Page 47 of An Earl Unmasked
“I mean no insult, Lord Wallace, but the size of Diana’s dowry is not what I am concerned about.”
Kent came to stand by Randal. “Papa, Chestwick is no pauper, nor is he a fortune hunter.”
Randal didn’t care for the fact Kent had spoken on his behalf. He now felt indebted to the man, and he hated that.
The earl ran a hand over the green felt. “Now that its settled, shall we play a round?”
Randal stared at the man who was to become his father-in-law. The earl exhibited none of the qualities that Randal’s papa claimed were essential to be a good husband and father—attentive, compassionate, and committed. He glanced at Greg, who simply shrugged. It was Kent who approached and said, “I want your word you shall honor and care for Diana until your last breath.”
Before he could answer, the door swung open, and the ladies entered.
Lord Wallace groaned. “Good gracious, woman, why must you always follow me?”
Lady Wallace’s steps faltered at the careless remark. However, she continued into the room with a stiff spine and her chin held high. Diana and Isadora followed close behind.
His future mother-in-law stood before him. “Lord Chestwick, I shall assume my husband has already given you his blessings. I wish to convey my own.”
“My thanks, Lady Wallace.” He stepped to the side in front of Diana. “A moment, please.”
Diana nodded, and she followed him to the corner of the room that afforded them the most privacy.
“Diana, I…” His tongue twisted in his mouth, and for a moment, all he could do was stare down at the crown of the woman he was to marry.
“What were my papa’s demands?”
“We are to marry in three weeks after the bans have been read.” He bent to search her features that were hard to view with her chin tucked to her chest. Why would she not meet his gaze? “Do you not wish to marry me?”
She finally faced him. He looked into her clear eyes and noted the heightened color in her cheeks. He would be a lucky man to have the fortune to wake up next to her for the rest of his life. Diana’s lips were moving, but he hadn’t caught a word she said, too busy imagining their wedding night. “My apologies. What did you say?”
Diana placed her hands on her hips and tilted her head. “You asked if I wished to marry you, and I asked if you were merely inquiring as a formality.” She raised the back of her hand to his forehead. “Are you well?”
“I do feel a tad warm, and my heart is beating abnormally fast.” Her touch had only exacerbated his condition.
She ran her hand down the side of his arm and slid her hand into his. “I would like an answer. Is my agreement to wed you required or merely a formality?”
Convinced Diana would be happier married to him than return to her family, he answered, “Preferred, not required.”
“Well, at least you are being honest.” Diana withdrew her hand from his and clasped both behind her back. “Frankly, I’m surprised Papa didn’t require you to obtain a special license and be done with the matter.”
“Is that your wish? To be married within the week?”
Diana raised her face, and Randal caught a flicker of desire in her eyes. She smiled and answered, “Given my future has already been decided by others, I believe my preferences are irrelevant.”
It was a test—a test of his patience or of how they were to go on for their future. He matched her position, clasping his own hands behind his back and widened his stance so that they were more closely matched in height, forcing her gaze to meet his. “Your desires shall never be irrelevant to me.”
Color flooded her cheeks. “And if I dared to reveal them to you…”
“It will be my honor to make each and every one a reality.” Heat radiated through his body as his own desires flooded his thoughts.
“Mama will insist upon returning to London for my trousseau to be compiled and for a dress to be made.”
“Is that important to you?”
“Not particularly, but it might be to your advantage.” Diana wagged her brows.
The woman was full of wonders. It was his turn to surprise her. “Or we could simply make an adventure out of the event and journey up to Gretna Green…”
“Pfft, that took way more hints than I expected.” Diana launched herself at him and wrapped her arms about his neck and kissed him soundly, sealing their future. There was no turning back after such a public display. All those hours worried she wasn’t in favor of his suit were for naught.
