Page 48 of An Earl Unmasked
Diana pulled back and said, “My trunk is ready, and Cartwright assured me he’d have your things prepared, also.”
“Managing the staff already? I’m impressed.”
Her father stomped across the room. “What in tarnation is going on? Unhand the man, Diana, right this minute.”
Diana turned but did not release her hold. “We are off for Gretna Green, Papa.”
“Well played, my girl, well played.” The countess chuckled and linked her arm through her husband’s. “We shall return home. Kent and Gregory will accompany them across the border and see to Diana’s safety.”
The earl simply shook his head and allowed his wife to escort him away.
Isadora wrapped her arms about Diana. “I wondered if you had a plan. You were far too calm about matters, but I agree with Mama, your execution was perfection.”
Randal stood looking down at Diana in awe as half the Malbury clan departed.
Kent’s large hand landed in the middle of Randal’s back, jarring him from his thoughts. “Shall we set out at first light?”
Diana answered, “I had planned to leave after we break our fast.”
“That is a grand idea, sister.” Greg gave her a hug. “Congratulations. You shall make a fine Countess of Chestwick.” He slung an arm about his brother’s shoulders. “Come on, Kent, let’s get some rest. We have a long ride ahead of us.”
Kent shrugged his brother’s arm off. “Ride? One of us should ride in the carriage with those two.”
“Good gracious, Kent—you were born ten months to the day after our parents were married. Chestwick and Diana need time to become better acquainted.”
Shaking his head, Kent said, “I don’t think so.”
“Out.” Greg gave his older brother a shove. “This is exactly the stubborn behavior that our sisters complain about. Now let’s go find our rooms.”
When the door clicked closed, Randal scooped up Diana and carried her over to the settee. “I had devised and rehearsed a long speech, all in the hopes of convincing you to marry me. But I find that after your kiss, all I can think about is having your lips upon mine—again.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Settled upon thesettee and snuggled in Randal’s lap, Diana focused on the simple task of breathing. It was no easy feat given her heart was thumping wildly. Randal’s fingers began to drum on her thigh. She placed her gloved hand over his. “Care to share your thoughts, my lord.”
“If they were not in disarray, I would. However, you have a unique ability to catch me totally unprepared.” He flipped his hand over and intertwined his fingers with hers. She mentally cursed the thin material that prevented her from having his skin next to hers.
Diana stared at their joined hands. “For a man who is renowned for the ability to foreshadow others’ actions, I can see how my unexpected behavior this evening has left you rather unsettled.”
His fingers tightened about hers. She had promised herself to pursue what she wanted. Diana withdrew her hand and removed her gloves. As she slipped her hand back into his, she said, “My hope is that while my actions were surprising, the result is satisfactory.”
Randal arched a brow.
She had shocked him again.
Wordlessly, he leaned in to press his lips to hers. She relinquished his hand in favor of running her fingers along the back of his neck. Diana loved the feeling of the strong, warm column against the pads of her fingers. Randal’s kisses were slow and languishing. Having a philandering father and a rake for a brother, Diana knew there was more to coupling than kisses. She pulled back and reached between them to slip her hands beneath his coat. “I once overheard Lady Barlington state that had she slept with her husband before her wedding, she would have known what an utter bore he was behind the chamber doors.”
Randal ceased nuzzling her neck and stared into her eyes. “Eavesdropping is a terrible habit.”
He was attempting to be serious, but his gaze dropped back to her lips as she moistened them with the tip of her tongue. “Do you think it is Lord Barlington’s snoring that his wife finds boring?” Lady Barlington had also shared that men respond in like when their partner is an eager participant.
“I don’t believe so.” Randal captured her mouth. It was evident he didn’t wish to pursue the conversation.
Diana returned his kisses with enthusiasm. She tilted her head to grant him access as he trailed his tongue along the edge of her ear. His warm breath heated her blood, but Lady Barlington’s comment kept replaying in her mind. “Will you sleep with me tonight?”
Randal leaned his forehead against her shoulder. “Why?”
“To ensure you are not a bore behind chamber doors.” Diana wasn’t so naive as to believe that Lady Barlington was actually referring to slumber. “I need to know before we wed.”
