“They were right about everything else, except for his originally motivation in courting me, and I’m quite aware of the fact that my mother has taken several lovers over the years.”
“At least give him the opportunity to explain,” he implored. “Give us that chance instead of dismissing out of hand, thus forcing us to endure this curse for another year.”
She glanced from one to the other, her stomach clenching as her pulse hitched at the very idea of confronting Somerton with what he and her mother had done.
“Even if it doesn’t free us, he does have a right to know why you can’t be his,” Sir Orwen insisted. “At least free him of the wondering as to what he did wrong. Tell him for us, if for nobody else.”
Diana was torn. She wanted to go to James, but only because the ghosts asked it of her, and she could give them that even though she couldn’t give them what they truly needed or wanted.
But could she do so for herself? How could she even begin such a conversation? Could she even speak of it without crying?
“He knows not what he did,” Sir Orwen said. “At least give him peace from wondering and maybe he won’t repeat the mistake in the future.”
Not that she cared if he did or didn’t. All Diana cared was that it had happened to her.
“Please, Diana,” Sir Gilbert begged. “It is the last favor we will ever ask of you.”
Oh, she truly hated this, and it might be the most difficult thing she’d ever have to do in her life, but she’d do this, and only for them. “Very well, for you, I will speak with him.”
The two of them seemed to relax, but they had to understand that even after she spoke with James, it would change nothing.
“How much time before….”
“We’ve less than an hour now,” Sir Gilbert answered.
“Then I’ll go to him.”
The two faded from her sight and Diana took a deep breath, dried her tears with the back of her hand and then made her way through the gardens and into the castle. This might be the most difficult conversation she’d ever have, but Somerton deserved the truth. Especially since he had confessed so much to her today.
* * *
Lady Isolda straightened and turned,staring at the potted palms.
James did the same, wondering what had gotten her attention, only to note Diana slip away and exit into the gardens.
How long had she been there hiding? When had she even arrived? Her brother and sisters had made their entrance nearly thirty minutes ago and he’d assumed she’d be along later but feared she wouldn’t return at all and began making plans to call on her tomorrow, though it would be too late for Lady Isolda by then.
As soon as she made her way across the ballroom, she stepped out into the gardens, very much alone, though he was certain two ghosts accompanied her, and James followed.
However, though lanterns bathed the area with light, he did not see her anywhere.
Where had she gone? Had she returned to Hollybrook Park? Must he follow her there to convince her to explain what he’d done?
Slowly he searched the area and listened, hoping she was in conversations with her ghosts, but he neither saw nor heard anything. Diana had vanished as quickly as Lady Isolda had at times.
He’d just pivoted to return to the ballroom when Lady Isolda appeared before him and slapped him across the face, leaving an icy sting.
“What the blazes did I do now?” he demanded. It was the second time she’d struck him.
“You slept with her mother!” Lady Isolda accused with disgust.
“Whose mother?”
“Miss Vail’s.”
James frowned in confusion. “The dowager Viscountess Lynwood?”
“Yes.”
