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This time, her daggers were aimed at her brother, though she was absolutely sure that would have the same consequence it did when he pulled at her pigtails when they were children and she went running to her governess. Which was absolutely none.

Those two…

“My expectations of marriage remain exactly the way I wish them to be. None.”

“You can’t possibly mean—” Herbert insisted.

“Herbert, I have graciously accepted that nickname everyone whispers behind my back, and I own it with pride. I am a jilted wallflower—and trust me, that is a good thing. I enjoy my peace, and I am not trading this for any pointless conversation and meaningless pursuits that would most probably end in heartache and disaster.”

Both Selina and Herbert gaped at her. How could she explain to them the absolute freedom such a decision gave a person? She would remain forever a spinster so she didn’t have to think of her skills and how to flaunt them. She didn’t have to agonize over filling her dance card with names of men who were essentially strangers. She didn’t have to pretend, and she could enjoy being herself.

“Plus,” Diana continued, taking advantage of the rare occasion that Selina was rendered speechless, “I wouldn’t want Stephen to get wind of our conversation. You know how he is.”

The siblings shared a look of understanding. They didn’t need to be reminded of their strict eldest brother’s temper. The Duke of Westall tended to take things a tad too seriously, and the fact that the youngest in the family, the one who he felt like a father to, decided to never marry is a thorn in his side. And Stephen had a unique way to deal with such grievances, which was straightforward and unyielding.

“Yes, I am aware of how our dear brotheris. Did I mention that he sent me five letters last month, with recommendations on how to manage my affairs more properly? Not estate, which would have been understandable. Myaffairs. The man would control the side on which I sleep if he could.”

“Five?” Selina protested. “I have only received three. I feel neglected now.”

“Well, you could both benefit from my approach, since I am indeed the main focus of his so-called protectiveness. I’ve learned that the best way to deal with him is to nod politely, agree on nothing, and let him tire himself out,” Diana said airily, though the mention of their eldest brother did make her shoulders tense slightly.

“I know I am joining mid-conversation, but I am acutely aware of its subject,” a female voice called.

It was Elizabeth, and the siblings flushed with shame. The reason being that she was none other than the Duchess of Westall, their sister-in-law, then one married to the ‘overbearing brute,’ as they lovingly called their brother.

“But I am furious, Diana,” Elizabeth continued.

Diana tightened her grip on the fan she was holding. She loved Elizabeth and was thrilled to see her brother being brought down from his mighty proverbial horse by such a spitfire as her.

“I believe”—Elizabeth leaned in with a mischievous smile—“I am the one who taught you this trick. Smile and nod and then wait for him to come around.”

“I am sure you have other ways to convince him,” Herbert muttered.

“Herbert!” all three women exclaimed, drawing the attention of all the people around them.

Luckily, none of the ladies and gentlemen frolicking around, a drink in hand, looking immaculate, paid attention to the siblings’ conversation.

“I meant,” Herbert added quickly, “that you know him better than we do.”

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow in a way that reminded everyone more of their brother, but no one dared make that observation in front of her. The Duchess of Westall was magnanimous but also quite feisty, and her husband was utterly devoted to her. There was no need to test what great disaster would fall upon their heads if she were to run and complain to Stephen. Luckily,her face melted in her usual gentle expression, and everyone breathed easier.

“I hope that you know how much Stephen loves you, Diana.” She took Diana’s hands in her own.

“I know he loves me and that he means well. I just wish he would cease breathing down my neck.”

Herbert leaned in. “In your case, Diana, I cannot blame the man.”

Diana would be angry if she knew how she could summon such a sentiment. But she was annoyed, for sure. As long as the Season didn’t start yet, she had the chance to breathe freely. But now, a few weeks before the official opening, she was back to being suffocated by other people’s worries.

Again, she had to defend her decision.

“And here I was, thinking I have made it abundantly clear that I have no desire to entertain suitors. Perhaps I should practice my embroidery stitches and make myself an embroidered handkerchief with the words ‘jilted wallflower’ and ‘spinster’ which I could use to wipe your tears any time this issue comes up.”

Her siblings stared at her.

Granted, Diana was mostly shy and reserved, but that didn’t mean that she was dim-witted, and having the same conversation again and again was testing her patience.

“Oh, how I like you, Diana.” Elizabeth chuckled. “Hm, I see Stephen spotted us. I will show how truly benevolent I can be and go to divert his course—which is most certainly this area—so you won’t find yourself needing your embroidery. I shall see you.”