Page 24 of An Earl Unmasked
Kent swallowed and waved his fork in the air toward their brother. “Until Greg says you can place weight upon that foot, you shall either remain in your chambers or firmly seated upon a chaise in the library.”
Minerva glared at her brother. “Need I remind you this is not your home.”
Drake muttered, “Nor are you the lady of this monstrosity.”
The barb caused both Diana and Minerva to inhale sharply and Randal to stand. The loud scraping of his chair sent all eyes his way. “I believe it is time we all adjourn to the library.” He walked over to Diana, bent, and picked her up.
Wide-eyed and speechless, Diana simply wrapped one arm around the back of his neck and peered up at him.
Adjusting his hold, bringing Diana closer, he spoke over his shoulder. “Lady Minerva would you please do me the honor of leading the way.” He let Minerva proceed him, and stepped forward, preventing Drake from following. Randal pierced his guest with a glare that had had many a man flee the battlefield. Rather than taking a step back, Drake merely stood and returned Randal’s steeling stare.
Once they were past the threshold and a few feet away from Drake, Diana whispered, “Why are you allowing me to join you and the others today?”
“I shall need you to keep Drake occupied while I speak with your sister to see if she is willing to participate in our plan to bring Drake up to scratch.”
“You are going to engage Minerva in a game of chess?”
“Was that not our plan?” Randal asked.
“No, that was your terrible idea, although I do believe it would work.”
Diana believed him capable of defeating her sister. Her unquestioning faith and belief in him was unsettling.
Diana sighed. “I do wish to see Minerva happy again. I shall distract Drake. But I warn you, Minerva is terrible at feigning any reactions, so in order for Drake to truly believe this farce, you will have to be charming.”
What retort would turn her frown into a smile? “I’m always charming.”
“You are no prince but a beast.”
He faked surprise. “A beast?”
“Aye. Ordering everyone about.”
He jostled her a little and whispered, “And carry my victims about.” The grin on Diana’s face created yet another new experience for him.
Minerva opened the door to the library, and Randal waited for her to enter before putting a barrier between Diana’s sister and Drake.
He deposited Diana on the chaise lounge. He turned and came face to face with Drake, who shot daggers at him. Randal sidestepped the man, and Drake sank down into the seat next to Diana. He glanced down at Diana, who gave him a wink. He’d never had a co-conspirator before, and it was nice not to feel all alone—a feeling he’d not had since his mama’s death.
He savored the feeling as he made his way over to Minerva, who was standing by the windows alone.
Minerva didn’t miss a beat. As soon as he was next to her, she asked, “Diana shared with me your preposterous theorem that jealousy would prompt Lord Drake to offer for my hand.” She never took her eyes away from the garden.
“Do you not wish to marry Lord Drake?”
“It is he who does not wish to marry me.”
“Doubtful.” Randal peered into the window reflection and caught the real subject matter that held Minerva’s interest. It wasn’t his immaculately maintained garden; it was Drake’s image. “I applaud your devilishly ingenious scheme. Your declaration to marry only the man who defeats you in chess ensured it wasyouwho would choose your partner for life. You are a skilled strategist, and I’m certain you are fully aware of your abilities and believe without a doubt you would have no issue defeating any opponent, thus if you were to lose, it would be because you wish it so, not due to a man outwitting you. Am I wrong?”
“Aye, you are mistaken. When I play, I play to win no matter who my opponent is.” She turned to face him. “Is it unreasonable to want to spend the rest of my days with a gentleman who is of similar intellect? Someone I may converse with, and not simply the first gentleman who gained enough courage to ask for my hand.”
“No, it is not.” Intellect had been one of his own requirements for his future countess. “What would you say if I proposed we played a game of chess?”
“I’d refuse.”
“Why?”
“Because you do not wish to marry me.”
