“But wait. You are hosting a dinner party?” And Bethany had invited Lord Greystone?
“Yes. But it’s to be a somewhat intimate party--for Tabetha and Mr. Spencer, my mother and Viscount Manheim—who she has been keeping company.” Bethany raised her brows meaningfully before continuing. “Westerley and Charley, Greystone and his relations, of course, and Lord and Lady Huntly and their daughter. I invited a few bachelors to even out my numbers but none accepted.”
Bethany frowned, and Diana’s heart sank because those bachelors must have realized they had been invited as potential suitors for one of Chaswick’s illegitimate sisters.
Bethany squeezed Diana’s hand. “Is there anyone in particular that you would like me to invite the next time I host a party?”
“Only Captain Edgeworth.” It would have been spectacular if the gentleman could have been in attendance that evening.
“Oh, look. I do believe we might just be in luck!” Diana followed Bethany’s gaze to where her brother was enjoying having a good-humored conversation with the same three gentlemen who’d ignored Diana earlier. Bethany winked as she dragged Diana toward her husband and then whispered. “Regimentals are always happy for an evening of fine company and a good meal.”
Diana touched her fingers to her hair, as quite a lot had escaped her chignon, and then dropped her hands to smooth her gown. As she neared the three handsome gentlemen, her heart raced a little faster.
“Captains, Major. I swear, my husband never fails to strike up conversations the very moment I tell him I’m ready to take our leave.” Bethany then turned to Chase. “But, darling, three of the gentlemen I invited for dinner this evening canceled, and now my numbers will be uneven.” Diana watched in awe as Bethany pouted rather prettily.
“But…” Chase began, looking confused until he met his wife’s meaningful gaze. Brows raised in understanding, he turned again to address the three magnificent-looking military men. “Say, would you fellows be interested in joining us at Byrd House this evening? It seems my wife is in something of a pickle. Bethany, Diana, you know Lord Major Lucas Cockfield, Blackheart’s younger brother, and Captains Gilcrest and Edgeworth?”
Before Diana could think of a single word to add to the conversation, it was settled that the three of them would be honored guests that evening, all of them smiling and quite pleased at the unexpected plans.
When Chase had first presented himself at their modest house on Farm Street, shortly after their father’s death eight years before, Diana had been utterly charmed by him. Having come to know him now, she realized that he had that effect on nearly every person he came in contact with.
“Until this evening, then, Gentlemen.” Bethany had taken hold of Chase’s arm to drag him now as well.
“Our thanks, my lady,” Lord Major Cockfield said, and all three of them bowed.
Diana barely remembered to curtsey, and as she rose, looked everywhere but at Captain Edgeworth.
He was simply too imposing in his uniform—too glorious—too perfect. He presented quite the contrast to Lord Greystone’s lordly magnificence.
She felt hot all over when for some reason, she recalled the moment she’d pressed her cheek, accidentally of course, against the front of the Marquess’s trousers.
It had moved. Diana was not mistaken.
What else could it do?
