“Engaged, are we?” he said, his voice low and teasing. “I missed the part where you said yes, but I suppose that should have been a private moment.”
“Shh!” Diana laughed, her cheeks still burning. “You’ll scandalize her even more!”
“Then perhaps we should be more discreet,” he whispered, leaning closer, his breath warm against her ear. “But I can’t help it. I’m too happy to care.”
Diana beamed at him, feeling a rush of joy that was both exhilarating and terrifying. “What now?” she asked, her heart racing with anticipation.
“Now, we must face the world together,” he replied, his gaze unwavering. “Together, we can navigate whatever comes our way.”
“Together,” she echoed, feeling hope blossom within her. With a newfound sense of purpose, she took his hand, feeling the warmth and strength of his grip.
“Let’s go and find Clara,” she said, determination in her voice. “We can’t leave her in shock forever.”
As they stepped toward the door, Diana felt a flutter of excitement course through her. Clara stood just outside, her eyes wide with astonishment.
“My Lady, forgive me, but you must reconsider, after everything that has happened…”
“Clara,” Diana said firmly but kindly, “I love him, and he loves me. We are engaged, and I will not allow you to dismiss my happiness.”
Clara opened her mouth to protest, but Diana held up a hand, silencing her. “You have always been my supporter, my friend. You must understand that this is what I want.”
Tristan stepped forward, his presence solid and reassuring. “I promise to take care of her, Clara. I will not let her down.”
Clara's expression softened as she took in the sincerity in Tristan's eyes. “I just don’t want you to be hurt again, My Lady,” she said quietly, her concern evident.
“I appreciate your loyalty, Clara,” Diana replied. “But I need to follow my heart. I cannot let fear dictate my choices any longer.”
Clara nodded slowly, her shoulders relaxing as she sighed. “Very well, My Lady. If this is what you truly want, then I will support you. But I will be watching closely.”
Tristan chuckled again, the tension in the air lightening. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from a devoted maid. You’ll be our protector, Clara.”
Diana smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her. With Clara’s reluctant acceptance, she felt a weight lift from her shoulders. “Thank you, Clara. It means the world to me that you are with us.”
“Just promise me you’ll be careful,” Clara replied, a hint of sincerity returning to her tone.
“Of course,” Diana assured her, glancing at Tristan, who looked more elated than ever. “Now, there are things to do, and people to speak to, but first, let’s celebrate this new chapter.”
CHAPTER 28
“My Lord, are you ready?” came the soft voice of Clara, Diana’s maid, as she entered the room.
Tristan stopped pacing up and down in the hallway and nodded. He was trying to look calm, but his heart was in his mouth as he prepared himself for what was to come. Today was the day he would ask Diana’s father for her hand in marriage, and while he was resolute in his decision, the weight of the moment pressed heavily on his shoulders.
He had spent a restless night contemplating the words he would say, the emotions he would convey, and the significance of this meeting. Lord Kingsman was a man of considerable stature and authority, and while Tristan knew that he had won his approval previously, in relation to his proposed marriage to Lady Grace, a lot had changed since then. He could make no assumptions about what was going to happen, and he could not help but feel a twinge of anxiety at the thought of what was facing him.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” he replied, attempting a smile that fell a bit short.
All he could do, he thought, as he took a deep breath and steadied himself, was hope that Lord Kingsman would see how much he truly loved Diana, and how sorry he was for all the confusion that had taken place over the last few weeks and months. But he knew that this conversation might not be straightforward.
Clara gave him a reassuring nod. “I’m sure it will be fine, My Lord,” she whispered, a conspiratorial note in her voice as she indicated to him to follow her along the corridor.
With a final glance in the mirror to ensure he looked presentable, he made his way to Lord Kingsman’s study, his heart pounding in his chest. As he approached the door, he could hear the faint rustle of papers and the muffled sound of Lord Kingsman’s voice, deep and commanding.
“Enter,” came the gruff command.
Tristan opened the door and stepped inside, trying to maintain an air of confidence despite the flutter of nerves that coursed through him. Lord Kingsman sat behind a large mahogany desk, his gray hair neatly combed, and his eyes fixed on a stack of documents. He looked up as Tristan entered, his expression unreadable.
“Lord Silvermere,” Lord Kingsman said, his voice steady but lacking warmth. “What brings you here this morning?”
