If Lady Isolda was of the same purpose as the knights, then Diana had just received confirmation that Somerton had never loved her and despite how much she tried to protect herself, it still stung. And for that very reason, she didn’t engage Somerton in conversation again as they trudged up Castle Street toward Keyvnor. As Somerton was equally silent, Diana could only assume he didn’t wish to speak with her either.
It was strange in a way. When they’d been in London, before the night of the Hearne ball when her world had come crashing down, she and Somerton had conversed often, on all manner of topics, even teased and argued, but mostly in fun. Of course, at the time, she thought Somerton was courting her when his true intent had been simply seduction. Just as he’d seduced her mother.
Then again, it was just as possible that her mother had seduced Somerton so she couldn’t putallthat blame on him. Yet, it took two to participate and no doubt he was seduced willingly.
It was bad enough that he never intended to offer for her, but the true pain came from the fact that he’d been her mother’s lover while courting Diana. That was something she could never, ever forgive, nor was it something Diana could bring herself to speak of, as the humiliation was so great.
Though he didn’t speak, Somerton did behave as if something were on his mind. He would pause, open his mouth, then shake his head as if he’d decided against voicing his thoughts.
While it was quite aggravating because she wished he’d just say what he was thinking, she was also glad that she wasn’t forced to converse on any topic he may propose.
“Diana, stop.”
She didn’t but kept walking.
“We need to discuss what happened in London.”
That’s what had been on his mind? “There is no further need to do so.” Besides, it still pained her, and Somerton was the last person she’d allow to see her cry.
“So, I’m not allowed to defend myself?” He hurried to her side.
“It’s been discussed. There is no defense, let’s not speak of it again.” Blast, her eyes were becoming damp and she’d not have it. If she allowed him to upset her, she just might blurt out that she knew all about his affair with her mother and that would never do because she wanted to forget it, not discuss it.
“Then you are not the woman I thought you to be. The woman I courted in London was rational,” he called.
“We weren’t courting,” she yelled back. “At least have the decency to admit the truth. I was a means to an end, a flirtation, a way to keep your mother from forcing other misses on you, and possible seduction. But you never had any intention of a future.”
Diana hurried forward to put as much distance between her and Somerton as she could, but the moment the road lead her over the border and onto Keyvnor land, the knights appeared before her. “Well?” Sir Orwen demanded.
“Was the witch able to assist?” Sir Gilbert questioned then slid a knowing look to Somerton and grinned. “Have you found love?”
“Devil it!” Diana nearly screamed in frustration. It was bad enough that Somerton was hounding her steps but now she had to deal with these two as well. With determination, she pushed right through them, not even caring that Somerton watched on because she’d had quite enough!
Chapter 8
James startledat Diana’s curse, then realized her ghosts must be with her just as Lady Isolda appeared before him.
“Blast it all!”
“I’ve had quite enough of you two,” Diana snarled.
“Lovely. You two are talking,” Lady Isolda gave a little skip. “Next you must woo her with poetry, flowers, flattery, and you must be quick about it as we haven’t much time.”
“I’ll do not such thing,” James argued. He’d already done so, and it hadn’t won Diana’s heart.
Diana turned, eyebrow raised, and mouth pinched. “She’s back?”
“Aye.”
“Mine as well,” she grumbled. “I wish they’d just leave me alone,” Diana called into the nothingness before her.
“I quite agree.” He shot a look to Lady Isolda. Even she must understand that a match between him and Diana was impossible. Diana wouldn’t even talk to him so how the bloody hell could he make it right. And he’d not realized she was more stubborn than a mule when they were in London.
“What does she wish for you to do?” Diana asked.
“Nothing that concerns you.”
Diana pulled back at his irritated tone.
