“Then I don’t see what concern this is of yours.” He glanced at Margaret and Lily. “Or yours.”
“Then I suppose it is I who needs to apologize.” Jane nodded at Tristan. “I was merely making conversation, and stating the obvious.” She shrugged. “You and Miss Baldwin are causing many tongues to wag in gossip. It’s not like you, Lord Tristan, to single out one particular woman at any social gathering.”
“Especially one,” Lily cut in as her gaze swept over the length of Diana in disgust, “who still wears a riding habit from two seasons past.”
Humiliation washed over Diana and all she wanted to do was hide, or bury her head in the sand…or sink in the nearby brook and disappear. Once again, she didn’t have a reply for that comment.
Tristan stepped closer to Diana. Lines of irritation creased his forehead as he slowly passed his scowl around to the other women, starting with Lily.
“It matters not how old or how new a woman’s clothes are.” He switched his focus to Diana and smiled. “Because if you ask me, Miss Baldwin looks lovely in whatever she chooses to wear.” He threw a glare back at the other three. “A woman’s sense of worth is not about her clothing or her upbringing. It’s how she conducts herself in public and appears a true gentlewoman. From what I have witnessed from Miss Baldwin since meeting her, she has outshined all the women I have met at this party.”
Tears of joy pricked Diana’s eyes and she quickly blinked before anyone noticed. Her heart melted from his words, but really, her heart had been melting since they first met. She’d never believed in love at first sight, but now after meeting Tristan Worthington, she realized it was impossible not to have strong feelings for this man.
He turned toward Diana and offered his arm. “Miss Baldwin, shall we continue our ride?”
Smiling wide, she straightened her shoulders. “Indeed, we shall.”
As he helped her back to her horse and helped her up, happiness burst in her chest. She wanted to pinch herself to make sure she was awake and had not been dreaming about what just happened. Never in her life had a man stood up for her in such a way. Truly, he was her knight in shining armor.
Chapter Nine
“Have you heardthe latest gossip?”
Tristan stood next to his younger brother, Trey, as he watched the entryway into the grand ballroom. He’d only been away from Diana for a few hours, and already he couldn’t wait to see her again and gaze into her emerald eyes and breathe in her enthralling lilac scent.
Shaking his head, he glanced at his brother for only a moment before returning his attention back to the corridor. “What a ridiculous question to ask. What makes you think I listen to gossip?”
“Normally, I don’t either, but this time, it’s about my brother so I decided to listen.”
“Oh, really?” Tristan asked. “What are people saying about Trevor?”
“They aren’t saying anything about Trevor, they are talking aboutyou.”
Tristan rolled his eyes before looking back at Trey. “I don’t really care what people are saying.”
“You don’t? Not even when bets are being placed on whether or not you will become engaged before week’s end?”
“Engaged?”
“Either that, or you will compromise the girl.”
“Really, Trey. I cannot believe you listen to such gossip.” He looked back up the corridor.Where was she?
“Are you saying you don’t care what people are saying about you and Miss Baldwin?”
“Not in the least, and you should not care, either.”
“If you say so.” Trey pulled away from the wall. “But let me warn you, tread carefully. I have the title of a rake, and I know our mother wouldn’t want two sons with that name.”
As Trey walked away, Tristan nearly laughed. He wasn’t a rake and would never become one.If,by chance, he compromised a young maiden, he would do the right thing and marry her. He had been raised to respect women. Trey had always believed he was too much like their father, which was why he was a scoundrel.
When a footman walked by carrying a tray of champagne glasses, Tristan reached out and took one. In one gulp, he finished the glass then replaced it on the tray. He resumed his position against the wall, and within seconds, saw the woman he’d been waiting for.
Heavens, she was beautiful. Lavender was certainly the color that enhanced her auburn hair and bright green eyes.
As he walked toward her, the violins announced the first dance. Finally, her eyes met his and she smiled… a smile that lit up her whole face.
He stopped in front of her and the Baroness and bowed. “Lady Baldwin. Miss Baldwin.”
