Sebastian climbed into the carriage and leaned his head against the back of the seat, closing his eyes, both terrified and anxious to know where he and Diana stood. He’d completely fallen for her but would not live a life in the shadows with her and continue their affair, especially if she were determined to marry a lord such as Tremont.
The carriage came to a halt, and he stepped out. TheSS Stantonwould be his ride home to England. At least for this trip, he wouldn’t share a cabin with anyone. The ship captain said they should expect to be back in England within twelve days. He took a deep breath. No matter what waited for him, it was time to go home.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
London—September 1850
Diana sat withher father-in-law in the sitting area of her townhouse. They both smiled as Robert raced from the room in search of some havoc to create. She and her son were once again settled in London. Diana had expected tears of joy when she returned from her adventure, but he’d acted as if she’d just left. Diana supposed that was the best way. He did adore her tales of all the ports.
This was the first time she’d been able to meet Wescott since her return, as he’d been away at his country estate. He’d only arrived in London a few days ago. The actual season had not started yet, but society was slowly returning to the city. Balls were beginning, and the government work was in full swing. Diana had been overwhelmed with invites to various events since her return. Everyone wanted to hear about her and Sebastian’s adventures.
For the most part, she didn’t mind all the questions except for one. When would Sebastian Devons return? Addie asked almost every time she saw her. She couldn’t explain they’d fought, and he’d left the next day, only providing an impersonal goodbye missive. Instead, she’d guessed and told all who asked that he would return sometime in the fall.
“You have been spending significant time with Tremont.”
She had. Arthur had been considerate and always willing to escort her anywhere she liked.
“He seems to have a great deal of respect for you,” Westcott added.
Diana shook her distracting thoughts away and smiled. “He is kind.”
“If I were into making wagers, I would bet at some point he will propose.”
Westcott studied her intently. Diana wondered what he was looking for. She squirmed under his gaze. “He has hinted at the possibility.”
“Will he make you happy?”
That was a good question, Diana thought. Sebastian flashed in her mind. He was always in her thoughts, both while she was awake and sleeping. The man had left and not sent a single missive since. He should not be the one she was thinking about, especially since Tremont was doing everything one expected when being courted.
“Perhaps,” she said.
Her father-in-law frowned. “Don’t feel forced into marrying him.”
She shrugged. “He does not lack anything I should want.”
“You don’t laugh or smile much with him. While society may say you must marry, I can assure you do not have to.”
She smiled at Westcott, grateful to have such a wonderful father-in-law. “Robert and I are so lucky to have you in our lives.”
“I made a promise to my son to make sure you are happy. I will do everything in my power to see that you are.”
Diana had been thinking about Stuart a great deal. She always missed him, but in some moments the feeling would hit her and take her breath away. That had been happening often lately. In some absurd way, losing Sebastian also amplified theloss of Stuart. She sighed and Wescott’s brows drew together in concern.
“I’m happy,” she insisted, realizing she was causing him worry.
He seemed skeptical. “Only marry if you think it will bring you great joy. A lifetime is a long time to be unhappy. The older I get, the more I realize being miserable is rot.”
Diana giggled. When she first met Westcott, she’d been terrified of the man. Not only was he a duke, but his bearing was formidable and of someone who shouldn’t be messed with. Now, they were sitting here talking about happiness.
He tilted his head and smiled. “Now you seem happy.”
She grinned back. “I was just thinking I’m most grateful that loving Stuart brought such a great father figure into my life.”
The normally unaffectionate duke leaned over and squeezed her hand. “I’m grateful as well.”
*
Sebastian listened tohis brother’s butler announce him to those in the breakfast room. He heard Sophia gasp. He smiled as he stepped into the room. Malcolm rose and wrapped him in a tight hug. He’d decided to come straight to his brother’s townhouse from the ship, needing a familiar face.
