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“Orcan functions are always rather subdued affairs,” he offered. “Even those meant to serve as celebrations. And particularly those that involve my brother. But I think you will find elements of romance in our customs, for all their practicality.”

A subtle change, a slight narrowing of his mouth, and renewed focus in his eyes once more promised the passionate version of Albion—one who would break free from the amicable persona he wore like armor in Society.

She caught the fragrance of his cologne mingled with the salty masculinity of his natural scent, a combination she suspected could drive her mad.

Diana dipped her spoon one last time into the thick glacé, casting a glance in Isaac’s direction. He had finished his ice in due order and now lounged under a tree before the quiet horses, looking for all the world as though he might sink into a nap.

“I can’t stay overly long,” Diana said, “lest we set tongues wagging. But let’s meet again to tend to the details and timing of our ceremony. Perhaps after your brother’s wedding.”

“Come to think of it, I’ve not had the pleasure of viewing the relics inside the British Museum.”

Diana clutched her hand to her chest in a mock swoon. “That must change at once. I live nearby. It shall be most convenient to show you the collection.”

“Then you shall guide me through your history? I could not ask for more.”

“Trust I do not do so solely from the kindness of my heart. I expect you to serve as my guide through Orcan history and culture as well. Understand I have an abundance of questions.”

“You are intent on interrogation, madam?”

“I trust you can handle it,” she replied, pleased with her saucy tone.“We know so little of the Hidden Realm.”

“By design, I assure you. I only hope that what you learn of Orcan culture doesn’t frighten you.”

“What could possibly frighten me? After living among the ton ?”

“Is this what the young gentlemen of the ton call a proper courtship?”

“I’m not sure. Such gentlemen do not lack cheek.”

Albion extended his hand. She shook it tentatively, liking the feel of the smooth kid leather gloves and the look of her hands, in his.

He cleared his throat, and Diana realized he had reached out so she might put the now empty pewter cup in his palm to return it to the shop.

She popped the cup into his hand, hoping the streaks of pistachio glacé on the sides didn’t smear on his gloves.

Then she folded her hands in her lap, feeling ridiculous.

She longed for another kiss, but the leniency afforded by Gunter’s popularity did not extend so far.

“Next week at the museum, then? The wedding is on Monday. The day after? Will that suit?”

“I look forward to the adventure. And perhaps a bit of romance as well, Lord Albie. Even at the museum. I shall expect to be feted and pampered.”

“Naturally.” Albie spoke lightly, though she noted he looked down at his feet as he spoke. “And Daisy, if you wish to speak to your father before I do, don’t tarry. I’ll send my card forthwith.”

Despite her pre-sentiments that Albion asking for her father’s hand would progress smoothly, Diana decided to take matters into her hands. Before she could do so, however, Father summoned her to his study.

Diana opened the door just wide enough to peek inside the chamber and gauge her father’s mood. He sat at his mahogany desk, the portraits of his father and elder brother, both passed on but still glowering out at the world, hanging behind him.

The toll of the myriad responsibilities he assumed as Lord Mercer had hardened Tobias Stewart.

Dark half-circles shadowed the skin under his eyes, and though he was not yet fifty, his hair had turned gray.

He was hunched over. He had never expected to take on a position in the House of Lords nor the tenants on land west of London.

In short, Father was under tremendous stress.

She imagined that having one of his daughters marry into a family as wealthy as Albie’s would come as a relief.

Diana would no longer be a burden to him.

But she didn’t want to risk any objections, so had to play the dutiful daughter. “You asked to see me?”

He beckoned her inside. Once she stood opposite, he tapped a calling card on his desk. Diana spotted the lavish black letters imprinted on its front side, ornate and curling and yet masculine and thickly embossed. Albion Higgins.

“I’ve not had the pleasure of hosting a Lord of the Hidden Realm. Have you news to share?”

Diana squared her shoulders, unconsciously imitating Lillian, though she hadn’t her elder sister’s elegant neck.

“Albion Higgins asked for my hand in marriage. And I accepted.”

“He could not be troubled to approach me first?”

“In the Hidden Realm, men propose to their brides directly, which is sensible.”

“Sensible? Have you not thought that you should be a laughingstock? Is your current shame not enough?”

Diana steeled herself. “I’m sorry about all that, Father,” she mumbled.

In the ensuing silence, she looked up only to find despair clouding his eyes.

“I only want what’s best for you,” he said at last. “Clearly, I’ve failed.”

“Albion is from an ennobled family and wealthy as any gentleman in London. If you want what’s best for me, trust my judgment. Please. I want to marry Albion. You always wanted me to make a pragmatic match, as did Mother. What objection could you have?”

“Other than the obvious?”

“The Lords of the Hidden Realm are welcome in Society. He lives at the Albany! The most fashionable residence for bachelors in this city. Albion has embraced our world. You might give him the benefit of the doubt. This marriage shall be the start of a splendid adventure.”

“That is not an answer any more than marriage is an adventure. There will be times that try your patience.”

He wasn’t talking about Diana and Albion. He meant himself and her mother. And the mess they had made of it, despite those fawning words.

She said nothing, and he sighed.

“It would all be easier had you been born a boy,” he told her. “As things stand, I fear you will never be content.”

“That’s hardly fair.”

“It is not fair that you have a man’s mind and a woman’s body.”

Every fiber of her being recoiled. So often, she had wished for her father to speak up more, particularly regarding the situation in Chamberly. Had she the power, she would have done so. Yet he wasted his privilege, keeping to himself and treating the position as a burden rather than an honor.

“Were I born a boy, I would take my place in the House of Lords and vote for an embargo against Chamberly. I would make the moral choice.”

Disapproval lined her father’s brow.“The situation is more complicated than you understand.”

That was what Reginald had told her. She tired of men telling her she didn’t understand.

“Are you forbidding me from marrying Albion, Father? Have you no fear I shall elope if denied?”

“Have you even told your mother?”

“Mother has chosen a path that takes her far from her family’s affairs, has she not?”

Father winced, but said nothing to contradict her statement. Diana’s heart dropped. She hadn’t intended to be so harsh.

“I meant to spoke to you before Albion,” she said quietly. “I had hoped you would be glad I am to marry a man in such stable circumstances, regardless of his provenance.”

“You shall have wealth at your disposal, Diana. You are right on that count.” Her father hesitated. “I trust you will take your family’s best interests into account. Our estate could use an infusion of cash.”

She breathed in heavily, feeling as though she might have changed form and transformed into a bank in Father’s eyes. She didn’t know why this surprised her. Why did anything her parents do ever surprise her? “You want Albion to save you from that mess?”

“I am sure, as his wife, you will have some influence over the finances.”

If that were so, she’d no intention of steering Albion’s hand. She’d no intent of ensnaring him in her family’s troubles. She would soon be out of them. Lillian as well, for once her sister returned, she intended to invite her to live with Albion and herself for as long as she desired.

“I suppose there shall be a wedding breakfast?” Father said. “I could broach the matter with Lord Albion then.”

“A quiet ceremony to make the matter official. That is all. Just the minimum of witnesses.”

If exclusion from the occasion concerned him, her father’s expression failed to show it. “Very well. You may bring two of the servants to your new household. Your mother took on that young woman and her brother and can’t be bothered to stay here long enough to make use of them.”

“Isabel and Isaac then, if it pleases.”

“Just take care.”

“I shall take all the care in the world.”

“You misunderstand my true concerns,” he said stiffly. “Or you would not speak so blithely. I meant to spare your feelings, but perhaps that was ill-considered.”

He leaned forward and her heart raced, afraid she knew exactly what he was about to say.

“Once the rumormongers start to talk, it is nearly impossible to stop them. Mind that you do nothing to embarrass your new husband. I will not allow you to shame this family again.”