He took her hand and they slipped out of the mews and through back streets, Graham keeping watch for anyone as they crossed each short block.
At the corner of her street, Graham stopped. “I’ll keep watch until you’re safely inside.”
Diana turned to face him, and for a moment they simply looked at each other.
“Graham,” she said softly. “Thank you for being honest with me about your father. Honesty is important in a marriage.”
The guilt of the situation he was hiding from her gnawed at him, but he told himself he was doing what was best. To give them the best chance. Their marriage wouldn’t start with love, but there was attraction and connection. And he couldn’t ruin that before they’d even started.
He couldn’t speak, so he just nodded.
She rose on her toes and brushed a kiss to his cheek, lingering just a moment longer than before.
“Thank you for today. I hope to see you tomorrow,” she whispered, then turned and walked swiftly toward her house.
Graham watched until she disappeared inside, his hand rising unconsciously to touch the spot where her lips had touched his skin. He was doing the right thing. The attraction and quick comfort between them couldn’t be coincidence. He did mean every word he said to her father. Somehow she had quickly become the person that would matter the most to him over anyone else.
Once he resolved the one matter hanging over his head, there was a change that their marriage might actually become something real. Because Diana Armstrong would be easy to love.
*
The next morning,Graham was up early, as was his habit from his years of running a business. After breaking his fast, he was informed that Luna had arrived with one of his grooms, Thomas. They must have traveled some through the night to get her here.
After Graham questioned the man about the happenings back at his old home, he sent Thomas to settle the horse in the stables with the other horses. Then Graham immediately ventured to his study to review the letters that Thomas had brought with him.
First was a letter from John.
Graham,
I read your letter three times before I believed the words. Marriage so soon? I hardly know what to think, but congratulations are certainly in order.
Fair warning your mother is… well, I’ll let her tell you herself. But you might want to prepare for quite the lecture when you see her next.
I look forward to meeting your new bride. And don’t worry about things here, as I have everything well in hand.
Your cousin,
John
He immediately rang for Mitchell and then set John’s letter aside and picked up his mother’s, bracing himself for her reaction.
My dearest son,
What in heaven’s name have you done?
Marriage? And within a week of inheriting that dratted title? Have you taken complete leave of your senses?
I am, of course, delighted that you’ve found someone to share your life with. But darling boy, this haste concerns me deeply. I expect you to tell me everything when I see you.
I shall make arrangements to travel to London. I have commitments here and I am not certain I will be there in time for thewedding, but should arrive within a fortnight. Please forgive me for missing the ceremony, but I’d be out of place in a grand London event.
All my love,
Mother
Graham set the letter down and pushed aside the disappointment that his own mother wouldn’t be there for the wedding. But at least she was coming to London. That was at least something. He knew how it felt to be cast into a society you weren’t even certain you wanted to be a part of. And doing so was his burden, not hers.
He pulled a clean piece of parchment to begin a reply. As soon as he dipped his pen in ink, his study door flew open and then clicked closed.