Chapter Twenty-Five
Matthew knew what would happen as soon as he saw Diana. Or more importantly, as soon as Diana saw him. The child’s sweet face was lit with happiness, and she tore her hand from her nanny’s grasp and ran toward him at the speed of a wild boar.
Right there, in the middle of the pavement, Matthew bent low and scooped up the little girl as soon as she was within arm’s reach,beforeshe managed to crash into his knees as she was wont to do. Her doll, which she always carried, was jammed into his chest. She clung to it like a best friend.
“Well, my lady,” he asked her. “How are you today? Enjoying the sunshine?”
She nodded and gave her ever-ready smile. His heart pinched at her innocence.
Thinking of innocence, he was well-aware that Purity was taking this in with her cobalt-blue gaze.
“Spin me,” Diana demanded with a regal tone.
Wanting to please her as usual, he spun in a circle, hearing her giggling. He knew he looked like a court jester, but when it came to his little girl, he didn’t care if the queen herself was watching.
But he did care what Purity thought.
When he was still again, he glanced back at her. Standing amidst the hurly-burly passing on either side of her, she looked as beautiful as she did when dressed in her finest ball gown. Her gorgeous mouth was slightly open in surprise.
Come to think of it, better ithadbeen the queen than his stunned fiancée!
Not sure what else to do, he nodded, and she unfroze, closing the yards between them, her head slightly tilted with an inquiring expression.
He sighed, giving Diana another squeezing hug. This would undoubtedly become sticky.
With the utmost formality and as if he weren’t holding a squirming child, he said, “Lady Purity, may I introduce my d ... Diana.”
“Hello,” said his bundle of joy, always willing to greet a stranger.
A single raised eyebrow indicated Purity noticed his hesitation. It was gutless of him. He would do better. He couldn’t let himself be cowed by fear of losing all the good standing he had only just regained with her.
“She is mydaughter,” he added.
And there was the predicted reaction. Purity’s eyes widened ever-so slightly. Then she looked again at the girl in his arms, probably trying to discern a likeness.
In the next moment, she spoke to Diana, “Good day to you, Miss Norland,” before glancing at him again. “I am correct in that being your family name, am I not?”
“Indeed. I have not yet experienced you being incorrect. Well, maybe once,” he teased, thinking of their recent encounter in the drawing room.
He’d hit the mark, and her cheeks pinkened. It was wicked of him. He only wanted her to recall that they were all fallible people, after all.
She rallied. “I was unaware you had off-spring, my lord. Or had been married?”
He noticed the hint of a question.
“I have never wed,” he said, feeling less thrilled about the direction of their conversation. “I await that honor with you.”
Was she once again going to back out?
“You look like Clara,” Diana said, thrusting it forward.
Purity examined the well-loved wax and cotton doll. “Do you think so?” she asked.
Diana nodded. “Yes. She’s a pretty baby.”
“Then I thank you kindly.”
“Papa,” Diana said, pushing against him. “Put me down.”
