In retrospect, having given the matter a good deal of thought, thoughts that had kept him awake most of last night, James had concluded that perhaps she hadn’t loved him at all. If Diana had, she wouldn’t have rejected him so quickly based on rumors or gossip. It didn’t matter that the statement was something he’d said a hundred times, the fact was that she’d heard it, accepted it, then condemned him without once asking him to even explain. That was proof she didn’t trust him, let alone love him. She should have come to him with her concerns, not accusations.
Perhaps that is what angered and hurt him most. She hadn’t trusted him enough to come to him with her concerns. And even though James’ heart still longed for hers, he would not give it again until he was certain of hers, if he wasevercertain.
“Come now, James, I’m only teasing you. We both know none of this Cornish lore nonsense is real anyway.”
“Maybe not a love spell,” he muttered. “But maybe something that would cause her to at least remain long enough for me to explain...”
“You don’t really believe in all this, do you?” she asked in surprise.
Actually, he was surprised that Faye had mentioned the witch in the first place, since she never believed in such nonsense, as she’d put it.
James studied his sister. “Why is this so important to you?”
“Can’t you just talk to her? I worry about you relying on a magic spell to solve your problems with Miss Vail.”
Faye was the one who mentioned a spell. It hadn’t even occurred to him before, and James still wasn’t certain he believed in witches or spells of any of that.
“I’ve one brother who is unhappy, miserable even, and I don’t wish to have another living in such a state. You’re only setting yourself up for disappointing if you put stock in these supposed witches.”
“I’m not the one who mentioned witches in the first place,” his voice rose. “And you are the one who insists on visiting the apothecary, need I remind you.”
“You mentioned something to make her stay.”
“Let it go, Faye, I’ve no intention of seeking help from a supposed witch. It was simply wishful thinking.” He glanced out the window. “Perhaps you should worry about Benedict instead.” If anyone needed a keeper, it was his younger brother.
Faye snorted. “Benedict isn’t my concern, but you and Markham. He needs to start living again, and you need to get Miss Vail back.”
“Markham is living,” James assured her of their older brother, to which Faye snorted again.
“He does what he needs for his estate and daughters, but a part of him died right along with his wife. You know that as well as I.”
Reluctantly, James had to admit that his sister was correct. Yet, he didn’t see Markham falling in love with anyone else and he would most likely remain unattached for the rest of his days.
“Instead of worrying about me and Miss Vail, perhaps you should put your mind to Markham.” Maybe if Faye was too busy meddling in Markham’s life, she’d leave him alone.
Lord help him from meddling females!
* * *
After Diana had arrived backat Hollybrook Park yesterday, she’d gone directly to her chambers and had a good long cry. She then vowed not to go near the castle until all the guests were gone, especially the Earl of Somerton. In fact, she wasn’t going to leave Hollybrook Park.
“Oh, Diana, you must accompany me into Bocka Morrow. I don’t wish to go alone,” her sister begged while they broke their fast.
“Nor should she. Not with so many visiting the castle,” Adam insisted.
“She can take a maid,” Diana suggested, not that she believed anything would happen to her sister between here and the village.
“That’s no fun. I wish foryouto go with me.”
“What of Cordelia or Adriana?” One of her younger sisters could accompany Miranda just as well as Diana.
“I need to finish the gown I’ve been working on as soon as we’ve finished our breakfast,” Adriana answered with excitement. Her sister had taken a great interest in designing and sewing gowns of late. Though Diana couldn’t understand her passion, especially when there was a perfectly good modiste in Bocka Morrow.
But at least her sister did have an interest. Since Somerton had broken her heart, Diana couldn’t find any enthusiasm for the pastimes she’d once enjoyed.
Diana looked to Cordelia with a lift of an eyebrow, hoping she’d accompany Miranda.
“I’d like to go into Bocka Morrow, as I need to visit Pennick’s Book Shop.” Then Cordelia pinned their youngest brother with an irritated, bordering on hateful, glare. “However, I’m to watch Edward this morning to make certain that he doesn’t get up to any more mischief.”
