He looked at her mother. “Esther, I want you to start planning your daughter’s wedding immediately. Keep in mind that we don’t have the funds for a grand affair, so keep the event simple.”
“Yes, dear.” She stood and yanked on Diana’s arm. “Let’s hurry. We have shopping to do.”
Tears filled Diana’s eyes, but there was no use in shedding them. In all of her life, she had never been able to sway her father. Once he made up his mind—that was final. Her heart sank in deep despair. No matter how she looked at it, her life was tortured, because marrying Lord Hollingsworth would eventually be the death of her!
*
Tristan hurried tohis brother’s study and rapped on the door. Trevor would be awake by now because he’d always been an early riser.
“Enter.”
Tristan’s heart hammered in his chest so hard he feared he’d break a rib. He couldn’t believe what he was going to do. Yet, it felt right.
Keeping his shoulders back and chin held high, he entered Trevor’s study. His brother stood near the hearth with the poker in his hand as he broke apart the logs. Trevor glanced his way then returned his attention to the fire.
“Good morning, Brother,” Trevor said. “I’m surprised you are not still asleep in bed at this hour.”
“Too many things weigh on my mind.” Tristan stepped closer, linking his hands behind him. “Before you act all domineering as the role of the oldest brother usually does by telling me how you think I should live my life, let me tellyouhow I’m going to live my life.”
“Fine. Tell me.”
“I am going to marry Miss Diana Baldwin.”
Trevor snapped his head toward Tristan, his brother’s eyes growing rounder by the moment. Seconds passed in silence. The only sound in the room came from the popping fire and crackling wood.
“What, pray tell, brought this on? When I spoke with you the other day, you were grumbling about Mother’s party and wishing you could be doing other things.”
Tristan smiled. “Indeed, I had grumbled, but then something wonderful happened to me when I met her. We had such a glorious time together getting to know each other. I haven’t been able to get her off my mind, and I think…” he took a deep breath, “…actually, IknowI want her as my wife.”
“That is exemplary of you, Tristan. I commend you for making a most important decision about your future.” Trevor placed the poker back against the wall of the hearth, and then turned toward Tristan. “I’m just very surprised at your announcement. I thought—as well as our parents—that you would marry Lady Jane.”
Tristan arched an eyebrow. “True, our parents have been hinting strongly about me asking for her hand, but I just couldn’t. I don’t love her. I don’t even like her much.”
Trevor chuckled. “You were always the brother whom I believed would marry for love. Trey will never marry, I fear, and although I’m betrothed to Lady Gwendolyn and we barely know each other, I believe we will grow to love each other eventually.” He shrugged. “But now I wonder if you indeed feel love for Miss Baldwin after only knowing her a few days.”
Chuckling, Tristan turned toward the window, scratching his head.Love?He still wasn’t sure if love was what he felt, but he couldn’t deny how manly he felt around her. And although they had just met, their brief time together made him feel as if he’d known her much longer. They were destined to be together, he just knew it. “I have never believed in love at first sight, but when I first saw Miss Baldwin, there was something irresistible about her. I couldn’t stop thinking about her. When we danced and we talked, I felt like I never wanted to leave her side. She was so natural. Not fake like the other women I know. Miss Baldwin is so very different from Lady Jane, and I really like the differences.” A grin tugged on his lips. “So really, the thought of marrying Miss Baldwin does not frighten me in the least. I actually look forward to it.”
Trevor laughed. “My brother—always the romantic.” He flipped his hand. “Then go ask for her hand before she fears you have abandoned her. I heard she and her mother quietly returned home early this morning.”
Tristan swung toward his brother. “They are gone?”
“Yes.”
“They can’t be. Diana told me yesterday she and her mother were planning on staying all day.”
Trevor shrugged. “Well, apparently something changed the baroness’ mind, because Mother told me that they had left.”
Growling, Tristan pushed his fingers through his hair. “I need to find out where she lives. She never really told me.”
“Then, I suggest you be on your gallant way and rescue the damsel in distress.”
“Will you let our parents know where I’m going?”
“Of course.”
Tristan spun around and rushed out of the room. When he saw the butler, he instructed him to alert the groomsman that he needed his horse saddled and ready posthaste. He ran back to his room to grab his jacket and riding crop, and then dashed back down the stairs and outside. Within fifteen minutes, he was atop his horse and riding toward Bristol.
Excitement built in his chest with the thought of seeing Diana again. She wouldn’t discourage the idea of them marrying. The dreamy haze of her eyes when she stared at him, along with the way her mouth moved so seductively with his, let him know she was just as attracted to him as he was to her.
