“My lady,” Nathan said, his voice calm, “perhaps there is somewhere you could stay for a bit. Somewhere to rest and settle your nerves.”
Diana’s temper ignited. “Do you know how many times men have said that to me? To sit down, be quiet, and steady my delicate nerves. You think because I am female, I have no logic? My husband hasn’t been well for months. I have had the running of the estate, and that task is considerable.”
Nathan blinked, his expression contrite. “I meant no offense—”
“Men never do,” she groused. “And yet, I am offended.”
“No, you’re not,” Lucas cut in. “You’re just looking for a target because you are frightened. Aim your darts at me. My brother doesn’t deserve it.”
Lucas didn’t deserve it either. She swallowed, and damn if she didn’t feel that grip on her face again. Hard, punishing, and smelling so foul that she felt her stomach revolt.No, no, no!She could not cast up her accounts here. That would be awful for everyone! She felt hot and sick and—
Lucas abruptly shoved her head down between her knees. Her skirt muffled her breath, but he was quick to pull it up and out of the way. Her legs were exposed in the most undignified way, but no one seemed to care, especially not her as her breath came in stuttered gasps.
“Just breathe, Diana. Breathe until it passes.”
“I am. No weakling.” Her words came in gasping pants.
“Never said you were,” Lucas answered.
Then Nathan spoke. “Did you see the rocks she threw? Damned fine arm you have, my lady. Bloodied one of their noses.”
“Truly?” Lucas asked. “I didn’t see.”
“That’s what made him run. It was her shot that made him turn tail.”
Nathan’s fists had certainly been a factor. Still, it made her feel better to hear his praise.
“Did you see her last throw? Right at the back of the bastard’s head. Rang his bell quite properly. I’m sure he would have gone down if there hadn’t been a tree there propping him up.”
“Impressive,” Lucas said, admiration in his tone. “I’d turned away.”
To look to her safety. She remembered seeing him come for her just as she released her missile. He’d been at her side to protect her the moment his attacker ran off. And though Nathan had dashed after them, Lucas had stayed by her side. At the time, she’d merely been grateful he hadn’t been hurt. But now she realized how alone she would have felt if they’d both run off.
It was enough to make her shudder.
“Diana?”
“I’m better now,” she said. “Please help me up.”
After that first push to shove her down, he’d gentled his hold, supporting her as her stomach settled. Now he eased her upright, and she was grateful to realize that she did indeed feel better. Her temperature had come down, her heart rate, too. And most especially her temper.
“Thank you,” she said. Then she looked at Nathan. “And my apologies. Your brother was right. I was lashing out to no purpose.”
“Perfectly understandable,” Nathan said. “Think no more of it.”
But she couldn’t stop thinking of it. The attack, the blade, the hand on her arm and face. She’d felt Geoffrey’s menace before, but she hadn’t actually believed herself in danger. Not until someone grabbed her arm. The memory made her lightheaded.
Lucas’s grip tightened. “Do you feel sick again?”
“No, I’m fine,” she lied as she adjusted her skirt down.
“Your family will be with you soon. I left word for Elliott. I’m sure they will follow as soon as—”
Diana held up her hand, and Lucas immediately quieted. “I don’t need my family.” She’d been going her own way for so long, the idea that they would suddenly descend now made her shrink into herself.
“They will want to see you safe.”
“I’ll send a message as soon as I am home.” And she would, but rather than focus on that, her mind skittered back to exactly where she didn’t want it to go. “I just cannot think that anyone would…” She couldn’t form the rest of the words. It was inconceivable that anyone would wish her dead. She wasn’t royalty or political or even deeply religious. Those were the people who were targeted for murder. “I’m just not that important!”
