Chapter Two
Diana
Diana bit backa satisfied grin as Lord Ockham led her from the dance floor, their conversation still fresh in her mind. The dance with the man had been what she’d hoped. He was genuinely interested in discussing estate management. She had planted seeds of her knowledge after she’d heard that his estates may not be performing well after his father’s passing.
When he’d mentioned the challenges he faced, she’d offered insights about crop rotation strategies, and he’d actually listened. It was rare to find a man who would take a woman’s advice on such matters. And for the first time all evening, she’d felt useful.
Other than when she’d rescued Lord Powis. She certainly hadn’t expected him to be as captivating as he was. It was no surprise that he’d be the catch of the season. If he wished to marry, that is.
There had been something genuine about Lord Powis that she hadn’t expected. Most men of thetoncarried themselves with learned arrogance, but he’d seemed almost… grateful for her intervention. And those green eyes had looked at her as if he truly saw her, not just another eligible lady. The thought was both thrilling and terrifying. But Lord Powis was clearly overwhelmed by London society, and she couldn’t build a practical future on fleeting attraction.
“Thank you for the dance, Lady Diana,” Lord Ockham said as they reached the edge of the ballroom where her friends were. “I hope wemight continue our conversation, as I have a few more questions. Might I call on you sometime?”
She beamed at the compliment. And how well her plan had come together. He met all of her requirements for a practical match. He was handsome and kind, allowing her to put her knowledge into practice.
She’d read every book on agriculture and modern farming practices she could find after she’d been replaced as the lady of their household. Her brother had unexpectedly married for love, and that meant Lydia was responsible for their household. A responsibility that had fallen to Diana from an early age. She wanted to remain useful, and embroidery would never be enough to occupy her time or her mind.
“I would enjoy that very much, my lord.”
“I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening. I believe I might take in a bit of fresh air.”
As he bowed and took his leave, Diana watched him disappear into the crowd. She would enjoy the conversation very much, but she wasn’t certain she overly enjoyed the company of that particular man. There certainly wasn’t any measurable attraction beyond the superficial nature.
It was unlike the unexpected flutter she’d felt when Lord Powis had leaned close enough for her to catch the scent of his cologne and spot the gold flecks in his green eyes. But Ockham could offer her what she wanted. Notions of love and unrelenting attraction just weren’t on her list of requirements.
“Diana!” Hannah exclaimed, clasping her arm and pulling her closer. “How did it go with Lord Ockham?”
Diana glanced at the four women who had become her closest friends who were more like family, truth be told. Hannah Brooks had been her closest friend since childhood and knew everything there was to know about her. Then there was the sharp-witted gossip, Tabitha Parker, whose auburn curls never seemed to stay properly pinned.Juliana Gordon—now Viscountess Gordon after her marriage last season—was the most kind and generous person Diana had ever met, while one could tell what Marina Osborne was thinking from the moment they looked at her. And currently, Marina was fanning herself with obvious irritation.
“It was perfectly pleasant,” Diana said, accepting a glass of lemonade from a passing footman.
“Pleasant?” Tabitha raised an eyebrow. “That’s all?”
Diana shrugged. “We discussed estate management, and he actually listened to my suggestions about how he could improve crop yields.”
Marina snapped her fan shut. “And you believe this to be an indicator that you should encourage a courtship with the man?”
“Marina,” Hannah chided gently, though her eyes held concern. “Diana, are you certain Lord Ockham is really for you?”
Diana bit her lip. “What do you mean? He’s perfectly respectable. Handsome, titled, and clearly in need of a wife who could assist with his estates.”
“Diana, do you truly want a marriage focused on crops and livestock instead of love or even friendship?”
The question stung more than Diana cared to admit. “I must marry someday. And if I can be useful—”
“But what about happiness?” Marina interrupted. “What about feeling your heart race when you lay eyes on the man, or longing to hear his voice?”
Diana glanced around the ballroom, spying Lord Powis again. She had watched him when she was dancing with Ockham, too. There was just something about the man.
He stood near the refreshment table with Lord Wilton, and even from across the room, she could see the tension in his shoulders. There was a vulnerability to him that made her want to smooth away his worries.
Then she forced herself to look away. “Love is a luxury for those who have the time to wait for it. I need to make a good match this season. I’m twenty years old, and even Elias managed to marry before I did. None of us ever thought that would happen. I’m just wasting time.”
“Wasting time?” Hannah’s voice rose slightly. “Diana, you’re hardly on the shelf.”
“Perhaps not. But Elias and Papa have no need of my help, and neither does Lydia. I want to be useful. Where my presence matters.”
“You matter to us,” Tabitha said softly.