Sighing heavily, Tristan stood and walked to the hearth to check his clothes. They weren’t as wet as before, but too damp to wear unfortunately. “At this point, I shall be happy to stay out of prison for a crime I did not commit. Proving my innocence is of utmost importance.”
Nic folded his arms across his chest and lifted his chin. “Then starting tonight wewilldiscover the truth.”
*
The snap ofa log breaking in the fireplace was the only sound in the dining room. Chatter around the table was kept minimal and abnormally quiet for dinner. Both Tristan and Lord Hawthorne were fully clothed and eating as if they were half starved. Diana could only pick at her food as she studied Tristan’s withdrawn expression, her spirits sinking lower and lower. Even Lord Hawthorne acted as if he was not pleased with something.
Sally had taken her meal to her room for fear the two lords would recognize her somehow, although Diana didn’t think they would. Still, she allowed the maid to hide out in her bedchamber instead of helping to serve them.
Tabitha acted as the dutiful maid and served Diana and the men, but before she could return to the kitchen to eat, Lord Hawthorne had invited her to dine with them. Even Tristan had agreed. Diana could tell the invitation had shocked Tabitha—just as it had surprised Diana. Tabitha had complied, and joined them at the table, but the conversations were kept very limited and not personal at all.
Tristan acted differently today than he had the last time he visited this cottage or the last time they had talked before she’d left to come here. Deep in her heart, Diana knew something was wrong. Very wrong.
Diana stared at her stew as she stirred her spoon around the carrots and potatoes, and hadn’t looked up for a few minutes to see what everyone else was doing. It wasn’t until Tristan cleared his throat when she finally lifted her gaze and met his.
“I must say, this is a very good stew. Compliments to the cooks.”
Even though he smiled, Diana could see it was forced. Her heart clenched once again with worry.
“I agree,” Lord Hawthorne added. “It’s a shame Sally couldn’t eat with us.”
Something was definitely wrong!Diana could not believe Lord Hawthorne would say such a thing when he knew servants did not eat with their masters. “Well, Sally has been ill lately—”
“Sally is quite shy—” Tabitha said at the same time.
Both women quickly stopped and traded glances. Tabitha’s eyes were wide and she snapped her mouth tightly.
Taking a deep, calming breath, Diana recovered as she met Tristan’s suspicious stare. “Yes, Sally is a shy girl but she has felt under the weather lately.” She glanced at Lord Hawthorne. “I thank you for inquiring about her.”
Tristan set his spoon down and using a cloth napkin he wiped his mouth before placing it on the table next to the utensil. “Lady Hollingsworth? Are you ill yourself?” He took a quick glance at her bowl. “I have noticed you are not eating much.”
“I’m quite fine, I assure you. I’m just not that hungry, I suppose.”
“Then can I convince you to come with me into the parlor so we can talk in private?”
Her heartbeat raced, but not in excitement.This was it!He was going to tell her the dire news, yet now she realized she didn’t want to hear it. If his news was going to break her heart, she would just as well not talk to him at all.
But curiosity got the best of her and she nodded. “I would be glad to accompany you, my lord.”
He stood and walked around the table to her side and offered his hand. She graciously placed her hand in his and stood, gazing deep into his eyes—eyes that had no spark of love in them as they had only a few days ago. Tears burned behind her eyes and she blinked as she tried to keep them from falling. She walked beside the man who held her heart—and would always hold her heart.
Not another word was spoken as they entered the parlor and he closed the door behind them. Keeping her hand with his, he led them to the sofa where they sat together—the same spot they’d been sitting when they had their talk after Tabitha had kidnapped him.
He turned at the waist toward her, taking both of her hands now. His thumbs gently stroked her knuckles as his attention focused on her face.
If he didn’t say something soon, she would not be able to hold back her tears. Yet he seemed content just to stare into her eyes and stroke her knuckles.
Swallowing the lump of emotion stuck in her throat, she took a deep breath for courage. “Tristan, the silence is killing me. Please say what is on your mind.”
He nodded. “I will. I’m just collecting my thoughts.”
“Tell me, have you changed your mind about me… about us being together?”
“No, I have not. Although, I fearyouhave.”
She wasn’t prepared to hear those words. She shook her head as a small throb started in her skull. “I don’t understand. Why would I change my mind?”
Tristan didn’t answer her right away, but once again he appeared deep in thought. Every second that passed made the creases on his forehead more profound. This time Diana let him think, all the while her heart raced with worry and she feared the worst. Had he found another woman to love? Was the scandal that had happened between them too much for him to bear?
