Was he simply being kind?
“Such an experience sleeping outdoors must have provided an excellent learning opportunity.” Collette declared. Of course, that was how Diana’s sister would view it. It made perfect sense for Collette to enter the field of teaching.
“Oh, we learned. We learned never to try to trick my father. He certainly lit into us…” Lord Major Cockfield laughed.
“How did your father find out?” Lady Isabella asked.
Lord Greystone removed his hand.
“Gil ratted us out.” The Lord Major glanced a few seats down to where Captain Gilcrest winked back at them.
“We would have been found out eventually once the duke discovered all the cats. My telling him was merely a matter of self-preservation.”
Captain Edgeworth turned to Diana. “And what of you, were you punished for sharing your bed?”
“Occasionally.” Enough about her bed! Diana squirmed.
“And does your… pet still keep you warm at night?” Captain Gilcrest joked.
The question was made in jest, and yet, this turn in the discussion had Diana shifting uncomfortably in her seat. She swallowed hard. Little Paws had run away right after they’d moved into her brother’s house. She missed him dreadfully.
“He—I—” She pushed a stray curl behind her ear and then cleared her throat.
Silence fell around her as they waited for her answer.
* * *
“Is Tempest in town?”Greys addressed his question to Captain Gilcrest, filling the pregnant pause as he returned his hand to Diana’s leg. Despite all her bravado, this woman needed a hint of encouragement that didn’t come from a family member—something that would bolster her confidence so she could navigate the rough patches.
It had been inordinately improper for the older Miss Jones to mention her younger sister’s sleeping arrangements in mixed company, but she hadn’t made the comment maliciously.
Lords Edgeworth and Gilcrest, however, knew better. Greys would have lit into them if it wouldn’t have upset Lady Chaswick’s evening. He also doubted Diana would appreciate it.
He glanced to the end of the table where Diana’s brother was deep in conversation with the dinner guests seated in his proximity. No doubt if Chase had heard the comment, he would have asked them to step outside.
Such a remark revealed that the two Captains did not consider Diana a proper lady, else they would have undoubtedly held their tongues.
They’d known precisely what they were doing.
He’d have a chat with Chaswick later.
Footmen began circling the room with another course, and when they went to lean in between Greys and Diana, Greys was dismayed to realize his hand had remained on her thigh. He snatched it away.
She was Chaswick’s younger sister, and Greys was only helping her out. Did his promise to pretend to court her allow for modest indiscretions? No, quite the opposite.
The subsequent nine or ten courses passed without further incident, the conversation having drifted to upcoming balls and musicales and, as always, the weather. Greys fought off the usual boredom until Diana leaned toward him.
“He’s asked me to walk with him in the garden. What should I say?” she whispered.
“No,” Greys answered. “Absolutely not.” He didn’t even have to think about it. Who did this Edgeworth fellow think he was?
Diana stiffened beside him.
“Is it too soon, then?” This time when she whispered closer to his ear, her sweet breath teased his jaw. By God, if this was how she’d been speaking to the captain on her opposite side, it was no wonder the man had the gall to attempt to get her alone in a romantic setting.
“He has not spoken to your brother, so that would be highly improper.”
“Oh.” She shifted in her seat and, after a moment to deliberate Greys’ advice, returned her attention to the uniformed man at her left.
“I’ve heard Lady Chaswick’s garden is one of the loveliest in all of London.” Lady Isabella was staring at Greys from across the table.
“Oh, but it is,” Diana’s older sister answered. “And even though a person misses the full effect at night, the fragrant scents make up for it.”
“Then we must all experience this garden, don’t you think? Edgeworth? Greystone?” Cockfield suggested.
“Absolutely.” Captain Edgeworth said, glancing over at the lady on his right.
Of course he did.Greys scowled.
