She swept her hand over his face and hair, then down to his shoulder and arm. “You appear healthy.”
“I am just fine, I assure you.”
“Were you kidnapped?”
“Yes and no.” He shook his head. “It’s a long story, but everything is as it’s supposed to be.”
A smile trembled on her mouth. “Thank the Lord.” She wiped her moist eyes. “Have you heard the terrible news about your cousin?”
“Yes, Mother.” He frowned. “I heard Elliot had been killed.”
“It’s such a tragedy, and my heart goes out to my brother and his family. I know how it feels to lose a child.” She patted his cheek. “But I’m also worried about you. I heard you and Elliot had an argument the other night, and I fear the magistrate will suspect you just as he suspects you of Lord Hollingsworth’s death.”
“Cease your worries. I have witnesses who will say I was nowhere near my cousin’s home last night.”
She sighed heavily. “Thank heavens.” She dropped her hand from his check. “Have you spoken to Lady Fairbourne or her father yet? They are beside themselves with worry. Her father even sent out riders to find you.”
“No, I have not seen them yet. I came here first.” He glanced down at his wrinkled clothes. “However, I need a bath and to change before I pay them a visit.”
She nodded. “You do that and I shall send notes to your brothers to inform them of your return.” Sighing, she cupped his face. “I’m just so relieved you are home.”
“As am I.”
He kissed her cheek again, stood, then headed for his room. A nice warm bath, clean clothes, and a chipper spirit would get him through the rest of the day as he completed his duties. Jane and her father would be quite upset with Tristan, but he didn’t care. All that was important to him was seeing Diana again.
It didn’t take long to make himself presentable, and he left the house. During the ride to Lady Fairbourne’s townhouse, Tristan rolled his thoughts around, trying to come up with the best way to tell her he didn’t want to get married. Naturally she’d be upset—as her father would be—but Tristan would try to soothe their emotions as well as he possibly could.
He reached their place sooner than he wanted, and after giving his card to the butler was shown to the sitting room. Since the door was left open, the servants’ whispers came from the corridor. Tristan couldn’t quite tell if they were excited whispers, or panicked.
Time seemed to crawl, but soon heavy footsteps boomed on the floor in the hall. The square frame of Viscount Hastings came through the doorway first, followed by his wife and Jane. Tristan was relieved that they were all together and that he didn’t have to travel to the Hastings’ townhouse as well.
It was impossible not to notice the scowl the viscount threw at Tristan, but both women kept their eyes lowered. The women sat, but the viscount stood with his arms folded across his chest. Although Tristan was taller than the other man, the viscount came across as the authority figure.
“Worthington, I am in a foul mood, so say what you need to quickly,” Hastings barked.
Tristan nodded. In any event, he hadn’t planned on being here that long. “I am very relieved to see you and your wife here with Lady Fairbourne. I have come to speak with you all about what happened yesterday.”
“Do you mean whatdidn’thappen at the church?”
“Yes, sir. That’s exactly what I meant.” Tristan stole a glance at Jane who snuck a peek at him before lowering her gaze again.
“Well go on,” Viscount Hastings urged.
“Because of circumstances I could not control, I was unable to attend the ceremony.”
“We heard you were kidnapped.” The viscount eyed Tristan carefully.
“I was.”
“How did you get away?”
“I was released.” Tristan sliced his hand through the air. “I won’t go into detail, but during those hours I was tied up in a chair, I pondered my life and realized that marrying Lady Fairbourne would have been a terrible mistake.”
Jane and her mother gasped. They both swung their focus to him.
“What are you saying?” Jane questioned softly.
He turned to her. “Lady Fairbourne, forgive me for putting you through this. I should not have asked for your hand in marriage.”
