Her lower lip trembled. “There is nothing to forgive.”
For a moment, Greys thought he had succeeded. But she still refused to meet his eyes.
Instinctively, he pulled her closer, annoyed that she was nearly succeeding in ignoring him even as he led her in a waltz. When her breasts brushed against his coat, a soft gasp escaped her lips. It was the first honest emotion he’d heard from her since—
Since very early that morning.
His visit with Chaswick had not been precipitous dash it all. In fact, it had taken place far too late.
Greys lifted her arm, and her body responded in a perfect twirl.
He recalled how she’d teased him as he’d led her around the ballroom at Knight House to nothing but a few simple notes pounded out on the piano-forte. And how, on more than one occasion, he’d caught her dancing to no apparent music at all.
“I’m sorry, Diana.” The words caught in his throat. “In my defense, I feel an urgency to bring you under my protection.” Time was of the essence. He’d done more than compromise her. He’d released inside of her.
But his need went beyond to marry her went beyond protection.
“As I said, there is nothing to forgive, my lord.”
“It was ‘Zeke’ not twelve hours ago.” That wasn’t at all what he’d meant to say. He was going to have to learn better how to manage his balance in her presence—that, or live more precariously in general.
“I told you—” She would erect even more defenses if he allowed it.
“And I told you,” Greys tipped his head forward and squeezed her hand, “that talking with your brother was non-negotiable.”
“Talking with him? Surely you didn’t tell him…?”
“He knows enough.” Greys contemplated telling her about the manservant who’d followed her the night before but was afraid that might only anger her. “What I didn’t tell him, he guessed.”
“Why would you do that? I’m not sure I can ever face him again.” Diana winced and then dropped her forehead to his shoulder three times.
A little refining was in order. Although he appreciated having her this close.
“But your brother approves. He and Lady Chaswick are happy at the prospect of our match.”
Diana lifted her lashes to meet his gaze, and the misery in her eyes might as well have punched him in the gut. “I thought you understood my feelings. I cannot accept that sort of protection. I cannot become your wife. Please, Zeke, try to understand.” She forced a smile that did nothing to erase her regret…
Or her longing.
“I cannot take you for a mistress.” He stepped forward and, supporting her back and shoulder, leaned her into a graceful dip.
She stared up at him, unblinking. “I cannot marry you.”
Frustrated, Greys held her there, hoping to hear a different answer, but when she didn’t supply it, drew her upright again and continued in the dance.
They could not have this conversation in public.
“Damnit, Diana.” His curse came out on a hiss. He wanted her for his wife and marchioness. He had to have her in his life. “Ihaveto marry you.” Having her in his life was no longer debatable.
“No,” she returned.
Much more of this, and Greys would grind his teeth down to nothing. He spun her around, directing them toward a line of terrace doors, and before she could protest, danced her outside onto the Ravensdale’s extensive verandah.
He’d been exceedingly naïve when he’d believed that overcoming his apprehensions were his most significant barrier to spending the rest of his life with her. How had he not anticipated that her objections to marrying him would be made with such fervor?
Of course, she would be apprehensive about taking a title, but she was brave. She could do anything she set her mind to. Why couldn’t she see this?
“Take me back inside,” she said. And yet, she shuffled along beside him.
