Page 23 of Not His Usual Style (Diamonds of London #10)

“No.” Tori shook her head. “I have another errand to accomplish before I finally go home. Grab some bits and bobs I’ll need to go along with the ballgown.”

“A ballgown?” Worry immediately creased his forehead. “I don’t think there are enough funds to pay for something that extravagant.”

Another round of heat went through her. “Greystone paid for it,” she managed in a barely audible whisper. “It will be delivered tomorrow afternoon, and I know I should have turned the offer down, for it smacks of something he might buy a mistress, but—”

“Hush, love.” This time her father put an arm about her shoulders and gave her a hug.

“Every woman deserves to feel like a princess at least once in her life. I’m only sorry it’s not me to do that for you.

” When he grinned, some of her worry faded.

“You are made of sterner stuff than what you think of yourself. Wrap yourself in the romance, of the glamor of attending a ball, then when your coach turns back into a pumpkin, I’ll be here waiting with open arms to help you pick up the pieces. ”

“Oh, you are such a good papa.” She bussed his cheek and then crossed the room toward the door that led to a narrow set of wooden stairs. “Don’t be late for dinner!”

Thirty minutes later, with a few boxes and bags in her hands, Tori was ready to walk the two miles from the shops to her home, but when she nearly ran into a woman darting out of a shop before it closed, she gasped when she recognized Grey’s fiancée.

“Lady Sarah! How lovely to see you.”

Surprise lit the other woman’s eyes beneath the brim of her bonnet trimmed with expensive ribbons and silk flowers. “Miss Amherst. What an unexpected delight. Where are you headed?”

“Home. I had some shopping to do, and it’s only two miles so I thought to walk.”

“Oh, goodness me, no.” Lady Sarah shook her head “It will grow dark long before you arrive home, and that isn’t safe.” She linked her free arm through Tori’s. “You’ll ride in my carriage.”

“I shouldn’t—”

“I’ll accept no arguments,” the lady said with a shake of her head. Once at the shiny black carriage, it began to rain, but the golden crest of a marquess was evident in the setting sun. “Please give my driver your address.”

As Tori did so, she didn’t know which marquess was Lady Sarah’s father, but knowing he was one was enough to put knots in her belly.

Such a powerful man wouldn’t wish to be defied in his choices and orders, which was probably another reason why Grey was still engaged even though there were no real feelings there.

With a sigh, she sat on one of the well-squabbed benches as Lady Sarah climbed in behind her and alighted on the opposite bench. “Thank you for the ride. I appreciate it.”

“No bother.” The other woman waved away the comment while the driver put up the steps and then closed the door. “It gives us a chance to talk.”

“Right.” And the knots of worry pulled tighter.

“How have you fared since the night of Lord Dawson’s rout? I trust you aren’t still feeling poorly.”

“Oh, I’m much better. Thank you.” She glanced out the window when the conveyance lurched into motion.

“That is good to know, but your cheeks are a bit flushed. I worry that you haven’t sufficiently rested since that night.”

When Tori trained her gaze on Lady Sarah’s face, it was to find her looking back with interest and speculation in her expression. “I’m doing well enough, but I must say that was quite a hectic and upsetting evening.”

“It was. So much was going on, what with the theft of such an expensive necklace.” Lady Sarah poked through some of her own bags on the bench next to her then once more glanced at Tori. “Did Greystone call on you to check on your health the day after?”

“He did.” It was best to stick to the truth as much as possible.

“I wasn’t home, in fact, so he caught up with me at Hyde Park.

We chatted for a few minutes at the edge of the Serpentine before he offered to bring me home.

” Not for worlds would she admit to what happened once she did, indeed, arrive home. Even now it put heat into her cheeks.

“Ah. The earl has quite a good heart, and he’s becoming quite adept at taking you under his wing, so to speak.” There was no animosity in the other woman’s voice, only odd gratitude.

“Yes, well, His Lordship has a sense of taking care of people, I think. You can feel it from him when talking.” Or at least she could.

“That is true.” Then Lady Sarah flashed a disarming smile. “Might I ask you a personal question?”

“Of course.” Though fingers of anxiety played up her spine.

“I spoke with Grey yesterday, and I must say that I’m proud of him for caring enough to see you home and looked after until your father arrived home.

Or rather until you fell asleep.” She tilted her head slightly and rested that warm brown gaze on Tori’s face.

“And after he met you at Hyde Park, he shared tea with me. I was quite interested to note that he seemed genuinely happy for the first time in years.”

Oh, dear.

“That is to be expected, isn’t it? After all, he is marrying you in a couple of days.” Why did saying the words aloud send such shivers of pain around her heart? She had no claim to him, and what they’d shared was only a fling.

Wasn’t it?

“I’m not certain that is the reason. He and I have been friends for a long time.

Since we were engaged for years, our families had cause to spend loads of time together, but never once have I seen Grey so…

unfettered, I guess. Usually, he is weighed down by responsibilities and worries and expectations from his dead father, but yesterday?

His grin was easy, and his eyes actually held a sparkle. ”

“Perhaps he just knows this upcoming marriage will be a good thing for him.”

Lady Sarah snorted. “I rather doubt that.”

“Well, then it will be a good thing for you.” Tori shrugged.

She didn’t want to discuss the wedding, for every word seemed to rasp roughly over her skin and through her mind.

“You’ll be his countess, and you are so lovely, he’ll be proud to have you on his arm as you welcome society into your home.

” As much as she tried, her voice still broke on the last words.

Hastily, she turned her head to the window so the other woman wouldn’t see her distress.

“The two of you will make a beautiful couple, and might I offer congratulations to you.”

Odd sniffling sounds came from Lady Sarah, and when Tori looked her way, it was in time to see her dab at the corners of her eyes with a lace-edged handkerchief.

“I apologize,” she said and offered a watery smile. “Perhaps I’m emotional due to the upcoming wedding. And you’re right, Grey is a wonderful man. I should be happy and grateful he’ll be my husband.” Yet her eyes welled with more tears.

Tori remembered that the earl had told her Lady Sarah had a lover and that there were no romantic feelings between her and him.

That still didn’t change the fact they would marry in two days.

Yet it appeared that either the lady was, indeed, overwrought and overwhelmed as a bride should be so close to her wedding day, or it was absolutely something she didn’t wish to do.

Either way, none of it was Tori’s concern. “Please don’t cry. All will come out well.”

Lady Sarah blew out a breath. “Do you truly believe that?”

It was all very cryptic, and she couldn’t be sure what they were actually speaking of in the moment. “We must believe that, because if we don’t… Well, I’ll wager none of us wish to contemplate that. Life will certainly drag out endlessly.”

“I suppose it can’t grow any worse.” Despite her tears, Lady Sarah’s eyes shone with hope. “We must have faith.”

Tori remained silent. I think we are beyond that. The rest is up to fate.