“And both his parents drowned?” Diana guessed, remembering the caution the Marquess had exhibited when he’d taken her onto the lake.
Diana felt a flush of shame.
She had not taken his warning seriously. How many times had she carelessly rocked the boat before causing it to flip? And he hadn’t said a thing…
He’d told her they’d died when he was six and ten, but he’d not told her how. How horrid to have not been able to do anything to save them.
She’d been eleven when her own father died, but that had been under very different circumstances.
“Lord Greystone,yourLord Greystone’s father, attempted to climb into the marchioness’ boat, and it capsized. In her panic, she managed to drown both of them.” Collette finished Diana’s hair at the same time she finished her story. “And that is how two people die of love.”
“Why would Miss Faraday tell all of you this?”
Collette merely shrugged. “Bethany brought up that she’d invited Lady Isabella and her parents to dinner at the request of Lord Greystone’s aunt, but mentioned that he didn’t seem overly pleased and…” Collette shrugged. “They all seem to care about him. The marquess is one of Chaswick’s oldest and dearest friends.”
Diana stroked her fingers over one of the ribbons on her gown, not looking at her sister. “Did Miss Faraday tell you why she doesn’t approve of his… Lady Isabella?” Her heart sank as she imagined him with the other girl, and yet it made sense that he would marry the daughter of an earl. Such a match ensured that he would please all those ghosts and future Greystones.
Unfortunately, Diana could also imagine him growing into a stodgy old man. One who lived a somewhat peaceful existence but rarely laughed and most definitely didn’t go racing along a country road on beautiful spring afternoons.
And that would break her heart.
“I think you know why.” Collette met her gaze, and Diana nodded. And then Collette reached into her pocket and drew out a folded piece of paper. “I looked him up in Debrett’s. His actual name is—”
“Ezekiel Winston Leonard Faraday the fourth.” They both said in unison.
“He told you his name?” Collette lowered herself onto a chair, her eyes wide with astonishment.
“But he did not give me leave to address him by it.”
“He cares for you.”
Diana suspected as much but wasn’t at all sure. Furthermore, according to him, anything beyond what they’d already shared was out of the question.
She doubted he’d kiss her again. When he’d delivered her home, he’d told her goodbye with guilt in his eyes.
Blasted aristocratic duties and expectations.
“It doesn’t matter anyhow. I doubt I’ll be seeing much more of Lord Greystone this spring.” It wasn’t as if Diana could present herself at Knight House uninvited and unchaperoned.
“Oh, but I think you will,” Collette added.
“What do you mean?”
“After discussing the tragedy of how his parents died, Bethany and Miss Faraday pointed out the danger ladies face on open water, especially when weighed down by gowns and petticoats and stays. With that considered, they’ve decided that all of us must learn how to swim. You were lucky, Bethany said, in that you capsized in shallow water. She’s already discussed all of this with Chaswick, and he intends to speak with the Duke of Blackheart and your Lord Greystone about swimming lessons. Apparently, the Duke has an indoor swimming bath at Heart Place.”
“Swimming lessons.” Diana murmured. How many times had Lord Greystone mentioned them to her? “At Heart Place?”
“Yes, Blackheart had one specially built where half the ballroom once extended. The lessons will be taught by Chaswick, Mr. Spencer, and—" Collette waggled her eyebrows “—your fashionable marquess.”
“You must stop calling him that. He isn’t mine…” But… “Swimming lessons? What are we expected to wear? Our shifts?” She immediately pictured herself in a white chemise that, once soaked, would turn transparent. “I would die!”
“Don’t be so dramatic.” Collette laughed. “Bethany sent word to Madam Chantal to design us swimming costumes. So it will all be perfectly acceptable.”
“Swimming costumes.” Diana parroted her sister again. “That we would wear in the Duke’s private swimming bath. For swim lessons…”Provided by Lord Greystone.
Diana fell silent as it was all a little overwhelming.
“Perhaps he isyourLord Greystone after all. If anyone can convince the marquess to give love a chance, it’s you.” Collette rose, preparing to leave.
