“Oh, Diana.” He grasped her shoulders. “How could you put yourself in danger like that? Do you know what he would have done if he caught you?”
She nodded. “I’d prepared myself, I assure you. I had my pistol with me, but not a blade. I didn’t kill your cousin, but if he would have tried to attack me, I would have pulled the trigger.”
Blowing out a frustrated breath, Tristan stood and paced the floor. Several thoughts flew through his mind, and all of them were not good. “Diana, you should not have done that. Do you know what would happen if the magistrate ever found out?” He stopped and faced her. “Oh, my sweet love, he would not understand at all. He would believe you killed both men.”
“Yes, I know.” Her voice shook. “I fear every day that he will discover something and come arrest me. The two times I rescued maids from their monstrous lords, were the times someone decided to kill them.”
Groaning in despair, he hurried back to her and pulled her into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her head against his chest.
“Tristan, we must find the real killer so I don’t go to prison.”
“We will.” Closing his eyes, he tightened his arms around her, praying to the Almighty that something would happen and Tristan would be able to save the woman he loves. Hemustsave her this time since he hadn’t been able to three years ago.
He exhaled slowly, trying to release the panic rushing through him. “Diana, does the magistrate know about this cottage?”
“Yes.” She lifted her head and looked at him. “I don’t believe he knows the exact location, but I did tell him this was where I was when Lord Elliot was killed.”
“Then we need to hide you somewhere else. If the magistrate finds any evidence that you were at my cousin’s townhouse that night, you will be arrested. Until Hawthorne and I discover what really happened, we need to keep you safe.”
A small chuckle bubbled up from her throat, even though humor was not the expression on her worried face. “As hard as I’ve tried to rescue abused maids and keep them hidden, it now looks like I’m the one who needs the protection.”
“You are, and this time I will guard you with my life.”
Slowly, a smile touched her mouth. She lifted on her toes and placed her lips against his. He crushed her in his arms and kissed her with all the love and emotion inside of him. He didn’t want to think that this might be the last time they would be together. Even if it meant breaking the law, he was determined to keep her safe.
Diana was the one who broke the kiss. “Tristan, I love you so very much.”
“You are the light of my life, and I will do all I can to keep you here in my arms.”
“I think I have an idea.”
“What is it?”
“Lady Dashwood has always supported me and helped me in my endeavors. If I tell her of my plight, I know she will help. She has many estates and cottages all over Britain. She might be able to hide me.”
Bit by bit, relief eased into Tristan’s chest. He nodded. “Then let us go talk to her tomorrow.”
“No, only I must go. Remember, we still cannot be seen together.”
He frowned. “You are correct. But please, inform me or send me a missive after you have talked to her so that I know where you will be staying.”
“I promise.”
When he kissed her once again, he savored the moment. Kissing her had always been so right, so perfect. Indeed, they were meant to be together. Forever.
He just prayed fate had the same idea.
*
Diana fidgeted inher carriage seat as she stared out the window. She couldn’t arrive at her destination soon enough. It had been one very long night, and most of it she hadn’t slept. She thanked the Lord that Tristan had returned to finish their talk, and it pleased her to know he was now on her side.
Tristan and Lord Hawthorne left early this morning, and once Diana and Tabitha were ready, they took the coach and rode toward Lady Dashwood’s estate. Claudia would know what to do, Diana just knew it.
The carriage bounced Diana on her seat. She scowled and glanced up to where the coachman would be since she couldn’t see it from inside the vehicle. Because she didn’t have a driver, Tabitha donned the same clothes she’d used when she kidnapped Tristan and was now acting as Diana’s coachman. She just prayed that when they arrived at Lady Dashwood’s estate, Claudia’s servants wouldn’t get suspicious of the feminine looking driver.
Worry of the unknown wouldn’t leave her and gave her a tremendous headache. Groaning, Diana leaned back in her seat and rubbed her forehead.Would this nightmare ever end?
Trying to think positive, she sat up straight and stared out the window. Her life had to get better soon. She’d been living in hell for so long, it was time to bring things to a happy ending… with Tristan, of course.
