Blast, why didn’t he address her as Miss Vail, as she had requested. It was so much easier to remain immune to him under the guise of formality. But her name on his lips still warmed her, which proved how susceptible she still was to his charms.
“I’m not certain speaking will bring anyone peace.” In fact, she was quite certain it would only cause her more pain and humiliation.
“You’ve not even heard what I have to say.”
“I’ve heard enough, Lord Somerton. You did not deny the desire to remain a bachelor, from that alone I can surmise that I was nothing more than a dalliance.”
She could not continue to look into his handsome face and warm eyes, remembering how those strong lips had felt against hers. It dredged up a longing deep inside, something she tried to ignore.
Just as she turned from him, a rock flew past her and Diana jerked to see where it had come from only to see her younger brother, Edward, running away.
“Blast!”
Diana wheeled around at Somerton’s curse only to find him with his fingers pressed against the side of his cheek, blood seeping around them. Quickly she fished her handkerchief from her reticule and pressed it against the cut. “I’m so very sorry.”
“Why are you apologizing? You did not throw the rock,” he insisted. “Though I didn’t see who did, I dearly hope it wasn’t one of my nieces or I might not bring them any treats for a fortnight.”
“It was not them and I believe I was the intended target.” Blood seeped through her kerchief and she had to fold it again and press the clean side to his face.
“Why would anyone throw a rock at you?” he asked with concern.
“The culprit was my younger brother and he will be punished.”
Light dawned in his brown eyes. “The infamous Edward Vail?”
“Yes,” Diana frowned. “What do you know of him?”
“Only that he got up to mischief with my nieces. Rocks were involved in that as well.”
“Ah, yes, I recall hearing of the incident. Edward was punished, but apparently he needs stronger discouragement.”
“Boys do throw rocks,” Somerton offered.
“Which is all fine and good as long as they aren’t thrown at humans, pixies or helpless animals.”
Somerton’s eyebrows rose. “Did you say pixies?”
“Of course. That is what my brother and your nieces were throwing rocks at that day. Didn’t you know?”
“Yes, well, I was told, but you don’t really believe in pixies, do you?” he asked quietly, as if he was concerned with her sanity.
“Have you not been conversating with a ghost these past days?” Diana countered.
“That’s quite different. They are real,” he argued. “Not that I’d admit such to anyone outside of Keyvnor or the good people of London would find me an uncomfortable cell at Bedlam.
“If ghosts are real, why can’t you believe in pixies, witches or mermaids even.”
He snorted. “Now I know your gist. I’ll accept ghosts as I’m plagued by one, and will admit that some maypracticewitchcraft and attempt spells and all that rot, but there is nothing you can say or do to make me believe in pixies and especially mermaids, Diana.”
She just sighed, sad for him really, but a closed mind often cannot be opened.
More blood seeped through the makeshift bandage. “This handkerchief is not helping. Let’s get you inside where I might better care for your injury.” She took his hand to replace hers. “Hold it there.” Then she led him to the castle and entered through a door leading into a small parlor where she located a maid and asked for the items necessary to clean his wound.
“Please have a seat and let me take a look at the damage my brother caused.”
Chapter 11
When Diana bent forward,her breasts on full display by the gape in her gown, James nearly forgot that he was injured.
