“I do.”
“Thank you. I needed to hear that.”
“Mr. Dillinger will have the best physician at her side as soon as she needs it.”
He nodded, and she watched the bunched muscles in his jaw relax.
When they reached the refreshments, Dimity collected the champagne and a small plate, which she loaded with candied fruit from a platter.
“Surely you should also put an eclair on there?” Lord Raine said.
“Oh, definitely an eclair.” Mr. Nathaniel Deville wandered over to where they stood. “You look lovely today, Miss Brown.”
“Thank you.” She shot Lord Raine a look when a sound like a growl came from him.
“And I see you are accompanied by Mr. Diard. How is the portrait coming along?”
“Very well. It will be finished soon.”
There was a tension suddenly between the brothers. Dimity wondered why.
“A very accomplished man is Mr. Diard,” Nathanial added. “And a good man.”
She wasn’t sure what was going on, but something had Lord Raine shooting his brother foul looks.
“He seems quite enamored with you, Dimity.”
Mr. Diard had told her just yesterday that the thought of leaving London without her at his side was devastating. She’d had to tell him gently that her feelings for him were not the same. He’d told her he would not be deterred, as her love for him would grow. But she knew better.
He would have made her an excellent husband, she knew that also, but Dimity would not have made him an excellent wife. How could she, when her heart was Lord Raine’s? It would be wrong of her to do that to Mr. Diard. He was a good man who deserved more.
No, she needed to wait for that love to die before even thinking about marrying anyone.
“He is a nice man,” she said when nothing else came to mind. “And now I must return to the duchess.”
“I will walk with you,” the brothers said at the same time.
They walked on either side of her, one chatting about the guests they passed, the other silent.
“Miss Brown.” Mr. Diard came forward as she arrived, taking the glass and plate. “We missed you.”
“Such a nice man,” Nathanial said. Lord Raine’s teeth snapped together with an audible click.
…
“A note has been delivered for you, Miss Brown,” Chibbers said, handing it to her.
She and the duchess had returned from the event at the Duke of Stratton’s house early, much to Dimity’s relief, as the elderly woman was tired. They now sat in a parlor, drinking tea.
“Thank you. I’m not sure who would deliver a note here for me.” She took the paper and stared at it. Unease trickled down her spine as she opened it.
Miss Brown, there have been developments. If you will call upon us at your earliest convenience.
It was signedWarwick Sinclair.
“Not bad news, I hope?”
“No. Thank you, Your Grace, all is well. Did you enjoy your day?”
