She smiled, remembering their talk, and especially the loving words he’d said. And their kiss. She smiled. The kiss that could have lasted all night if he hadn’t pulled away and left her room. He was such a gentleman, because if it had been up to her, that wonderful man would have not left her room at all.
The coach hit another bump in the road, jerking her on the seat. “Tabitha! Will you watch where you’re going?”
“Sorry, my lady,” she called back.
Diana frowned. Tabitha hadn’t been the same after last night’s events, even when Diana told her of Tristan’s confession. Something had happened between the maid and Nic, but Tabitha would not discuss it. Diana noticed the fun-loving energetic woman was quiet and withdrawn from everything this morning as they’d readied themselves to travel. It broke Diana’s heart to see her friend that way, and she wondered if Nic had apologized to Tabitha as Tristan had done.
When the carriage slowed to a stop, Diana peered out the window and looked upon Claudia’s grand estate. At least Claudia’s husband was generous enough to leave her money and the house when he died. Ludlow’s excuse to Diana was that because she hadn’t given him an heir, she didn’t deserve any of his money. But the truth of the matter was that she didn’twanthis money. The quicker she could break free of that miserable life, the better she’d be.
The door opened and there stood Tabitha, still dressed as the coachman, offering to help Diana out of the vehicle. Once she was out and the carriage door was shut, Diana leaned into Tabitha and whispered, “Stay low until I’m ready to leave.”
“Yes, my lady.”
She missed seeing the twinkle in Tabitha’s eyes and her adorable quirky grin. One day the maid would get them back, Diana hoped.
She was shown to the sitting room and within minutes Claudia swept in, wearing a beautiful yellow day gown with scooped neck and puffy sleeves. Claudia always wore the latest fashions and was the envy of most ladies of theton.Her blonde hair hung in ringlets and was decorated with pearls and a golden ribbon.
“Lady Hollingsworth, what a pleasure it is to see you.” She hugged Diana. “Let’s sit and have some tea and biscuits. My cook has just made a special batch that I haven’t sampled yet.”
“I thank you for the refreshment. I’m eager to taste what your cook has made. He’s always creating such mouth-watering treats.”
The ladies sat together on the sofa as a maid brought in the tray of tea and another servant carried in a tray of biscuits. Lady Dashwood poured Diana a cup of tea before pouring her own and sipping.
“Thank you, Gladys and Junie. That is all for now.” Claudia dismissed the other women.
Diana watched the two servants leave, and once the door was closed, she switched her focus back on her friend. “Claudia, I apologize for the unannounced visit, but it was urgent that I speak to you.”
“Good heavens, dear. What has happened?” Claudia set her teacup down.
“Lord Tristan and I fear that the magistrate will find evidence that I was at Lord Elliot’s house the night of his murder and he’ll arrest me.” Tears spiked her eyes, and she wished she wasn’t so emotional all the time. “Claudia, you are the only one that can help me.”
“Oh, my dear Diana.” Claudia reached over to take Diana’s hands. “You know I will do anything to help.”
“Sir Felix knows about my grandmother’s cottage, and so that is not a safe place for me—or Tabitha and Sally—to stay. I apologize for being so desperate, but I beg you to help me. Do you have a place we can go to hide?”
Claudia narrowed her gaze on Diana. “Is Lord Tristan not going to help you at all?”
“He is going to try and find the real killer, Claudia, but if we are seen together, the magistrate will suspect we are in cahoots together.”
The other woman nodded slowly. “Does Lord Tristan believe he can find the killer?”
“I don’t know.” Diana shrugged. “He’s going to do all he can to find this person. Once the person is caught, then Tristan and I can be together.” She smiled softly. “It’s been too long, Claudia. I want a real marriage, a marriage where the husband and wife love each other.”
Flipping her hand in the air, Claudia pulled away from Diana. “My dear friend, that is not a real marriage at all. Most of thetonmarriages are loveless. You know that.”
“Yes, but I also know that marriage can be one of unconditional love. That’s what I want, and it’s just within my grasp. Please Claudia, help me achieve this.”
“Of course, my friend. You know I will help you any way I can.” She sat back in her chair and tapped a finger on her chin. “One of my estates in Essex is not in use right now. I will need to get a few servants over there to ready the place for you and your maids, but it will take at least a week.”
Relief flooded Diana. “Thank you, Claudia. That will be perfect.”
“But until that time comes, you must stay here with me. I cannot have you at your grandmother’s cottage unprotected. My servants are devoted to me and they know what hell you went through, as well. They will not say anything, I assure you. Both Tabitha and Sally can be maids here during our wait. They will have nothing to fear.”
“Oh, Claudia.” She reached over and hugged her friend. “You truly are a gift from God.”
Lady Dashwood chuckled. “I don’t have many close friends, and I will do anything I can to keep my friends protected.”
At long last, Diana’s future was starting to look clearer. Now she needed to pray that Tristan and Hawthorne could find the killer quickly.
