page 14 of An Earl Unmasked
“Absolutely not. You are to remain abed for three days.”
The sting of his response had Diana mentally adding for him—“and out of my way.” Exhausted, she rested the side of her head against his shoulder as they made their way through the enormous mansion. “What of Minerva and Gregory?”
“Not to worry. I hear them behind us.” One corner of his lips curled into a semi-smirk. “While your sister’s footsteps are near silent, your brother’s are like those of an elephant.”
Her shoulders bobbed as she released a giggle. “You associated Gregory with an elephant. I must share that with Benedict.”
“Why Lord Kent and not Mr. Malbury?”
“Must you use their formal names? I’d prefer you refer to my brothers by their given names, that is when no one else is present.” She hoped he’d agree and drop his defenses against strangers. He had begun to address her by her given name, let her in a little.
“Why do you not simply answer my questions? You have an irritating habit of avoiding my queries while simultaneously redirecting the conversation.”
“At home, Benedict is the one referred to as an elephant. He’s big, strong, and has a memory that never forgets. While Gregory is thought of more like a rabbit, smaller, yet agile and extremely lucky.”
“What animal did your family assign to you?”
“Oh, well, first you must know Minerva is the owl, Isadora is a deer, my youngest brother is a fox, and to answer your question, I’m a Scottish wildcat.”
“Ah, so not merely a regular wildcat, but a Scottish one.” His steps slowed. “Ferocious. Unpredictable and fiercely independent. From the little time I’ve spent in your company, I would agree you are indeed most like a Scottish wildcat.” His teasing tone had her tilting her head to view him clearly.
“Based on our acquaintance, I’m fairly certain Minerva would agree with me that you, Lord Chestwick, are most like a bear. Self-contained and strong-willed.”
He stopped, and instead of approaching the door, he stepped back and whispered, “I agree we should dispense with formalities, please, address me as Randal.”
Gregory appeared with his arms out, ready to take over the duty of carrying her into her bedroom. She obediently shifted into her brother’s arms and looked over his shoulder as Minerva bid their host a good eve and shut the door.
“I know Lord Chestwick has not been about society for some years, but Diana, you know very well how inappropriate all of this is.”
“Stop worrying. There is no one here but us and Lord Chestwick. No one will find out.”
“Please do not be so naive. Household staff are notorious for gossip.”
“I trust Mrs. Humbleworth.”
“You trust everyone.” Her sister rushed about the room, probably making sure it was just the three of them in there. Addressing Gregory, she ordered, “Put her down on the bed and go find out why our maids are delayed.”
As usual, Gregory did her bidding without rebuttal. Diana waited for the latch to fall back into place before asking, “Why are you angry with me?”
“I’m not angry.”
“Yes, you are. Please tell me why.”
“All season, I believed it was your wish to avoid marriage. You treated every eligible gentleman as if they had the plague. Please tell me your interest in Lord Chestwick isn’t merely to gain access to his library.” Minerva had her hands back on her hips and was glaring at her. “Don’t innocently blink at me. It might work on Lord Chestwick, but you’ll not avoid the question.”
“Very well. Let me explain.” Diana quickly ordered her thoughts into the most logical, succinct sequence, so her sister would listen and not interrupt. “First, I found Lord Chestwick laying in the grass as I approached Chestwick Hall. He believes he was attacked, but there were no signs of another. He did admit that he continued to incur dizzy spells as a residual effect from his injuries from the war. Head injuries are tricky and should be closely monitored.” Minerva nodded and remained quiet. Diana continued, “Second, I explained my purpose for my visit, and he granted me the afternoon, but the riddle bequeathed to me is far more complex than any of the others I’ve solved.” Perhaps if she gave Minerva a compliment, it might remove the frown marring her sister’s pretty features. “Mayhap, now that you are here, you could assist me.”
“Flattery only works on Mama. We both know you do not really wish for my assistance. Tell me the truth—how did you fall from the ladder? You have the grace and balance of a cat.”
“I admit it wasn’t an accident.”
“Diana Malbury!”
Diana let out a sigh of relief at the arrival of Minerva’s maid, Barnett, and her own lady’s maid, Fisher. They appeared, along with two footmen carrying large traveling trunks. She had gained a reprieve, but Minerva was relentless. Her sister would badger Diana until she obtained a response that explained Diana’s rash actions. She did long to remain to solve old Lord Chestwick’s puzzle, but it wasn’t only access to the library that prompted her to risk injury. There were no words to eloquently describe the rioting, confusing emotions Randal’s hazel eyes evoked within Diana—surely none she could share with her sister.
Chapter Eight
Randal sat onthe edge of a wingback chair facing the fireplace in his private study. Staring at the flames with his elbows resting on his knees and a tumbler of brandy rolling back and forth between his palms, he waited for his mind to calm. Long cold nights on the battlefield, he learned to focus on the crackle of the fire and the mesmerizing flicker of the flames, allowing him to banish even the most horrific images from his thoughts. Tonight, it wasn’t the sight of men falling to their death that he wished to forget; it was the terrifying image of Diana crumpled on his library floor.
