Page 10 of The Duke of Ruin
“You can certainly do that, but you really would leave this life behind you. That includes everyone you know, even this cousin you’re going to visit. Are you close?”
She hadn’t thought about that. “Yes. She’d keep my secret.”
“Could you ask her to?”
She could, but he had a point. While she and Verity had grown up together, Diana couldn’t expect her to lie to their fathers. They were brothers and very alike, especially in temperament.
“I probably shouldn’t.” She worked to keep the defeat from her tone.
“You don’t have to decide anything right now,” he said with warm encouragement. “I’m here, and I’ll help you in whatever way I can. You’re not alone.”
She might not be alone, but she certainly felt that way. It was impossible not to, given the way she’d been forced to live. She wondered whether the independence she craved would mean a lifetime of loneliness. Could she accept one to gain the other?
It was almost laughable, thinking she had a choice. But maybe, just maybe, she did. Thanks to this disaster Kilve had left her in. And Romsey seemed intent on rescuing her from.
“Thank you,” she murmured, lifting her book and trying to focus on the page. She was all too aware of his body next to hers, not quite touching, but close enough to feel his heat. Which was the point of their proximity since it was rather cold.
Reason told her it was foolish to plan her life with or depend upon this near stranger. Yet he’d shown her more kindness than just about anyone she’d ever known. She could only hope this was his true self. Time would tell—hopefully within the next week.
A few minutes later, the coach slowed. Romsey leaned toward the window to look outside.
“We’re here,” he announced.
Once the vehicle stopped, Romsey opened the door. He waited for the coachman to lower the step, then hopped out and helped Diana descend.
Her legs protested after the last several hours in the coach, but it was good to feel her blood circulating again. The inn was a bit larger than last night’s, boasting a charming gabled roof.
The duke escorted her across the yard. The ground was hard, and she marveled at their luck in avoiding any rain. Perhaps her fortunes had changed.
“Where are we?” she asked.
“Just outside Luton, I believe.”
“Are you familiar with this road?”
“Somewhat,” he said, opening the door to the inn and ushering her inside.
Before she could ask him what had brought him this way, a plump woman with bright blue eyes and extraordinary dimples greeted them. “Well, if it isn’t Mr. Byrd!”
The name jarred Diana, but then she shouldn’t have been surprised—that was their disguise. Except why would this woman know that? She couldn’t have been expecting their arrival. Unless Romsey had plotted this course all along. What if they weren’t on their way to Lancashire? She realized he could have kidnapped her, spiriting her away wherever he wanted. Hewasan alleged murderer after all…
She looked at him warily as he spoke to the woman, who was quite pleased to see him.
I’m being ridiculous!Diana admonished herself. Why would he kidnap her? What purpose could he possibly have? Did he mean to take her to Gretna Green and force her to marry him?
“My love,” he said, startling Diana and reaching for her hand. The endearment drove every other thought from her mind. “Kitty, come and meet Mrs. Watt, the innkeeper’s wife. Allow me to present mywife, Mrs. Byrd.” He drew Diana against his side.
She connected with his warmth, and her body thrilled to the contact, despite the distressing turn her mind had taken. Forcing a smile, she nodded at Mrs. Watt. “Pleased to meet you.”
Mrs. Watt clapped her hands together as her eyes danced with glee. “My goodness, felicitations are in order! We just saw you this past summer, and you were unwed. This sounds like a grand love story. I look forward to hearing it over dinner.” She winked at Romsey, then asked, “Would you like the same room?”
“That would be more than acceptable, thank you.”
“Come along, then.” She led them through the small common room and up a narrow flight of stairs.
Diana’s mind churned with what they could possibly say at dinner. And why had he been here last summer as Mr. Byrd?
They reached the landing, and there were just two rooms, matching the gables Diana had seen. Mrs. Watt led them to the one on the right side of the landing. “Here we are. Dinner will be in just a little while. Do you want me to send a boy up to start your fire?”
