Notorious Deception (17 page)

“There is a page missing from the book.”

Diana's eyes flew open. “What?”

“Someone has torn a page from the register, Diana!” Derek exclaimed. “If you look closely along the binding, you can see where it has been ripped out.”

Her eyes followed his fingertips along the spine of the book, and she gasped when she saw the small remnants of a torn page. “Giles?” she asked breathlessly, not sure if she felt angry or relieved.

Derek shrugged his shoulders. “Perhaps. Tell me truthfully, Diana. What did you intend to do with the page when we located it?”

“Remove it from the register,” she said, heat filling her face. “And when I was certain we no longer needed it, I was going to destroy it.”

Derek grinned. “My thoughts exactly.” He closed the book with a loud bang. “I am inclined to believe Giles is responsible for this. He probably removed the page soon after your wedding ceremony, when he decided to go through with his second marriage to Henriette. This way, it would be extremely difficult to prove in a court of law he was a bigamist. Giles could continue to easily steal the remainder of your money and property, since you believed you were his wife. Even if you ever found out about Henriette, you would have been hard pressed to prove Giles was ever married to you. With no church records to back up your story, your own wedding papers would have been of little value. Giles could have claimed that they were a forgery and that you made up the entire wild tale for your own personal gain. It would have been his word against yours.”

“I don't doubt who would have won,” Diana remarked, shuddering.

Derek's answering frown indicated he agreed with her. Taking her arm, he escorted her outside the church into the fading sunlight. They walked the short distance back to their accommodations at the Lord Nelson Inn in reflective silence.

They were both so absorbed in private thought that Derek was startled when he glanced up just in time to avoid colliding with a gentleman alighting from his phaeton.

“I say, Rutledge, I thought that was you,” the stranger said in a tone of false joviality. He leaned forward and practically leered at Diana. “I suppose you were too intent on other matters to notice me. Can't say I blame you.” He waited expectantly for Derek to make the introductions.

“Bennington.” Derek swore under his breath. Of all the bad luck! This was hardly the opportune moment to run into Henriette's brother. Yet Derek knew he was neatly trapped, so he attempted to make the best of it.

“Lord Bennington, may I present Lady Diana . . . Crawford,” Derek said reluctantly, relieved he had remembered Diana's maiden name.

“I am charmed to make your acquaintance, Lady Diana,” Lord Bennington drawled. He broke into an easy grin, and taking Diana's gloved hand, he lifted it to his lips.

For an instant Diana simply stared at the sandy-blond head bent low over her hand, but when she caught Lord Bennington slyly watching her, she snatched her hand back in annoyance. His strange pale green eyes were appraising her person far too boldly. Diana took a small, unconscious step toward Derek, answering Bennington's slick, assured smile with a positively frigid one of her own.

“Lord Bennington.” Diana acknowledged the introduction with an aloof nod of her head.

“Lady Diana is my fiancee,” Derek said in a tight, hard voice.

“Oh, really,” Lord Bennington said with a raised eyebrow. He regarded them speculatively. “I had no idea you were betrothed, Rutledge. I assume it happened recently?”

“Very,” Diana said. She considered the sandy-haired man standing before her. He was an ordinary-looking man in his middle forties, expensively dressed and neatly groomed, yet there was something about him that gave Diana a physical chill. Perhaps it was the way his eyes glinted between half-closed lids when he regarded her, or maybe she was just reacting to the tension she could sense from Derek.

“If you'll excuse us, Bennington,” Derek said in a deceptively pleasant voice, “we'll be on our way. We are late for an appointment. Good afternoon.”

Derek placed his hand possessively in the small of her back and neatly steered her around Lord Bennington before the other man had a chance to utter another word.

“I don't think I like Lord Bennington,” she said.

“I don't happen to like him very much at this moment either,” Derek said. “His rather inopportune appearance has complicated our lives.”

“Don't look so glum, Derek,” Diana said encouragingly. “I thought you handled him rather well.”

“I am afraid you are missing the point, Diana. Do you know who he is?”

“Lord Bennington?” Diana felt a shiver of forboding. “Was he a friend of Giles?”

“Not exactly,” he answered glumly. “Bennington is Henriette's eldest brother.”

“What! Oh, no,” she groaned. “Of all the rotten lack.”

“Indeed,” Derek said. “Now that Bennington knows you are my intended we cannot travel back to Cornwall together. Under the circumstances, I think our best course of action is to return to London.”

“London?” Diana's mind went blank at his statement.

“We will have to announce our betrothal as soon as possible,” Derek said forcefully. “Before Bennington has an opportunity to relate our little encounter this afternoon to anyone.”

“Yes, of course,” Diana replied in a suddenly small voice. “The activities at the manor can progress without our supervision. The architect informed me it will take several weeks for him to draw up new plans for the house.” A wave of pure panic washed over Diana when she realized the danger of agreeing to return to London, but she remained outwardly composed. Turning her face deliberately away from Derek's, Diana fixed her gazed straight ahead and they continued down the street.

Derek's thoughts were grim when they entered the Lord Nelson Inn. Earlier he had felt lucky securing lodgings at this particular coaching inn, since it served the Bristol-Chippenham-London stage and was usually very busy. Derek had only managed to get one bedchamber for the night, but he realized that it would be a blessing. The last thing Diana needed in her current frame of mind was to sleep alone in an unfamiliar room.

Diana didn't even question him when he ordered a hearty meal sent up to the privacy of their bedchamber. He wondered briefly if she even realized they would be sharing the room for the night.

After dinner, Diana moved behind the screen to change into her nightclothes. She felt weary to the bone and was hoping the morning light would bring a more cheerful mood to her sagging spirits. She twisted and turned awkwardly for a time, trying to undue the buttons down the back of her gown. Usually the innkeeper's wife or a serving maid preformed this small task for her, but tonight she had no help.

“I need your assistance, Derek,” she called out wearily. “The fastenings of my dress are down the entire length of my back and I am unable to reach them all.”

Derek followed the sound of her voice, stepping behind the screen. She had already turned her back toward him, and the first thing he noticed was the flawless white skin of her bare shoulders. He gallantly resisted the temptation to caress her, but his fingers shook from the effort as he fumbled with the small fabric-covered buttons.

Diana's softly murmured thank you broke through his lustful thoughts of carrying her to the bed and seducing her. He hurried out from behind the screen, debating whether or not to leave the room while she completed her toilet, but he wasn't sure if she would need any further assistance from him.

“All done,” Diana said.

He turned from his position by the half-opened window to see her standing in the middle of the room, facing him. Her white silk nightgown was enchanting. It was so sheer that the light from the fireplace illuminated every curve of her beautiful body. She smiled shyly.

He felt his mouth go dry at the sight of her. “You are exquisite, my dear,” he said softly.

“I do love you, Derek,” she declared solemnly, advancing toward him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her face against his shoulder.

Derek sighed. Any noble promises he had previously made to himself about waiting until she agreed to marry him before they again made love vanished. He could feel his body's automatic response to her nearness. He was already fully aroused, swollen and heavy with his need. Derek began kissing her. Once he started, he could not stop. He couldn't help himself. She was warm and sweet, and he couldn't get enough of her.

It was exactly what Diana wanted. She returned his kisses with restless moans, pressing herself closer and closer to his hardened strength. She felt his hands stroke down her back to her hips, and they both trembled with excitement.

Somehow, they ended up on the bed, with Derek's jacket off, his cravat untied, and his shirt unbuttoned. Diana's nightgown was gathered up around her thighs, and her fingers were frantically tugging at his clothes.

“Please,” she whispered, moving her body wildly against his. She was almost beyond herself. The hair on his chest brushed against her breast, making her nipples hard. She thrust her tongue into his mouth, and he moaned.

“I ache to be inside you, love,” he said hoarsely. Rolling onto his back, he lifted her hips and placed her astride him.

“Derek, I'm not sure I understand,” she murmured as he gripped her flanks and carefully eased himself inside her.

“Then I will show you, my love,” he said. Sweat beaded on his forehead.

“Oh, my,” Diana whimpered with bewilderment, feeling her body stretching to receive his fullness.

“Easy sweetheart,” he groaned when she pushed up against him.

“Isn't that how you do it, Derek?”

He nearly spilled his seed at her sultry banter. Reaching down, he moved his hand between their bodies seeking her softness and caressing her. His stroking fingers helped her find the natural mating rhythm. He moved his hips forcefully, meeting her thrusts, until they were both lost to the insensible ecstasy of their love.

Diana bit her lip hard to keep from screaming as she found her release. Watching her lovely face contort with pleasure brought his own release, and Derek let go, spilling his hot seed so deeply inside her that he nearly touched her womb.

Slowly, Derek's limbs relaxed beneath her. He felt consumed with contentment. It was as if their very souls had mated, not merely their bodies. He stroked her back gently, savoring the deep feelings of satisfaction and commitment he felt for her.

She stretched forward until she lay flat on top of him, her silken hair covering them both. Her face rested on his chest.

“Will it always be this good between us, Derek?” she asked, her breathing still erratic.

“If I can somehow manage to survive,” Derek said with a teasing groan.

Diana hit his shoulder with her clenched fist. “I'm being serious,” she said.

“Ouch,” he yelped. “So am I, my love.”

Diana merely grunted loudly, a fair imitation of him. Derek burst into laughter and hugged her tightly. Their bodies were slick with sweat, and breathing in the salty, sexy fragrance of her skin made him harden inside her again. Idly, he wondered if she was aware of it. When she pressed light kisses along his throat and shifted her position on top of him, he knew she was.

“It is too soon, sweetheart,” he implored, trying to stop the rampant desire from overtaking him. “You are too tender.” He ceased his protest when she playfully bit his neck.

Lord, she was going to be sore in the morning, he thought. Expertly, he rolled her onto her back, balancing himself above her on his elbows. Smiling wickedly, he slowly began making love to her again.

“Shall we see if it can be as good as before, my sweet,” he whispered seductively.

“We shall make it even better,” she said with a delighted laugh. “But only if you think you can survive, my lord.”

When Diana and Derek arrived in London two days later, it was raining. As the carriage traveled down Regent Street, Derek suggested Diana accompany him to his town home before preceding to Tristan and Caroline's house. Diana adamantly refused. A message had already been sent from Chippenham informing Tristan and Caroline of Diana's arrival. They would be expecting her sometime today. Besides, it would hardly be proper for Diana to accompany Derek to his home unchaperoned, even if she was announced as his betrothed. And even though the possibility was remote, Henriette might still be in residence. Diana did not relish meeting her again. There was also the question of Derek's servants. Diana had no wish to subject herself to their curious eyes either.

After pointing out these facts to Derek, he was forced to concede the logic of her arguments and brought her directly to Tristan's home. They were informed by Sutton, the butler, that the Ashtons were at the opera, but the staff had been told of Diana's impending arrival. She was warmly greeted by the staff. Both Sutton and Mrs. Roget, the housekeeper, made a special fuss over her. Being once again in such a comfortable and friendly atmosphere reinforced Diana's belief that she was right to accept Tris and Caroline's standing offer of hospitality.

 

Diana slept until noon the following morning. Tristan and Caroline had returned quite late the night before, and Diana hoped they too had slept in.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast in her room, Diana dressed with care. Her new pale yellow gown's low-cut neckline showcased her ample bosom and the puff sleeves gave her a carefree air she did not usually display. Diana hurried down to the front salon, hoping to find Tristan and Caroline. Diana was looking forward to seeing her friends again and catching them up on all the extraordinary developments of the past few weeks.

There were no servants in the main hall, so Diana strolled unannounced into the front salon. She stopped short when she discovered a couple seated upon the settee locked in a passionate embrace. At first glance Diana believed she had stumbled upon Tristan and Caroline, yet upon closer inspection, she noticed the color of the woman's hair was a distinct shade of auburn, instead of Caroline's golden blonde.

Horribly embarrassed, Diana hesitated in the doorway, wondering if she had been observed. She began to slowly retreat, but her movement caught the eye of the gentleman, and he broke away rather reluctantly from his partner.

A pair of steely-gray eyes regarded Diana with open hostility. No, it was not Tristan, but the glowering stranger's resemblance to Tris was marked, and Diana knew he must be a relative. The man continued to stare rudely at her and Diana felt a shiver run down her spine.

“Was there something you wanted?” he barked loudly.

At the man's bellowing question, the lady on the settee turned around to face the doorway. She colored slightly when she saw Diana, but her face took on a pleasant expression.

“I do beg your pardon,” Diana said, stammering out a hasty apology, and she started backing out of the room. “I did not know anyone was in here.”

“No, wait,” the woman called out in a melodic voice. “Please don't leave.” She disengaged herself from the possessive hold the gentleman still had on her arm and rose elegantly from her seat. Walking toward Diana, the woman extended her hand in greeting.

“You must be Lady Diana. Tris and Caroline told us at the opera last evening you were expected. It is lovely to finally meet you. I am Tristan's sister-in-law, Alyssa. And this is my husband, Morgan.”

Bewildered, Diana took Alyssa's outstretched hand. Alyssa was several inches taller than Diana, with a willowy figure and unusual green eyes. Diana thought she was lovely. “How very nice to make your acquaintance,” Diana muttered absently.

Morgan also stood up, and Diana felt instantly overpowered by his presence. He was by far the most overwhelming man she had ever encountered. He was exceedingly tall and broad of shoulder, yet it was not only his physical dominance, but the aura of power and arrogance he exuded that affected Diana. This was clearly not a man to trifle with.

Alyssa turned around to look at her husband. “Good Lord, stop scowling so Morgan,” Alyssa berated him. “You are frightening Lady Diana.”

Morgan grimaced at his wife, but schooled his exceptionally handsome face into a more relaxed expression. Diana favored him with a small smile, wondering how two brothers could be so very different. Tristan was so boyish and carefree, while his brother appeared intense and somber.

Tristan's brother! This must be the duke and duchess that Caroline was always talking so enthusiastically about. She rolled her eyes in mortification as she realized her mistake.

“Your Graces,” she muttered faintly, dipping a low curtsy.

“There is no need for all of that!” Morgan exclaimed in a deep voice, startling Diana anew.

“Oh, yes,” Alyssa said, agreeing with her husband. “There is no cause for such formality among friends, Diana. May I call you Diana?” At Diana's confused nod, Alyssa continued. “Please come in and sit down with us. We were going to ring for Sutton to bring our tea, but the bell appears to be broken. Then we got—um—distracted.”

“I can certainly tell you are related to Tristan,” Diana said to Morgan, remembering the passionate embrace she had interrupted.

Both Morgan and Alyssa laughed at her remark and Diana flushed, appalled at her cheek. Thankfully, she was saved from making yet another awkward apology by the loud banging of the salon doors as they were unexpectedly thrust open.

The walls fairly shook as the doors swung back and forth on their hinges, and a young child came racing into the room.

“Katherine!” the duke bellowed sternly.

The child immediately froze in place, lifting two solemn eyes at Morgan. “Yes, Father,” she whispered.

“Leave this room at once, young lady” he said firmly.

Crestfallen, the little girl complied. Diana had to bite her tongue to keep from commenting while she watched the child drag her feet out of the room in a forlorn manner. The child's obvious distress tore at her heart. How could the duke be so cruel to such a tenderhearted little girl?

There were a few moments of strained silence as Katherine closed the salon doors softly behind her. Then there was a loud knock at the door. Morgan crossed the room swiftly, yanking open the door. Katherine stood demurely in the doorway, an angelic expression on her face.

“May I please come in, Father?”

“I should be delighted to have your company, Puss,” Morgan said with a slight bow to his daughter. He held out his hand, and Katherine confidently slipped her delicate, small hand into her father's large palm. Hand in hand they walked into the room, stopping in front of Diana.

“Lady Diana, may I present—” Morgan began, but he was interrupted by a high-pitched squeal.

“Papa! Papa!” A chubby little toddler came bounding into the room, literally flinging herself at the duke. Wrapping her arms around Morgan's leg, she held on tightly, shrieking with delight.

With a rueful grin, the duke carefully pried the child lose from his leg and bent down on one knee to greet her at eye level.

“And exactly how did you get up here, little miss?” Morgan asked the toddler.

The little girl brought her face forward, resting nose to nose with her imposing father. “Papa,” she said happily, giving him a sloppy kiss.

“I brought her upstairs, Father,” young Katherine said. “Did you know she can climb the stairs by herself if you hold onto her hand?”

“Is that right?” Morgan replied, clearly impressed with his daughter's accomplishments.

“Katherine,” Alyssa said addressing her older daughter in a reprimanding tone. “I thought you and your sister were going to stay in the kitchen with Mrs. Roget and Cook for a while.”

“We were down there for a very long time, Mother,” Katherine said, “and I wanted to come upstairs to see Uncle Tris and Aunt Caroline. When I left the kitchen, Juliet followed me.”

Just then a very harried-looking Mrs. Roget entered the room. “Thank goodness!” the housekeeper exclaimed when she saw the children. “I told Cook they would be here.”

“Katherine,” the duke said sternly. “Didn't you ask Mrs. Roget's permission to come up here first?”

“I'm sorry, Mrs. Roget,” Katherine said instantly.

“No harm done,” Mrs. Roget said, before either parent had a chance to scold the child.

“Thank you, Mrs. Roget,” Alyssa said. “I hope the girls were not too much trouble.”

“No trouble at all,” the housekeeper responded sincerely. “We always enjoy it when the children come to visit.” She smiled affectionately at the girls. “Would you like me to have some tea sent up?”

“That would be lovely, Mrs. Roget,” Alyssa answered.

“I'll have a footman bring it in as soon as it is ready, Your Grace,” Mrs. Roget said. Dipping a small curtsy, the housekeeper left the room.

“We already had our tea,” Katherine told her parents. “And Cook let us have some strawberry tarts. They were very good. I had one and Juliet ate two.”

All eyes turned to the chubby toddler, and she grinned charmingly at everyone. Diana coughed softly, bringing her hand to her lips to hide her smile.

“Now for the introductions,” Morgan declared. Taking each of his girls in hand, he brought them in front of Diana. “As you undoubtedly have realized, Lady Diana, these two little scamps are my daughters, Katherine and Juliet.”

Katherine made a surprisingly dainty curtsy. Juliet, suddenly feeling shy, hid behind Morgan's leg, peering out occasionally to see if Diana was still watching her.

“I am honored to meet you, ladies,” Diana said, nodding her head in greeting. She thought the girls were positively adorable. Katherine was the very image of her father, with her raven-black hair and smoky-gray eyes, while little Juliet was all blonde curls and sweet blue eyes. Turning to Alyssa, Diana said, “They are both so beautiful.”

“Thank you,” Alyssa said with motherly pride. “Naturally we feel they are exceptional, even though they can be a handful at times.” She leaned over and whispered to Diana, “I'm afraid Morgan spoils them terribly.”

Diana eyes widened at that comment. The duke certainly did not appear to be the sort of man who would tolerate, much less spoil, two young girls. Diana turned her head sharply toward the duke, considering Alyssa's words.

Morgan was lounging comfortably on the settee with Katherine perched next to him rhythmically swinging her legs. Juliet was clamoring to sit with them also, so he reached down with one arm and lifted the child onto his lap. The toddler squirmed for several moments until she found an acceptable position. Cuddling close to her father, she clutched the velvet lapel of his jacket with one hand and then popped the thumb of her other hand into her mouth.

The momentary peace was shattered with the arrival of Tristan and Caroline.

“Uncle Tris,” Katherine yelled, jumping up from the settee and nearly knocking over a porcelain vase in the process. Juliet, not to be outdone by her sister, scrambled down from her father's lap and ran to Tris also.

Delighted, Tristan bent down to embrace them. Scooping them both up simultaneously, he held a child in each arm as he said, “And how are my charming little nieces today?” Tris began kissing and tickling them and they burst into joyful giggles and screams.

Diana glanced at Caroline. She was watching her husband intently as he played lovingly with the girls. Diana felt her throat tighten with emotion. Suddenly, she understood Caroline's desperate need to give Tristan a child of their own. Caroline was right—he would make a wonderful father. Diana offered up a silent prayer, hoping it would soon come to pass.

Still giggling with excitement, the girls next greeted Caroline with equal enthusiasm. Sutton and two footmen arrived with the tea, and eventually everyone was served refreshments. After some rather intense pleading by Tristan and Katherine, and several warnings about not spilling anything on the carpets, it was decided the girls could stay for tea. Diana was surprised to realize she was glad Morgan allowed it.

Diana's experience with children was limited to the youngsters of her village, and they were no doubt on their very best behavior when in her presence. It was fun being with Tristan's nieces, even if they were a bit rambunctious.

“'Tis exceptionally tolerant of Tristan and Caroline to allow us to bring the girls over without their nurse,” Alyssa declared. “The poor woman has come down with a dreadful cold, and she will be confined to bed for several days.”

“We take great delight in the girls' visits,” Tristan said, wiping strawberry jam from Juliet's mouth. “They always liven up the place. And they are so very much like their uncle Tris, aren't they, Caroline? Perfectly well-behaved little angels.”

“The girls are perfect of course,” Caroline said in a teasing voice. “I am not certain the same can be said of you, Tristan.”

Young Katherine's infectious laughter caught on, and soon everyone was enjoying the jest. The Earl of Harrowby was announced in the midst of all the laughter.

Derek greeted Diana and the other adults warmly, clearly delighted to be among his friends again. Juliet toddled boldly up to him, and after giving her a kind smile, Derek reached down and ruffled the baby's soft blonde curls. Then he turned his undivided attention to Katherine.

Katherine's eyes widened with excitement as Derek approached her. She was obviously well acquainted with him, but she did not greet him with the same unreserved excitement she used with her uncle. Instead, Katherine curtsied to Derek, and her eyes were wide as saucers when he addressed her as Lady Katherine and returned her greeting with a formal bow and a gentle kiss to her hand.