But Diana’s mother had been very close with mine. As close as sisters. It made sense that she would entrust my mother with Diana’s care over her own sister.
I swore. “The Tuttlefords lied to him.”
Fairfax nodded. “Somehow they intercepted the solicitor. When Rexford mentioned that Diana was staying with them, he’d been confused. He’d been told it was only a temporary arrangement and that they were helping Diana to settle her mother’s affairs. But they were entrusted with taking her to live with your mother.”
“So he didn’t know,” I said.
Fairfax’s expression was grim. “He did not. He was very angry when Rexford told him that the Tuttlefords were passing themselves off as Diana’s guardians. He also said that he was going to be stopping all payments to Diana until this whole mess could be straightened out.”
I stood. “We need to tell her.”
Fairfax rose to his feet and clapped me on the shoulder. “After dinner will be soon enough. It will give her time to get settled in after the past week of continuous travel. We can return to London tomorrow and begin setting things to right.” He glanced at my desk. “If you don’t mind, I’ll just write a letter to Rexford now so he’ll know to expect us late tomorrow.”
I nodded dimly. Fairfax’s revelation had shocked me, but now I felt only anger. The Tuttlefords had put Diana through hell over the last two years, doing everything in their power to turn her into a shadow of the woman she was destined to be. The delightful, beautiful, intelligent young woman I was blessed to call my wife.
I froze as I was hit with a sudden realization. “Fuck.”
Fairfax had already settled at the desk, but he looked up now. “Am I missing something?”
I massaged my temples, wondering how I could have been such a blind idiot before this moment. “I’m in love with her.”
Fairfax grinned. “It’s about time you figured that out.” He tilted his head. “Do you think Diana will return to London with us?”
I shook my head. “I don’t know if it would be safe.”
“The Tuttlefords won’t do anything to her now. They are no longer in line to inherit anything. Her fortune will be absorbed into yours.”
He was correct, of course. But somehow coming to terms with my feelings made me slightly irrational. I wanted to keep her here, where she would be safe until everything had been settled. Then we could begin our lives together in earnest.
CHAPTER 26
DIANA
It was strange to be at Clifton Manor. On one hand, it was comforting, and I felt like I was visiting old friends again. I had so many happy memories of being here with my mother. I was younger and carefree then. Lady Clifton was as welcoming as always, and I’d missed her. Toward the end, I’d rarely seen Clifton here. He’d already graduated from university then and was spending most of his time in London.
All those happy memories of Clifton Manor were soothing. And now this would be my home. I was the Countess of Clifton, and Clifton’s mother was the dowager countess. She didn’t seem upset about the change in her status. Quite the opposite, in fact, as she took great joy in introducing me to the staff as the new countess.
I knew many of them, but I didn’t remember their names, so I was glad for the chance to learn them. And while some seemed surprised that Clifton had actually eloped, they welcomed me as though I was a long-lost member of the family, returning home after a long visit away.
My heart ached a little bit with the knowledge that Mama would never be visiting me here. During the formal tour, I caught sight of Clifton several times. On each occasion, he pulled out his pocket watch and frowned. It lightened those bittersweet moments to know that he wanted to spend time with me.
Finally, Helen—even thinking of Clifton’s mother that way made me uncomfortable—turned me over to my husband with strict instructions for her son not to tire me out.
I blushed the entire time we were dressing for dinner. “I am so embarrassed,” I said for the hundredth time as we made our way back downstairs. I’d actually wondered if my husband would want to take advantage of our time alone, but he seemed to have other things on his mind.
I couldn’t help but wonder if Fairfax had delivered bad news, but I wouldn’t press him on it. Heaven knew the Legends were probably up to all manner of things that wouldn’t concern me.
Dinner was a pleasant affair. Fairfax took great joy in recounting a number of ridiculous stories about different members of the ton, much to the delight of Clifton’s mother. He had us in peals of laughter throughout much of the meal. It was also interesting to watch the interaction between him and my husband. The teasing banter between them, the way they obviously cared for one another. I imagined it would be similar to how brothers would behave.
Yes, that was the best way to describe the Legends. They were a family.
“You must visit more often,” Lady Clifton said when dinner was finally over. She turned to her son. “In fact, you should invite your friends here, especially now that three of you are married. We could have a house party.”
Clifton groaned. “Not a dreaded house party.”
“Oh, shush,” Lady Clifton said. “It’s not like you need to worry about matchmaking.”
“Precisely,” Fairfax said. “I’m the one who needs to be concerned.”
