Page 32 of Tempting the Scarred Duke

“I lived with my aunt. I thought I would continue staying with her until I married but Albert asked me to move here and stay with him. He is looking for a wife, and a suitor for me, you see, but I know that I have a place here whether or not I marry. Do you have any brothers?”

“I wish I did. Sadly, I am my parents’ only child.” Her throat tightened very slightly as she said that. Perhaps her life would have been very different if she had a brother or even a sister. Perhaps she could live like Emma and instead share a home with a caring sibling rather than being trapped in an oppressive household with her aunt.

“Where are your parents now?”

Diana hesitated for a moment before answering. “They are traveling the Continent.”

“Oh, how adventurous. Are you not fond of traveling?”

“I am, but they thought I should remain here to find a husband.”

Emma’s brown eyes sparkled, and she surprised Diana when she took her hand. “If you ever want a sister, I am here.”

Diana felt her eyes widen, and then she quickly recalled Emma saying that Albert was looking for a wife. Could Emma be suggesting they become sisters through marriage? Diana mentally shook her head. “Of course, Emma. I am very happy I met you.” They were now freer with each other, and Diana was growing quite fond of her.

Their tea arrived and for the next several minutes, Emma talked only about her brother, which roused Diana's suspicions again. “He has changed since returning from the war, and I worry about him,” she said. “I think he needs to marry.”

Diana almost laughed at Emma’s apparent efforts to make a match between her and Albert. She swallowed her tea, and said, “You think a wife would make him forget all he had seen and experienced in the peninsula?”

She thought of Matthew, his reaction to the play, and if he was seeking a wife in earnest. Her thoughts were traveling further toward their kiss, and the passion-filled dreams she had been having when Emma’s voice interrupted her.

“I think intimate companionship would help. I doubt he will ever forget. Duke Stormwood, too.”

“What do you know about Duke Stormwood’s wounds?” Diana heard herself ask.

“I am unsure because Albert would not tell me much, but he was injured on his back by a rapier, and it was quite…ugly.” Emma regarded her solemnly. “I suppose it is a blessing that women do not go to war. I do not know if I could ever bear the horrors.”

“I love England but there are not enough elephants in Africa to make me go to war,” Diana muttered. “Perhaps we should speak of something else,” she added quickly when she felt her emotions churning.

“Oh, yes,” Emma giggled, reaching for a jam-covered biscuit. “Your phrase about elephants… this is the first time I am hearing something like that.”

Diana smiled. “I am very fond of them, and I read many books about the great elephants in Africa. There are colonies of them, and I made that phrase to express, very strongly, when I cannot do something. Unusual, is it not?”

“No, I rather think it is unique.” Emma grinned. “Did you know that Albert wanted me to marry the duke?” she asked abruptly as she was just recalling something she had forgotten, driving their conversation onto another course.

“Did he?” Diana straightened a bit, her fingers tightening in the handle of her teacup.

“Yes, but I declined. I have no wish to be a duchess, especially not Stormwood’s,” Emma giggled.

“Why not?” Diana asked, relieved. She knew she had no chance with Matthew but the thought of him with another woman discomposed her.

“He is very handsome and wealthy but…” Emma suddenly flew her colors. “I overheard my brother and the duke’s valet saying that his heart is taken.”

Diana sucked in her breath, both pleased and sad. “Do you know who it is?” she asked merely to stay in the conversation.

“No, I felt guilty for eavesdropping and left. The truth is that I cannot marry a man if I cannot have his heart. I want to love and be loved.”

Diana touched Emma’s hand. “I have the same dream.” She once did.

“I hope we both realize our dreams.” Her friend’s cheeks colored again. “Speaking of, I do think Baron Crawford is very charming, do you not?”

Oh no!Diana’s stomach formed a knot. “Emma, I… would be wary of Crawford.”

“Why, do you know something about him? Is he a rake or a fortune hunter?” Emma’s dark brows furrowed.

Diana shook her head. “It is more an intuitive perception than anything else. I fear he might be an… unpredictable man.”

Emma sighed, seeming disappointed, but she quickly recovered. “My aunt always advised me to trust what I feel inside. I will be careful with Crawford.”

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