“Because parts of the past were blocked from my mind. Last night I had a breakthrough and I remembered what had happened… what hadreallyhappened between us.”
“Tell me, Tristan,” she said rising from the sofa to walk toward him. Her forehead was creased with anger. “Because apparently your version of the truth and mine are completely different.”
Chapter Fifteen
Never had Dianafelt more puzzled than right now. And yet an inner panic began to grow in her chest. What if all these years she’d been misinformed and had judged Tristan too harshly?
Dryness had suddenly filled her mouth and she swallowed. No matter what was said, she was relieved to know the truth would finally come out. She’d waited three years for this.
“Last night while in my very uncomfortable position, I had a dream.” He ran his fingers through his unkempt hair. “Actually, it wasn’t a dream at all, but my mind was being opened. The fog that had covered my memory had been lifted. I now know exactly what happened.”
Women’s voices drifted to her ears from outside. Diana jumped from the sofa and ran to the window.Visitors? Why on earth would she have a visitor?
She turned to Tristan and grasped his hand. “We have company. You must hide.”
He nodded. “I agree. Where?”
She pointed to the door. “Turn right and go down the hall. There’s a bedroom on your left. Go in there and shut the door.”
Within moments, his expression softened. His blue eyes nearly melted her. “Don’t be long,” he whispered before quitting the room.
Her heart hammered. What rotten luck! Just when he was going to tell her something she’d been waiting for so long to hear, her friend, Lady Dashwood, would pay a visit.
The front door swung open and Tabitha was chatting with Claudia as they entered the house.
Taking a deep breath, Diana smoothed her hands down her dress, hoping she didn’t appear as rattled as she felt. She smiled at her long-time friend—the only person who had stood by her side in everything Diana had gone through. She moved to Claudia and gave her a hug.
“What a wonderful surprise.” Diana pulled away and looked over her friend’s dress. “You are simply stunning today, as always, and you always seem to have a new gown on every time I see you.”
Claudia laughed. “And you are always so full of compliments.” She lifted her chin and displayed a victorious grin. “As you probably can surmise, I’m quite enjoying being a widow and spending money my husband had never allowed me to touch while he was alive.”
Diana nodded. “I understand you well, my friend. But tell me, why would you travel here when the roads are so muddy?”
“Diana, I would travel across all of England to come see my dear friend and check up on her. I want to make certain you are all right.”
“But of course I am.” Diana hooked her arm through her friend’s. “I was just about to have tea and biscuits. Would you like to go with me into the kitchen and get some? Tabitha is a wonderful cook, and I’m certain you would enjoy her biscuits.”
“That is a fabulous suggestion. Lead the way.” Her brown eyes twinkled.
As they entered the kitchen, Tabitha’s gaze darted around the room. “My lady, where is he?”
Diana’s breath caught. Why in heaven’s name had Tabitha saidthat? Quickly, Diana looked back at Claudia for her reaction. Her friend flipped jeweled fingers in the air and shook her head.
“Not to worry. Tabitha just told me about what she did to Lord Tristan, and I must say, what a brilliant idea Tabitha had.” She laughed. “I only wish I could have thought of it instead.”
Ease washed over Diana and she nodded. “I wish I had thought of it, as well.” She met her maid’s stare. “Lord Tristan was tired so I sent him to the back room to sleep.”
“You untied him?”
“Yes. We can’t keep him tied up forever, you know.”
“But what if he tries to escape?” Tabitha’s voice rose in a panic.
“Then he escapes.” Diana shrugged. “The damage has already been done, and there isn’t much he can do to repair it.”
“Quite right.” Claudia nodded, her black ringlets jiggling with the motion. “The whole town was abuzz this morning with talk of Lord Tristan skipping out on his wedding to meet up with his secret lover.” She giggled. “I knew right away that I must come see you to find out if you knew anything. I’m very happy that my instincts were correct.”
Claudia led the way to the table then sat. Diana followed. Tabitha prepared their teacups and brought them to the table.
