Page 10 of Her Scandalous Rake (The Worthington Legacy #8)

T ristan pulled away from Diana and spun toward the door. Diana gasped and clung to his arm.

“Shh…” he told her. “Unless someone has a key, they will not be able to get in.”

“What if it’s your mother, or a brother?”

“Let’s pray it’s not.”

Tristan held his breath and focused on the door. Several long minutes passed before the group outside the door moved on and he was able to expel a relieved breath.

“Oh, Tristan,” she sighed and rested her head against his chest. “That was too close.”

“I know.” He wrapped his arms around her, kissing her head. “We must leave. I would not want anything to ruin your reputation.”

Nodding, she looked up at him and smiled. “I thank you for thinking of me. No matter how tonight ends, I want you to know I have had the most exciting evening.”

He grinned. “As have I—one that I shall never forget.”

She moved away, but then he realized her hair was a mess. “Diana, wait.” He pulled her arm until she came back to him. “We need to fix your hair.”

“Oh, heavens!” She gasped and brushed her fingers over her glorious mass. “If I’m seen like this, my name would be ruined, indeed.”

As best he could, he helped her wrap her hair back in the coil, but unfortunately, it wasn’t perfect and he knew if anyone saw her this way, they would definitely suspect what she’d been doing.

“Diana, I’m sorry but I was never a good lady’s maid.”

She chuckled. “Well, that’s a good thing, is it not?”

“I shall take you to the back of the house so that nobody sees you.” He stroked her cheek. “Although I do not wish to end our evening this way, I think it is best.”

“Yes, it is.”

Side by side they walked out of the greenhouse. Tristan glanced around the yard to make sure there weren’t others out here that would see them. Thankfully, the guests were further back toward the house.

He walked her to the house then took her to the servant’s entry. “Just follow the stairs up to the floor where your bedroom is located and you should be fine.”

“Once again, Tristan, I thank you for a lovely night.”

She looked adorable in the moonlight, and although the urge was strong to take her back into his arms, he couldn’t. Ruining her reputation was not a gentlemanly thing to do. “I will see you tomorrow at breakfast.”

“Yes, you will.”

He mocked a small bow. “Then until tomorrow…” He gave her a wink before turning to leave.

As he wandered back to his own room, his body still hummed with desire from that wonderful kiss. Diana was a very passionate woman. Her mouth and those tempting lips would be branded on his forever. Kissing her had been pure enjoyment and now he wished they were still in the greenhouse. Perhaps they should have been caught because then he would have to marry her.

Marriage? He stopped and brought his thoughts to a halt as well. Why would he think about marriage to her? Then again, the idea wasn’t so terrible. He had wanted to marry a woman he could fall in love with. He had always wanted his wife to be a woman he could converse with easily and one who could make him laugh. And of course, she would have to be more beautiful than he’d ever beheld.

He grinned fully. This certainly fit Diana.

Chuckling, he started his trek back to the front of the house. By the time he reached the front door, the idea of proposing to Diana filled him with excitement. The more he fantasized about being married to Diana, the more pleasing it sounded.

*

The next afternoon Diana stood in front of the full-length mirror in her bedroom and stared at the pale-faced, pathetic woman with red, swollen eyes. The last two days had been heaven on earth, and Tristan’s kiss had made all her dreams come true… until early this morning when she was awakened and disaster struck. She should have known something bad would happen to her. It always had. There hadn’t been a time in her life when things had gone her way. For once she would like to see that happen.

Bright and early this morning, her mother had got Diana out of bed with the most dreadful news. Her father had received an offer of marriage and had accepted it. Diana knew it hadn’t been Tristan because her father was still in Bristol and Tristan was here.

Diana hadn’t gotten a chance to say anything to Tristan before their trunks were packed and her mother rushed them out of the house before everyone had awakened.

Now, standing in her bedroom, she hesitated on going downstairs to talk to her father. She wanted to tell him to wait another day or two—that Lord Tristan might make an offer, but she feared her father wouldn’t listen. Perhaps if she told him Tristan compromised her…

She shook her head. She couldn’t lie to her father. Although, if she and Tristan had been caught while in their passionate embrace, her reputation would have been turned to ashes and Tristan would indeed have to marry her.

Oh, why didn’t it happen like that?

Grumbling in distaste, she left the room. There was no enthusiasm in her legs as they carried her down the stairs toward the sitting room. Silence greeted her when she walked in and stood in front of her parents. Both of them wore wide smiles.

“Close the door behind you,” her father said.

She did as she was told, then walked to the sofa and sat beside her mother. The older woman’s eyes sparkled with excitement, which was something Diana didn’t see often on her mother. Even her father’s cheerful expression was foreign.

“Diana, my dear, I’m very happy about the offer that was made to me yesterday while you and your mother were attending the party.”

Taking a deep breath, she slowly released it. “Who made the offer?”

“Viscount Hollingsworth.”

Hearing the lord’s name was like a slap across the face. Lord Hollingsworth? Why on earth would her father accept a marriage proposal for his daughter from a man like that?

Confusion filled her head and made her dizzy, and at the same time, her stomach churned fitfully. She’d met Lord Hollingsworth a few times over the years, and that’s all it took to decide she couldn’t stand the man. It wasn’t his bright red hair or the red freckles splattered across his pasty face that she didn’t like, nor was it that he was a good twenty years older than herself that made her feel this way about him.

In the few times they had conversed, he had never made her feel special—or even important. Instead, he made her feel as if she would be the most fortunate and coveted woman on this earth if she had him as her husband. He’d been so rude with his advances, and several times she had to tell him to leave her alone. “F-Father, you must be jesting. Why, the man has not even courted me.”

“I am most serious, daughter. Lord Hollingsworth has been enamored with you for a few years now. He has made an offer for you every Season you have been out, but I have respectfully declined, hoping to find you a loftier match. Your beauty is equal to at least an earldom.”

Panic filled her chest. “Then why did you not decline him this time?”

“Because, my dear, I’m ashamed to admit that I’m in financial ruins. In the last year, I have had a run of back luck with… uh… business decisions.”

“You’ve been gambling again,” Diana said matter-of-factly.

Her father’s face hardened. “Yes. I had one bad stretch at the tables and my markers were called in before I was prepared.” He raked a hand through his hair. For a moment he looked so weary and vulnerable that Diana’s heartbreak faltered a fraction.

“I didn’t know how I was going to pay,” he added with a shrug. “Lord Hollingsworth came to my rescue and paid my debts in exchange for your hand in marriage.”

“What?” Her voice rose as she sprang up from the sofa. “He paid you to marry me?”

“Indeed, and that is why I accepted.”

“But Father…” Her breaths became faster. “At the Dowager Duchess of Kenbridge’s party, I met a wonderful man. Lord Tristan Worthington. We hit it off splendidly, and I feel he is going to talk to you soon.”

Her father flipped his hand in the air. “I’m pleased you had a good time, but unfortunately, I have made my decision. I have signed the contract and you will marry Lord Hollingsworth within a couple of weeks.”

“But Father, Lord Tristan’s father is a duke—”

“The matter is closed,” he snapped as his face growing red with anger. “If Lord Tristan would have talked to me sooner, I would have considered him, but as it is, I cannot go back on my word now. I do not want to hear another word about this. Is that clear?”

Tears built behind her eyes and her throat tightened with sadness. “Yes, Father.”

He looked at her mother. “Esther, I want you to start planning your daughter’s wedding immediately. Keep in mind that we don’t have the funds for a grand affair, so keep the event simple.”

“Yes, dear.” She stood and yanked on Diana’s arm. “Let’s hurry. We have shopping to do.”

Tears filled Diana’s eyes, but there was no use in shedding them. In all of her life, she had never been able to sway her father. Once he made up his mind—that was final. Her heart sank in deep despair. No matter how she looked at it, her life was tortured, because marrying Lord Hollingsworth would eventually be the death of her!

*

Tristan hurried to his brother’s study and rapped on the door. Trevor would be awake by now because he’d always been an early riser.

“Enter.”

Tristan’s heart hammered in his chest so hard he feared he’d break a rib. He couldn’t believe what he was going to do. Yet, it felt right.

Keeping his shoulders back and chin held high, he entered Trevor’s study. His brother stood near the hearth with the poker in his hand as he broke apart the logs. Trevor glanced his way then returned his attention to the fire.

“Good morning, Brother,” Trevor said. “I’m surprised you are not still asleep in bed at this hour.”

“Too many things weigh on my mind.” Tristan stepped closer, linking his hands behind him. “Before you act all domineering as the role of the oldest brother usually does by telling me how you think I should live my life, let me tell you how I’m going to live my life.”

“Fine. Tell me.”

“I am going to marry Miss Diana Baldwin.”

Trevor snapped his head toward Tristan, his brother’s eyes growing rounder by the moment. Seconds passed in silence. The only sound in the room came from the popping fire and crackling wood.

“What, pray tell, brought this on? When I spoke with you the other day, you were grumbling about Mother’s party and wishing you could be doing other things.”

Tristan smiled. “Indeed, I had grumbled, but then something wonderful happened to me when I met her. We had such a glorious time together getting to know each other. I haven’t been able to get her off my mind, and I think…” he took a deep breath, “…actually, I know I want her as my wife.”

“That is exemplary of you, Tristan. I commend you for making a most important decision about your future.” Trevor placed the poker back against the wall of the hearth, and then turned toward Tristan. “I’m just very surprised at your announcement. I thought—as well as our parents—that you would marry Lady Jane.”

Tristan arched an eyebrow. “True, our parents have been hinting strongly about me asking for her hand, but I just couldn’t. I don’t love her. I don’t even like her much.”

Trevor chuckled. “You were always the brother whom I believed would marry for love. Trey will never marry, I fear, and although I’m betrothed to Lady Gwendolyn and we barely know each other, I believe we will grow to love each other eventually.” He shrugged. “But now I wonder if you indeed feel love for Miss Baldwin after only knowing her a few days.”

Chuckling, Tristan turned toward the window, scratching his head. Love? He still wasn’t sure if love was what he felt, but he couldn’t deny how manly he felt around her. And although they had just met, their brief time together made him feel as if he’d known her much longer. They were destined to be together, he just knew it. “I have never believed in love at first sight, but when I first saw Miss Baldwin, there was something irresistible about her. I couldn’t stop thinking about her. When we danced and we talked, I felt like I never wanted to leave her side. She was so natural. Not fake like the other women I know. Miss Baldwin is so very different from Lady Jane, and I really like the differences.” A grin tugged on his lips. “So really, the thought of marrying Miss Baldwin does not frighten me in the least. I actually look forward to it.”

Trevor laughed. “My brother—always the romantic.” He flipped his hand. “Then go ask for her hand before she fears you have abandoned her. I heard she and her mother quietly returned home early this morning.”

Tristan swung toward his brother. “They are gone?”

“Yes.”

“They can’t be. Diana told me yesterday she and her mother were planning on staying all day.”

Trevor shrugged. “Well, apparently something changed the baroness’ mind, because Mother told me that they had left.”

Growling, Tristan pushed his fingers through his hair. “I need to find out where she lives. She never really told me.”

“Then, I suggest you be on your gallant way and rescue the damsel in distress.”

“Will you let our parents know where I’m going?”

“Of course.”

Tristan spun around and rushed out of the room. When he saw the butler, he instructed him to alert the groomsman that he needed his horse saddled and ready posthaste. He ran back to his room to grab his jacket and riding crop, and then dashed back down the stairs and outside. Within fifteen minutes, he was atop his horse and riding toward Bristol.

Excitement built in his chest with the thought of seeing Diana again. She wouldn’t discourage the idea of them marrying. The dreamy haze of her eyes when she stared at him, along with the way her mouth moved so seductively with his, let him know she was just as attracted to him as he was to her.

He rode his horse hard and fast, and soon he neared Bristol. The first person he asked when enquiring about the Baldwin’s residence gave him directions. The manor wasn’t as large as he’d seen before, and the place looked quite run down. It appeared that Lord Baldwin was having money problems. Tristan grinned. He would help his soon-to-be father-in-law out to help him repair this place.

Before Tristan rode too close to the front of the house, he dismounted, and walked slowly, eyeing the surroundings as he pulled his horse behind by the reins. From the back of the house, a woman strolled toward the rundown stable. Immediately, Tristan could tell it was Diana. Today she wore a copper colored dress trimmed with black lace, and on her hands were black gloves. Her bonnet was copper, but thankfully didn’t hide her pretty auburn ringlets.

His heart beat faster and he quickened his stride to reach her. As he came to the front of the stable, he noticed her standing just inside, stroking her hand down the mare’s nose. Her back was toward him, and her shoulders drooped.

“Oh, Chestnut,” she said softly. “What am I going to do?” Her voice broke and she leaned her face against the mare’s neck.

Tristan’s heart clenched. He couldn’t stand to hear her desolate tone. “Not to worry, my sweet. I’ll make it right.”

She jumped and swung around. Her eyes widened and within moment, color entered her face. “Tristan! What are you doing here?”

“I have come to rescue the fair maiden.” He chuckled. “Actually, since you left without saying anything to me, I knew I must come find you.”

She sighed heavily. “I apologize for our hasty departure, but my mother received a letter from my father who wanted us home immediately. I fear his news was dreadful.”

He arched an eyebrow. “What news? Has he fallen ill?”

“Oh, Tristan.” Tears spiked her eyelashes. “My father has signed a betrothal agreement.”

Sadness—and panic—weighed heavily on his chest. Groaning, he scrubbed his palms over his face. He had to stop this. He couldn’t let her marry anyone but him!

He stepped closer and touched her hand. “Who is the man?”

“Viscount Hollingsworth.”

The man’s evil face flashed through Tristan’s mind. Impossible! She couldn’t possibly marry that vile man. “You must be jesting. Hollingsworth is a deceitful, selfish man. Why would any father torture their daughter in such a way by allowing them to marry Hollingsworth?”

“I wish I knew, Tristan. I tried to sway my father this morning, but he will not relent.”

Tristan hitched a breath. Anger and frustration sailed through him, making him want to lash out at someone—Hollingsworth in particular since he was the root of Tristan’s turmoil right now. “That is utterly ridiculous! There must be a way to change your father’s mind.”

“My father wants us to wed within two weeks.”

Suffocation choked Tristan. Hollingsworth couldn’t have Diana—not when Tristan wanted her! Tristan took her hands in his. “Diana, I came here to ask if you would be my wife.”

Tears slid down her cheeks and her bottom lip trembled. “If Hollingsworth wasn’t in my life right now, I would happily accept.” Her voice broke as more tears fell from her eyes.

“Surely, your father will listen to me. I am wealthier than Hollingsworth. I’m certain I could sway your father.”

She shook her head. “I pray you can, but I fear the viscount is holding something over my father and is trying to swindle him in some way.”

Cursing silently, Tristan pulled her in his arms. She clung to him like she never wanted to let him go. He felt the same helplessness and pulled her tighter in his embrace. She sobbed against his chest, which broke his heart that much more.

He kissed her ear and whispered, “Diana, you must trust me. I will fix things. Lord Hollingsworth will not marry you!”