Page 42 of An Earl Unmasked
“You are supposed to be with the others enjoying the hunt.” She released the reins and crossed her arms.
He pulled his gaze from her adorable face and glanced about the empty field. “Shall I accompany you to join the others?”
“It took a considerable sum to be rid of my sister.” Diana pushed a wayward tress of hair behind her ear. “I wish to be alone if you don’t mind.”
Tilting his head to block the sunlight from her eyes, he asked, “Is something the matter?”
“No.”
She wasn’t answering a question with a question, indicating Diana was cross with him. He tried again. “Have I offended you in some way?”
“Offended, he asks.” Diana huffed. “You kissed me, and then you nearly got yourself engaged to my sister!” She grabbed the reins and held onto the pommel until her knuckles were white. “I’m not offended. I’m merely confused.”
Relief spread through Randal. He appreciated her honesty. In turn, he decided it best to share the concerns that had plagued him all week and had prevented him from seeking an audience with her. “Is it true you shall not entertain the idea of marriage until your two older sisters are happily settled?”
“Who told you that?”
“It matters not who informed me. Have you changed your position regarding marriage?”
“Why is it any concern of yours?”
“It is a known fact I returned from war to fulfill my duties as the earl…”
“And one of those duties is to marry.” She nodded and then continued, “You wish to find a woman to fill the position of countess in quick order. Am I your choice to fulfill thatduty?”
He didn’t know how to answer. Did Diana think so little of his affection for her that she would consider herself a mere duty if he asked for her hand?
Diana turned her face away, but Randal caught sight of the single tear that rolled down her cheek.
Chapter Twenty-Four
The back ofDiana’s riding glove grazed against her cheek. What a fool she had been. She’d thought if she simply confronted Randal and sought out the truth, it would ease the ache in her chest. The ache was now a searing pain. She didn’t want to be a man’s duty—she wanted love and passion. After days of debate with Minerva, Diana admitted she had wanted to discover the man in the paintings that graced the walls of Chestwick Hall, but now she felt a need to unmask the Earl of Chestwick. Or had the years on the battlefield molded him into the Beast everyone referred to him as?
Diana whistled to draw Isadora’s attention but gained the attention of her brothers, also, who were now scowling and had turned their mounts in her direction.
Slowing to a trot to gather her wits, she thrust her chin out and waited for her siblings to descend upon her. “One question at a time, please.”
Greg was the first to set upon her but searched behind her instead of glaring at her. “Where have you been, and where is that devil Chestwick?”
“Why are you so upset?”
Isadora answered, “I might have spoken my thoughts out loud…”
“Which were?”
“Umm…that I hoped Chestwick might grant you a kiss or two.”
“Isadora Malbury!” Diana groaned. “Are you trying to get Kent killed?”
“No, why would Kent’s life be in jeopardy?”
“Chestwick is reported to be one of His Majesty’s best marksmen.”
Isadora sided her horse closer. “Did Chestwick kiss you? Is there reason for Kent to demand…oh! You have been crying. I’ll shoot Chestwick myself for upsetting you.”
Before Diana could shush her sister, Kent flanked her on the other side.
“Sister, dear, allow me to escort you home.” His dire tone meant there was no arguing or changing his mind.
