Page 28 of An Earl Most Inconvenient (Regency Mishaps #2)
CHAPTER 28
“ M y Lord, are you ready?” came the soft voice of Clara, Diana’s maid, as she entered the room.
Tristan stopped pacing up and down in the hallway and nodded. He was trying to look calm, but his heart was in his mouth as he prepared himself for what was to come. Today was the day he would ask Diana’s father for her hand in marriage, and while he was resolute in his decision, the weight of the moment pressed heavily on his shoulders.
He had spent a restless night contemplating the words he would say, the emotions he would convey, and the significance of this meeting. Lord Kingsman was a man of considerable stature and authority, and while Tristan knew that he had won his approval previously, in relation to his proposed marriage to Lady Grace, a lot had changed since then. He could make no assumptions about what was going to happen, and he could not help but feel a twinge of anxiety at the thought of what was facing him.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” he replied, attempting a smile that fell a bit short.
All he could do, he thought, as he took a deep breath and steadied himself, was hope that Lord Kingsman would see how much he truly loved Diana, and how sorry he was for all the confusion that had taken place over the last few weeks and months. But he knew that this conversation might not be straightforward.
Clara gave him a reassuring nod. “I’m sure it will be fine, My Lord,” she whispered, a conspiratorial note in her voice as she indicated to him to follow her along the corridor.
With a final glance in the mirror to ensure he looked presentable, he made his way to Lord Kingsman’s study, his heart pounding in his chest. As he approached the door, he could hear the faint rustle of papers and the muffled sound of Lord Kingsman’s voice, deep and commanding.
“Enter,” came the gruff command.
Tristan opened the door and stepped inside, trying to maintain an air of confidence despite the flutter of nerves that coursed through him. Lord Kingsman sat behind a large mahogany desk, his gray hair neatly combed, and his eyes fixed on a stack of documents. He looked up as Tristan entered, his expression unreadable.
“Lord Silvermere,” Lord Kingsman said, his voice steady but lacking warmth. “What brings you here this morning?”
“Good morning, my lord,” Tristan replied, trying to keep his voice steady. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.” He felt his nerves beginning to rise again at the marquess’s words; surely he knew why he was here? He thought that Diana would have warned him, or at least given him a hint of the conversation that was about to happen.
“Not at all,” Lord Kingsman replied, waving a hand dismissively. “I was merely attending to some correspondence. Please, have a seat.”
Tristan took a seat opposite the marquess, the seriousness of the moment pressing down on him. He felt as though he were being scrutinized under a magnifying glass, and he could sense Diana’s father’s keen gaze assessing him.
“I understand you have been to visit Diana at Arlington House,” Lord Kingsman began, his tone measured.
“Yes, my lord,” Tristan replied, his heart racing. “Diana is - she is very special to me.”
“Is she?” The marquess leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. “And is she more special to you than Lady Grace was, just a few weeks ago?”
Tristan coughed. “My Lord, I know that some of my actions have been reprehensible,” he began. “But I did not know my own heart, my own feelings. I did not know what I truly wanted.”
Lord Kingsman nodded, but said nothing. Tristan felt as if he should say more, so he continued. “I did not intend to hurt Lady Grace, and I think that she has not been gravely wounded by what has happened. In fact, in the long run I think she will be much happier. But I also know that Lady Diana will be happy with me. I am sure of it. In fact, I swear to it, with all my heart.”
Tristan thought that he saw a slight smile playing at the corner’s of Lord Kingsman’s mouth, but then his face became serious again.
“And what is it that you propose to offer her?” the marquess said, his tone rather severe.
“I intend to offer her my heart, my loyalty, and a life filled with love,” Tristan replied, feeling a surge of determination. “I want to marry her, My Lord.”
For a moment, silence enveloped the room, and Tristan felt the weight of the marquess’s gaze upon him. His expression was stern, and Tristan could not shake the feeling that he was being evaluated, judged. He felt rather intimidated, and a surge of fear washed over him as he realized that Diana’s father might not allow the match. He might think that Tristan had been too inconsistent, that his behavior had been dishonorable.
“Do you understand the responsibilities that come with such a commitment?” Lord Kingsman asked, his voice firm. “Marriage is not a lighthearted endeavor, Lord Silvermere. It requires dedication, respect, and an unwavering promise to protect and cherish your wife.”
“I do understand, My Lord,” Tristan replied, his voice steady. “I would never take such a commitment lightly. I love Diana more than anything, and I wish to build a life with her.”
“Love can be a fickle thing,” the marquess said, his brows furrowing slightly. “It can lead men to make rash decisions. You have already been inconsistent in your behavior towards my daughters. How can you assure me that you will not let Diana down?”
Tristan’s heart sank as he struggled to find the right words. He had come prepared to express his love, but Lord Kingsman’s doubts weighed heavily on him. “I can only promise to be honest and faithful to her,” he said finally. “I will stand by her side through whatever challenges we may face.”
Lord Kingsman regarded him for a long moment, his expression inscrutable. Tristan felt the urge to fidget under the marquess’s intense scrutiny. He had never feared the man before, but now, uncertainty gnawed at him, along with the thought of how he would feel if the man refused his permission. What on earth would he do then? The idea did not bear thinking about.
Just then, the door swung open, and Diana entered, her eyes brightening at the sight of Tristan. “Father, I was just?—”
“Diana,” her father interrupted, his tone softening slightly. “We were discussing your future.”
Tristan’s heart raced as he turned to Diana, who looked between her father and him, sensing the tension in the air. “What is happening?”
“We were just having a conversation about your suitor,” the marquess said, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. “He seems quite determined to win your hand. I am not so sure, though, whether I should allow it?”
Diana looked confused for a moment, then when she saw the look on Tristan’s face, a smile slowly spread across her face, and she began to laugh - softly at first, then more freely, the sound lightening the atmosphere in the room.
“Diana?” Tristan said, his brows knitting together in confusion. “I don’t understand what’s so funny?”
“Tristan, I’m sorry,” she gasped between giggles. “But you look so serious. You did not think that he was really going to refuse you permission to marry me, did you?”
Tristan released a huge sigh of relief when he realized what was happening. The tension dissipated as he watched Diana’s laughter transform the room. “I was frightened for a moment then,” he admitted, a grin spreading across his face. “But I am serious about my intentions, and I was prepared to fight my corner for you, Diana, if it came to it.”
Lord Kingsman’s expression softened as he watched his daughter laugh, and he could not help but smile. “Very well, Diana. Do you agree to marry him?”
“Yes!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy. “Of course, I do!”
Tristan felt a surge of happiness wash over him, and he could hardly contain his excitement. He reached for Diana’s hand, his heart swelling with love. “Then it’s settled,” he said, his voice filled with warmth.
Lord Kingsman cleared his throat, his expression turning serious once more. “However, Lord Silvermere, let me be clear. If you ever hurt my daughter, I will ensure you pay for it.”
Tristan met Lord Kingsman’s gaze. “I wouldn’t dream of hurting her, My Lord. I would do anything to make her happy.” As he spoke the words out loud, he knew that he meant every one of them; in fact, he had never been so serious about anything in his whole life.
“Good,” the marquess replied, his demeanor softening slightly. “Then I trust you will keep your promise.”
Tristan could not help but smile at the marquess’s words. “I am sure that my father would have said exactly the same thing, if he had been around when my sister Cecilia became engaged,” he said. “I quite understand your position, My Lord.”
Lord Kingsman smiled. “I know that I have come across as severe, Tristan, but it is only because I want what’s best for Diana. And if her mother was here, then I am sure she would say the same.”
“It is rather sad, is it not, that all our parents are not here with us, to celebrate,” Diana said, biting her lip.
Tristan took her hand and squeezed it gently. “Perhaps they are looking down on us now,” he said softly. “I am sure that if they are, then they would be happy for us.”
Diana nodded, but did not speak. Tristan could sense the strong emotions that she was feeling. “Shall we sit a while, and talk?” he said, leading her towards a sofa on the other side of the room.
She nodded, and they all sat down together. Lord Kingsman called for tea, and the atmosphere became peaceful between them all again, after the drama and momentous events of the morning.
“I have been thinking about your mother a great deal these last few days,” Lord Kingsman said at last, setting his teacup and saucer down on a small table next to his chair.
“You have?” Diana said, looking at him curiously.
“Yes, I have been wondering how she would have helped you and your sister to navigate everything that has happened over the last few weeks and months,” Lord Kingsman said.
“I think perhaps she would have done a better job of it than me,” Diana said softly.
Her father frowned. “Not at all!” he insisted. “You have done your best, in a difficult situation, and I have every respect for you.” He paused and looked at her closely. “But I admit, now, that I have left too much to you to deal with alone.”
Diana shook her head. “No, Father, that is not true.”
“It is true,” her father said. “And I am ashamed of it. I have been so preoccupied with other things, Diana, with my studies and my interests. But I never meant to burden you with so many responsibilities. You are young, and you should have had more freedom to enjoy yourself.”
“I did not mind, Father,” Diana said softly.
Tristan looked at her and felt a surge of pride. She had taken on so much for her father, and even now, when he was admitting that he should not have burdened her with it all, she would not allow him to blame himself. She really was a remarkable woman, and he was lucky that she had agreed to marry him, especially after the way he had behaved. He promised to himself in that moment that he would never let her down, and that he would do everything in his power to make sure that she had a comfortable and easy life from this moment onwards. As a countess, she would want for nothing, and he intended to provide her with a life of luxury, if that was what she wanted.
“From now on, you will have other things to worry about,” Lord Kingsman said. “You will have a family of your own soon, I am sure.”
Diana blushed at his words, and glanced shyly at Tristan. “I hope that we do, soon,” she replied. “But I will always be here to help and support you, Father, just as I always have done. And Grace too, of course.”
Her father frowned for a moment. “I am worried about our estate, I must confess. But I do not want you to worry about it anymore, Diana. I should never have burdened you with it in the first place.”
“You did what you thought was best, Father,” Diana replied. “And I want you to know that you don’t have to carry it all alone, even now. We can face these challenges together. And I am sure Tristan will help us, too.”
“Of course,” Tristan said, nodding fervently. “I would be delighted to help, in any way I can.”
“Thank you, Tristan,” Lord Kingsman said, then reached forward, and took Diana’s hands in his. “I appreciate your strength and your willingness to help, my dear. But I wish things had been different. I wish I could have shielded you from all of this.”
Diana smiled softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “We can honor Mother’s memory by supporting one another. She would want us all to be happy.”
Her father nodded, his expression filled with pride. “You have grown into a remarkable young woman, Diana. I am proud of you.”
“Thank you, Father,” she said, her heart swelling with affection. “And I’m grateful for your support as I embark on this new chapter with Tristan.”
“And what shall we do about Grace?” Lord Kingsman said, a hint of worry crossing his face at the thought of his younger daughter. “Do you think that she will be upset by this news of your engagement?”
“I will speak to her,” Diana said. “But I think that she will be happy for us. She never truly loved Tristan – she simply went along with things out of stubbornness, and to prove a point to me.”
Tristan chuckled. “How very flattering!”
Diana nudged him playfully. “I know that you do not mind the truth, not really.”
He shook his head. “Of course not. I am glad that this will not cause her pain. And she will find someone much more suitable soon, I am sure of it.”
Diana nodded. “I think that you are right.”
Lord Kingsman smiled. “I think on that matter I still will need your assistance, Diana,” he said. “I do not know how to help her to find a husband.”
Diana shrugged. “I think that Grace will find her own husband, without my help or interference!” she said with a grin. “But of course, I will help her in any way that she wants me to.”
“Just promise me you will make sure she is careful,” her father said, a hint of concern returning to his voice. “Love can be unpredictable, and I do not wish to see her hurt.”
“I promise, Father,” she replied, squeezing his hands. “I will help her in any way I can.”
Lord Kingsman sat back in his chair, a peaceful expression on his face. “I think that all will be well,” he said, with a satisfied sigh.
With the weight of their conversation behind them, the three of them - father, daughter, and future son-in-law – sat together, united in love and resolve. As they talked about the future, the memories of Diana’s mother surfaced, and they shared stories that brought laughter and warmth to their hearts.
“She always knew how to bring us together,” Lord Kingsman said with a nostalgic smile. “I remember how she would insist on family dinners, no matter how busy we were.”
Diana laughed, her eyes shining. “And she would insist that the cook made her special roast chicken, insisting it was the secret to our happiness.”
“Indeed, it was,” the marquess agreed, his voice softening. “Your mother had a way of making even the simplest moments feel extraordinary.”
Tristan listened, feeling a sense of belonging as he watched them reminisce. He knew that Diana’s bond with her father was deep, and he respected the love they shared. He felt grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their family, to share in their memories and create new ones together.
As their conversation drew to a natural close, Diana glanced at him shyly. “Tristan, shall we take a walk together outside? Then I will go and speak to Grace, and afterwards we can all have luncheon together.”
Tristan smiled. “Yes, that would be perfect.” He got to his feet and offered her his arm.
They headed out into the gardens, and walked along the path between the flowerbeds, the sweet fragrance of the blooms mingling in the warm morning air. The soft rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze created a serene backdrop, inviting tranquillity and intimacy.
“It is nice to have a moment to ourselves,” Tristan whispered, as they wandered hand in hand, deeper into the garden. The world around them faded as they strolled along the winding paths.
“I have rather lost my sense of where we are,” Tristan said, looking around them. “I never thought I would get lost in a garden.” He glanced around, as if the flowers themselves might offer directions. “Though I daresay I could happily wander forever if it means I’m with you.”
Diana smiled, her heart fluttering at his words. “You’re charming as ever, My Lord,” she teased, playfully nudging him with her shoulder. “I hope that you will always remain so, even when we have been married for many years. But I must confess, I know this garden like the back of my hand. If we were to get lost, it would be entirely your fault.”
“Then I shall make it my mission to never lose my way again,” he replied, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “With you as my guide, how could I ever stray?”
They paused by a particularly vivid patch of roses, their petals unfurling in shades of crimson and blush. Diana leaned down to inhale their sweet scent, the fragrance wrapping around her like a warm embrace. “These remind me of you,” she said softly, glancing back at him with a shy smile. “Strong and bold.”
Tristan stepped closer, his gaze intense. “And you remind me of the sun, illuminating everything around you,” he replied, his voice low and sincere. “I feel like I’ve stepped into a dream since the moment you said yes.”
Diana felt her cheeks flush at his compliment, a warmth spreading through her. “You are too kind,” she murmured, unable to hide her smile. “But I feel the same. It’s as if everything has changed since our engagement. I can’t believe we’re really doing this, after everything we have been through to get here.”
“Neither can I,” Tristan admitted, his expression growing serious. He took a step closer, their bodies almost touching, the air between them charged with unspoken emotions. “But I want you to know how much this means to me. You are my heart, Diana, and I promise to cherish you every day.”
Her breath caught in her throat as she looked into his deep, earnest eyes. “You make me feel cherished already,” she whispered, feeling vulnerable yet safe in his presence. “I never imagined I could be this happy.”
Tristan reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers brushing against her skin. “You deserve all the happiness in the world,” he said softly, his voice a mere whisper. “And I intend to give it to you.”
The moment felt suspended in time, as if the world around them had faded away, leaving only the two of them amidst the blooming flowers. Diana’s heart raced, the tenderness of his touch igniting a warmth within her. “Tristan,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, “I-”
Before she could finish her thought, he leaned in closer, his gaze steady and filled with longing. “May I?” he asked, seeking her permission, his breath warm against her lips.
With a soft nod, Diana closed the distance, her lips meeting his in a gentle kiss that felt like the culmination of all their unspoken dreams. It was tender and sweet, a promise sealed beneath the open sky. She melted into him, feeling the warmth of his embrace envelop her as the world around them seemed to bloom anew.
Tristan’s hands found her waist, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss. She savored the moment. Time itself seemed to stand still, the only sound the soft rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. It was as if the garden itself had come alive, celebrating their love with each tender touch.
When they finally pulled away, both breathless and glowing, Diana rested her forehead against his, her heart racing. “I could stay like this forever,” she breathed, feeling a rush of happiness wash over her.
“Me too,” he replied, his voice filled with warmth. “This is where I want to be - right here, with you.”