Page 50 of Desire and Discipline
A bloody accident.
That’s what all the information they had was pointing toward. A bloody stupid drunken accident. As much as Oliver’s head did not want to believe they could have been so irresponsible, so foolish, his gut was telling him that it truly did not indicate an attack on England. Which he should be relieved about, but the fallout was going to be terrible, regardless.
Eight new dukes had just unexpectedly inherited their titles. None of them married, much less with their own heirs. Most of them were still in their feckless stage of life, more concerned with gambling and seducing than running the estates they would now be expected to manage. Oliver was going to have them investigated as well in case someone had sought to receive his inheritance early.
However, doing so in such a spectacular manner that also caused the death of multiple dukes was incredibly foolish… or brilliant, as it would make it difficult to ascertain who the true target was.
Then there were all the social ramifications. Eight newly minted dukes who would all need brides and heirs immediately? This was going to shake the entireton.
He was simultaneously invigorated and exhausted by the prospect. At least he would not be at the helm for this mess—that was up to Evie and Anthony—yet he had enjoyed somewhat stepping back into his role today. It had shown him that he needed something to do.
Diana was right. He was mostly recovered.
For now, there was very little he could do but wait. They had all the reports they were going to get for today, and Evie and Anthony had gotten on the road posthaste. The faster they could confirm it was an accident, that there were no signs of outside interference, the better off everyone would be. Then all they would have to deal with were the vast social ramifications, and that part of the mess he would happily leave to Evie and Anthony.
In the meantime, he had a future wife to court.
Which was not his forte. Romance, courtship, wooing… not among his strengths. But he was willing to give it a try, especially because Diana had seemed intrigued by Evie’s suggestion. And since she’d agreed to stay in Camden House while Evie and Anthony were gone, he had some time.
What did women like?
Flowers.
Poems.
Jewelry.
None of which seemed entirely appropriate for Diana. Especially the jewelry now that they’d spent the night together. He did not want her to think he saw her as his mistress. Once she was his marchioness, he’d be able to deck her in the family’s jewels and any other shiny bauble she desired, but right now, he did not think it would send the proper message.
Hm. Carriage rides in Hyde Park. That was something he could manage for the moment. It would also be a declaration of his intentions, of sorts, to theton.The gossips were sure to be there all chattering, especially as the dukes’ families were being informed of their unfortunate demise. His going through the park with a young lady would cause a stir on a different day—today it would be an afterthought, but it would be noted.
Very well. A drive it would be. And he could send a footman out for flowers. Perhaps a book as well. Diana did like to read.
Oh, and something for her family. That was easy enough. He’d already looked into her family’s financials, of course. Before going to look for her, he dashed off several notes.
One to her family’s local dressmaker to subsidize whatever her younger sisters wanted for their Seasons.
A note to the Duchess of Windham—thankfully, the duke hadnotbeen part of the hunting trip that had decimated theton’s upper crust—to request she take Miss Margaret Rutherford under her wing for the remainder of this Season. The duchess had turned into a formidable force among theton, but she had a soft heart, especially for younger women from good families without large dowries looking for matches. A personal request from him was likely all that would be needed, but Miss Margaret’s circumstances would clinch it. A duchess taking interest in the young lady should spur on some suitors, even with the upheaval to the Season.
He also wrote a quick note to Mr. Sylvester Rutherford to inform the gentleman of Oliver’s intentions toward Diana. It did not hurt to establish the family connection. He did not think Diana was of the sort to bow to familial pressure, but he did want her to know he was quite serious about his pursuit of her since she seemed to think she was not a proper prospect for his wife. Informing her father would prove he was in earnest, regardless of what she might think.
As would taking her out in public.
Notes finished, Oliver smiled to himself. Sending a footman off to deliver them and another to procure the flowers he wanted, Oliver went in search of Diana.
She was in the sunroom, reading. At least a book was open on her lap, though she did not appear to be paying much attention to its contents. Instead, she had her hand propped up on her chin, her elbow resting on the arm of the chair she was sitting in. She made a very pretty picture sitting there in her day gown, almost too pretty to interrupt… but if Oliver was going to court her, then interrupt her, he must.
“My Lady.” His smile broadened when she jumped, apparently not having noticed his approach.
“My Lord.” She got to her feet, holding her book in one hand. Her gaze flickered down to where he didnothave his cane to support him—no point in further pretense, and he’d rather appear healthy and virile to her—and she raised her eyebrows. “Is there more news?”
“Actually, I was wondering if you might wish to join me for a turn about Hyde Park.”
Diana blinked in surprise.
“Hyde Park?”
“Yes.”
