Diana, p.9
Diana, page 9
Oliver called for his barouche and then took the reins, driving to within a block of Evie’s and leaving the vehicle there under the watchful eye of a boy he paid. He would claim it for their drive through Hyde Park—and the proposal that would change his life.
Chapter Ten
Diana sat next to Rachel as Lady Alford led the book discussion. Fifteen women sat in the circle of chairs that a clerk had moved so that all might see and hear each other easily. Diana hadn’t read the book, having only learned of the discussion group a few days ago, but the women gathered spoke in a lively manner, not disguising their strong opinions. If she remained in London, she would have enjoyed being part of such a group, but she’d decided to take the twins back to Northumberland. Derek wouldn’t approve but she believed Thea would understand.
All she had to do was cut ties with Lord Merrifield and she could disappear from sight. She wanted to do this in person and planned to do so today during tea. She would also write a note to Rachel, though she knew the marchioness would understand why Diana fled once the gossip flew during the Season’s opening next week.
She sensed the earl had arrived and turned, immediately finding him at a distance from the discussion circle. Though he spoke with an older, distinguished-looking man, their eyes met and he nodded to her. That silly, crazy explosion of giddiness filled her again as it did each time she saw him. Immediately, her thoughts returned to their kiss, the one he’d promised she would never forget. He was right about that. If she lived to be ninety, Diana would remember the taste and touch of him.
“That concludes our time today,” Lady Alford said. “I hope everyone enjoyed chatting about our selection. Remember that we’ll meet again two weeks from today.”
All the ladies stood and Diana heard the woman on her left say to her companion, “Isn’t that Lord Merrifield the most handsome man in London?”
“Quite so. He really should think of marrying, you know.”
She looked to Rachel and said, “Thank you for attending the discussion with me.”
“I see Merrifield has arrived. Are you still planning on going to tea with him?”
She nodded.
“Remember what I said. Give him every chance, Diana.”
Curiosity caused her to ask, “Why are you so interested in seeing him wed?”
“Because I almost married him myself.”
Surprised filled her. “I . . . didn’t know.”
Rachel laughed. “Merrifield was the perfect gentleman. I did seriously consider becoming his wife. He was kind, handsome, amusing, and intelligent. Absolutely perfect in every way.”
Her friend’s remarks puzzled her. “Then why didn’t you marry him?”
“I was madly in love with Evan. He’d recently returned from the war and had no plans to ever wed.” Rachel grinned. “I do believe the attention Merrifield paid to me caused a jealous streak to rear its ugly head within my marquess. Evan finally figured out that he loved me and told me so.”
“But . . . you and the marquess and Lord Merrifield are so . . . friendly.”
“We are. I felt simply awfully, abandoning Merrifield, when he’d done nothing wrong except not be Evan. The three of us, much to the chagrin of the ton, have remained close ever since. I want Merrifield to be as happy as Evan and I are. I told him I’d find him a wife.”
Diana thought a moment. “Is that why you approached me without an introduction?”
“Guilty as charged,” Rachel said breezily. “Merrifield doesn’t need some immature girl that will give in to his every whim. He needs a woman of substance who will challenge him. One who is not only beautiful but knows her own mind. The moment I spied you at Catherine’s reading, I believed you might be that person, Diana. I hope you’ll forgive me.”
“Actually, I’m flattered. I feel old and awkward and not particularly smart, especially with all of the women who will be in London for the Season.”
Rachel sniffed. “You’re not old at all and Merrifield likes you. You never seem to run out of conversation when you’re with him. You’re considerate and friendly. And Lord knows you are breathtakingly beautiful. I thought the two of you would suit and I still believe that.”
Diana definitely thought they suited—especially if it involved kissing.
“I must thank Lady Alford for allowing me to come today,” she said, feeling a blush spill across her cheeks.
Rachel kissed Diana’s cheek. “Then if I do not see you before the opening ball, I will visit with you there. And don’t worry, I’ve already asked a few friends to make sure your dance card is filled since you are new in town. Goodbye, Diana.”
She couldn’t believe how thoughtful the marchioness was and hated that she would lose the woman’s friendship. It didn’t matter. She would never come to London again. She would never see Rachel or her husband or any of these people who’d befriended her. It was time to go back to the life she’d known and focus on the twins.
Diana spoke briefly with Lady Alford, expressing her gratitude for today’s invitation. The countess urged her to continue attending the discussions.
“I know it may be hard to complete our next novel with all of the events of the Season going on, but I certainly hope you will try to come back.” She smiled. “I see Merrifield awaits you. It was good to see you, Lady Diana. I look forward to speaking more at the Evertons’ ball.”
She couldn’t put it off any longer and turned to Lord Merrifield. He strode toward her with confidence and that beautiful smile that warmed her insides, as if he were a ray of sunshine beaming solely for her.
He greeted her and said, “I hope you enjoyed conversing with the ladies present. I see the group from time to time in heated discussions when I stop to make a purchase.”
“It was very informative, even though I hadn’t read the novel they discussed. I almost hated attending because of that reason but Lady Alford urged me to come anyway.”
“She is a very welcoming woman. The discussions she leads bring in many customers.” He offered his arm. “Come. A fabulous tea awaits us.”
Merrifield escorted her across the store and they passed the man she saw him speaking with earlier. He stopped to introduce her.
“Mr. Stinch, may I present Lady Diana de Wolfe? Lady Diana, this is Mr. Stinch, who manages both Evie’s Bookstore and Tearoom. His wife is one of the two excellent bakers that I have bragged on.”
The manager smiled. “You are a good customer at both establishments, my lord. And Lady Diana, I distinctly remember helping you set up your subscription here. One could never forget someone so lovely.”
Diana blushed. “Lord Merrifield says nowhere is as good as Evie’s Tearoom,” she said. “I look forward to sampling what your wife has made.”
They excused themselves and went through a large arch that she saw connected the bookshop with the tearoom. Instead of being seated at a table, though, the earl led them straight to the kitchen, where he greeted both bakers by name and introduced Diana to them.
“I’ll need you to make up my usual box, Mrs. Stinch, and an identical one for Lady Diana to take home to her family. We’ll have tea first, though.”
“I’ll be sure the boxes are delivered to your table when you are ready to leave, my lord.” The woman smiled at Diana, her eyes twinkling. “And it’s a pleasure to have met you, my lady.”
They returned to the tearoom itself and a woman seated them. “Full tea today, Lord Merrifield?” she asked.
“I believe so, Kitty. I want Lady Diana to have a chance to taste a wide variety from Mrs. Stinch and Mrs. Baker.”
Kitty returned quickly with a teapot and cups and saucers. “This is the special blend Lord Mayfield has made up for his friends,” she told Diana. “I hope you’ll enjoy it, my lady.”
The worker poured cups for them both, asking if they wanted cream and sugar, which both did. After she left, Diana took a sip.
“This is wonderful.”
“You can only get it here. If you like it that much, I’ll have some included in what you take home today.”
Minutes later, Kitty and another woman brought a tray each and began setting plates on their table. She saw sandwiches of ham and roast beef, with two varieties of cake and an assortment of scones and biscuits.
“How will we eat all of this this?” she exclaimed.
Kitty grinned. “Lord Merrifield can put away anything you don’t eat, my lady.”
He shrugged. “I have a healthy appetite. Especially when it comes to the food at Evie’s Tearoom.”
They spoke on a variety of topics as they dined and Diana thoroughly enjoyed both the food and their conversation. It made her wistful, knowing it was all coming to an end. She’d decided to speak to him while they drove through the park once she’d seen how crowded the tearoom was, with every table now filled and people waiting to be seated. She owed them both privacy for what she would say.
“I believe you’re the best read woman of my acquaintance,” Lord Merrifield complimented.
“I really haven’t read many books,” she revealed. “Only certain classics that we’ve already discussed and that was in my youth. Most of my reading in recent years has come from newspapers. I found myself drawn to them. They are like a window to England and the world beyond.”
“I couldn’t agree more. I find I’m more knowledgeable about so many varied topics for reading them daily. Even the cartoons amuse me.”
Kitty appeared at their table. “Anything else I can get you, my lord?”
He looked to Diana and she shook her head.
“No, thank you, Kitty.”
She placed two large boxes down. “Mrs. Stinch said there are a few special treats in both of these.”
“That’s very kind of her.”
“You’re one of her favorites, Lord Merrifield. I’d say you’re only second to Lord Mayfield.”
“Then I shall do my best to try and come in first. Perhaps I should offer to buy the tearoom from Lady Mayfield.”
“Good God, Merrifield! Don’t you dare suggest such a thing.”
Diana turned and saw a tall, good-looking man standing behind her and remembered he’d introduced the Duchess of Everton at the reading and was Rachel’s brother.
“Ah, Mayfield. Trying to come and steal some of my treats?” Lord Merrifield asked.
“You may have your baked goods. Just never think of offering for the tearoom. Caroline would have your head on a platter. And mine for merely being friends with you.”
“How is Lady Mayfield and your new son?”
Lord Mayfield beamed. “Both are magnificent. You must drop by and see the best baby in England.” He looked from Merrifield to her. “I’m guessing this is Lady Diana, based upon what my sister has said. Rachel is very fond of you.”
“I am also fond of the marchioness, my lord.”
“I remember seeing you on the day of Catherine’s reading.”
Her chest tightened, afraid he might have seen her with the twins and reveal his knowledge of them. “Yes, I was there.”
“I saw you and Rachel speaking and asked her about you. You must come ’round with Merrifield here and meet my wife and boy. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to make a stop in the kitchen. Caroline sent me for raisin cake and macaroons and I should make haste. Lovely meeting you, Lady Diana.”
Lord Mayfield left and Merrifield said, “Mayfield has become a close friend of mine this past year. He wed Lady Mayfield last year. Are you ready for our drive through the park?”
Her heart sank to her stomach, knowing the conversation ahead. “Yes. Of course.”
He helped her rise and took the two boxes Kitty had brought, telling Diana what would be inside. Her mouth watered at his descriptions as he led her outside and to his barouche. He handed her up and then placed the boxes at her feet before giving a coin to a young boy who’d stood watch.
Climbing beside her, he said, “It’s not quite the fashionable hour to walk or drive so we should have much of the park to ourselves.”
As Diana sat next to him, she inhaled his wonderful, clean, masculine scent for a final time and relished the feel of his thigh pressed against hers. She would never again be this close to a man. Never again want a man as much as she did this one. She tried to keep her breathing even and collect her thoughts.
They entered the park and though she didn’t see but a handful of vehicles, plenty of people strolled through, many of the lower classes, judging by their attire. Numerous children had been brought by their nannies and governesses and she grew wistful, knowing she would never have an opportunity to have more children beyond Finn and Mena.
“I hope you’re having a pleasant time, Diana.”
She faced him, worrying her bottom lip at his use of her Christian name. She did not want to hurt this man. She had to tell him. Now.
“I wish I were the one sinking my teeth into you,” he said, those blue eyes intensely gazing into hers a moment before turning to face the road.
“Oh.” As before, thought around this man seemed impossible. She had to form words. She had to end whatever this was between them before allowing it to go any further.
Still facing forward, Lord Merrifield leaned his head against hers, their temples grazing. “I quite enjoyed kissing you, Diana de Wolfe.” His voice was low and sensuous. “I plan to do so again. Many times, Diana. I want to hear those little murmurs and gasps come from you. Feel the silk of your skin with my bare fingers. Touch you . . . everywhere.”
Her face flamed and she jerked away. “Lord Merrifield, I have something I must tell you.”
He eyed her sideways. “I hope it’s something good.”
She sat tall, her hands twisting nervously in her lap. “It’s something important that you must know about me. I haven’t been quite truthful with you. Or anyone I’ve met in London.” She hesitated, finding her throat tightening with unshed tears. “Once I tell you, I fear there will be no more conversation between us. You won’t want any kisses. You won’t want to see me ever again. And I will understand and accept that.”
He pulled back on the reins, stopping the barouche, and studied her, looking like the Archangel Michael as the sun shone on his blond hair. Then he smiled that magnificent smile, the one that made her feel she was the only person in the world that could ever matter to him.
She would remember this moment forever.
A scream pierced the air. Before she could speak, Merrifield leaped from the carriage and raced in that direction. A woman appeared, frantically crying, “Help me, oh God, help him. He’ll drown.”
“Where?” cried the earl.
The woman pointed and Merrifield ran toward the Serpentine.
Diana climbed from the carriage and hurried toward the sobbing woman. Her legs started to buckle. Diana grabbed her and forced her to move in the direction Merrifield ran.
“What happened?” she asked as she rushed the woman forward.
“He fell in. I warned him he was too close to the water. He slipped. I can’t swim,” she wailed. “The earl will have my head. It’s his only boy after seven girls.”
By now, they’d reached the bank. Diana saw a boy slapping at the water, his cries tearing at her heart. He went under and didn’t appear again.
Merrifield had tugged off his coat and sat on the bank to do the same with his boots. Seeing the child disappear, he pushed himself from the ground and ran into the water, diving where the boy last had been. Diana left the woman and ran to the edge of the water. Others now gathered. Merrifield came up and looked around frantically. Not seeing the boy, he gulped air and went back under. A long moment passed—and then he surfaced, the boy in his arms.
He stroked toward the bank where Diana and another man waited. Merrifield pushed the child at the man and he held fast, moving away from the water and placing the boy on the ground. Diana grasped the hand that shot out and she pulled with all her might, heaving the dripping Merrifield from the water. He collapsed a moment and then scrambled to his feet to where the boy lay still.
The nanny still wept and the man who’d helped backed away. Tears welled in Diana’s eyes as she looked down at the lifeless body.
Merrifield wouldn’t give up, though. He placed his hands on the boy’s chest and pumped violently against it with the heels of his hands.
“Come on, lad. Come on. Come back,” he implored.
Then a gush of water spewed from the boy and Merrifield pulled the child to his feet, pounding on his back. More water streamed from the boy’s mouth as he choked and sputtered.
The crowd which had gathered began cheering. Merrifield picked the boy up in his arms and held him close.
“You’re safe, lad. Everything’s fine. What’s your name?”
“Tim-Timothy.”
“Why, I have a friend named Timothy. He has a twin sister named Delia. We like to build things with blocks. Do you like to build anything?” Merrifield rubbed the boy’s back, soothing him with both actions and words.
“Y-y-yes.”
“What do you like to build? The last thing Timothy and I built was a bridge.”
“I . . . I like bridges.”
“Good lad.” Merrifield looked around and spied her.
Diana came toward him. “Hello, Timothy. I’m Lady Diana. This is Lord Merrifield. You gave us a bit of a scare.”
“I didn’t mean to. The dirt shifted. I lost my balance.” His bottom lip trembled and his body began to shake.
“Let me get my coat for you, Timothy. You must be cold. That water was freezing.”
Merrifield handed Timothy to Diana and retrieved his coat from the ground. By now, the nanny had come up.
“Lord Timothy, you gave me an awful fright.”
“I’m sorry, Nanny.” He looked contrite as the earl draped his coat around the boy and took him back.
