“Tempting as that idea occasionally is,” Alexander replied smoothly, “I fear London would never forgive me.”
Maxwell laughed.
Behind him, Thalia stepped forward, her expression bright with amusement.
“And we would never allow it,” she said lightly. “Society requires its most entertaining participants.”
Alexander inclined his head toward her with quiet respect.
Thalia’s gaze drifted briefly between Diana and Alexander, her expression sharpening slightly with quiet interest.
“You make a remarkably striking pair this evening,” she observed.
Diana felt the faintest warmth touch her cheeks. “You are generous.”
“Merely observant,” Thalia replied lightly.
Meanwhile, Maxwell and Alexander had already resumed their conversation.
“You still ride in the mornings?” Maxwell was asking.
“When I can escape the responsibilities of the day,” Alexander replied cooly, giving him a curt nod.
“You should join us at Marrowhurst sometime,” Maxwell said. “Thalia insists the countryside air improves a man’s character.”
“Then I shall make the effort,” Alexander smiled faintly.
Diana listened quietly, watching him with growing admiration.
He was entirely at ease. The earlier tension she had feared—the careful way he might struggle through unfamiliar conversations—was nowhere to be seen. Instead, he spoke with Maxwell in the relaxed manner of long acquaintance, his voice steady, his posture confident.
Maxwell appeared delighted by the exchange, responding with easy humor and the occasional friendly remark that suggested their familiarity ran deep.
Diana could not help studying Alexander as he spoke. Not once did he falter. Not once did he hesitate. Anyone observing them would have assumed that nothing about the Duke of Rosewood had changed at all. It was astonishing to witness.
In that moment, surrounded by candlelight and music and the gentle hum of society, Alexander looked exactly as though he belonged there, and the sight of it made her heart swell with quiet admiration.
As she listened to them speak, Diana’s gaze drifted across the ballroom.
Emma stood near the far side of the room, speaking with another lady but watching Diana with unmistakable curiosity. When their eyes met, Emma’s expression brightened immediately.
Diana turned back to the group.
“If you’ll excuse me for a moment,” she said gently.
Alexander glanced down at her. “Of course.”
Something warm flickered in his eyes before she stepped away.
Diana crossed the ballroom quickly, weaving through clusters of guests until she reached Emma near the window.
“You look positively radiant,” Emma said the moment Diana approached.
Diana laughed softly. “You exaggerate.”
“Not at all.” Emma leaned closer. “You and the Duke look like a portrait come to life. Everyone is staring.”
Diana felt her cheeks warm slightly. “They are staring because of his absence.”
