Page 28 of An Earl Unmasked
Minerva stood and poked their brother in the chest. “He isyourfriend. Please escort him away, so Lord Chestwick and I can continue without further disturbance.”
Dutifully, Kent rose. “Diana, please see to it I’m immediately informed of the outcome as soon as the match concludes.”
“It may be hours or mayhap not conclude until the early hours of the morn. Can we simply not discuss this upon our return home tomorrow?”
Randal stiffly stood, his relaxed demeanor gone. “Ladies, please excuse me. I shall return after I’ve seen Kent and Drake out.”
If they were to leave, how was Randal to make Drake jealous? Their plan seemed to be failing rather spectacularly, all because Minerva had positioned the game to end in a stalemate.
Chapter Fourteen
The jolt ofpanic that ran through his chest at the thought of Diana leaving assaulted his heart in ways Randal never thought possible. He shook his head as he led his guests through the house to the foyer. Minerva had managed to forge an opportunity that would release him from marrying. He should be rejoicing at the clever play, but he wasn’t. He was slightly disappointed, which was not at all logical or reasonable.
“Never underestimate a Malbury, but especially not Minerva.” Kent donned his coat and gloves and slapped a hand on Drake’s shoulder. “Come along, let’s pay Cunningham a quick visit. I hear he has restocked his cellar.”
Randal waited for the mounted pair to fade into the distance before swiveling on his heels to head back to the library. Years on the battlefield should have prepared him for the onslaught of Malburys. However, his ability to foreshadow his opponent’s next move, a skill that had kept him alive all these years, was shattered by these Malbury sisters. He hated feeling lost. It was why he had joined the military. He liked routine, governing rules, and a defined hierarchy that was followed without question. Yet his heart had filled with joy this morning in the breakfast room full of the Malburys’ chatter and laughter.
Laughter assaulted his ears as he walked back into the library. Diana was nestled between Gregory and Minerva as all three were pouring over papers and a stack of books that sat upon the table where the chessboard had sat when he left. He scanned the room for the abandoned game pieces. The match that was to determine Minerva’s future, tossed to a side table as if it was of no matter.
Diana was the first to notice his return. She looked directly at him and smiled. The literary poets had got it right—her smile was like a ray of sunshine.
“Randal, come join us. We are having a terrible time with your papa’s next clue.”
Minerva made room for him but avoided his gaze. In the short time he’d known her, he knew this was odd behavior.
“It would be my pleasure to provide assistance; however, I’d like to speak to Lady Minerva for a moment. In private.” He held out his hand and waited for Diana’s sister’s response.
Minerva ever so lightly placed her hand on his arm. He didn’t care for her timid behavior toward him. He may be called a beast, but he would never harm a woman. Randal escorted her over to stand by the bay of windows that streamed in the late afternoon sun.
“I owe you an explanation.” Minerva gazed out the window and inhaled deeply before returning her attention back to him. “As I sat down to play, I realized you were right. I had no right to dictate who Diana should marry, nor was it fair of me to demand such a boon from you, whom I’ve only known for days. However, in my defense, I know all too well the dangers of hiding one’s feelings and not acting sooner. The fission of energy when the two of you are in the same room is undeniable. I only wish the best for my sister, and I feel it in my bones—you, my lord, are perfect for her.”
“You don’t strike me as the type to act upon emotion. Perhaps your feelings for Lord Drake have you behaving in ways you normally would not.”
“Mayhap. Although my situation with Drake has no bearing on the fact that Diana is more at ease here with you at Chestwick Hall than at Malbury Manor.”
“Or it is simply she is in love with the library.”
Minvera laughed. “Books have been Diana’s passion since she was in leading strings, but it is your lips that attract her gaze more frequently than she would care to admit. And yours, too. If Kent stayed any longer, he, too, would have noticed the pair of you and your indiscreet glances, and our stay would have been cut short.”
“My, you are observant.”
“I am, and Kent more so.” Minerva sighed and said, “But I must also confess my conscience would not allow me to continue with the ruse. If Drake prefers to remain loyal to Kent in some gentleman code I do not understand, then so be it. My hope is word of our tied game will spur some brave soul, a gentleman other than a fortune hunter, to garner enough courage to sit across the chessboard from me next Season, and I shan’t remain a burden to my family.”
Burden.To hear Minerva refer to herself as such was heart-wrenching. Women were goddesses to be valued and adored. Randal blinked and squashed the romantic ideal that he once allowed to rule him.
“Then it is your wish we declare our match a stalemate?”
“Aye. And I hope you will not take offense if we do not engage in a rematch at Malbury Manor as Kent suggested.” Minerva stared at the windows as she had done earlier. Was she picturing Drake’s image in the glass panes?
“If you believe it the best course of action, you have my full support.”
Fine wrinkles appeared on her forehead as she gazed up at him. “I appreciate your understanding.” Minerva searched his face and abruptly turned her back to him. “Would you mind if I escape to your wonderful gardens? I believe I’d like to spend some time alone.”
Randal peered over at Diana and Greg, both pouring over the pile of books and notes in front of them. “I’ll give you a head start, but I’m sure your brother will come to check on you shortly.”
“My thanks.” Without a backward glance, Minerva slipped out through the terrace doors.
Randal waited until she had entered the hedge maze before turning and returning to join Diana and Greg.
