Graham jerked back from Diana, his stomach dropping as Lady Theodosia and Lady Rebecca appeared at the gazebo entrance, their eyes bright with malicious delight as they took in the compromising scene. Matt had warned him about the vipers and their notoriety as the most vicious gossips of theton.
Diana’s hair was thoroughly mussed, her lips swollen from his kisses, and his coat draped around her shoulders. There was no hope of convincing the ladies that any intentions were honorable.
“Lady Diana,” Lady Theodosia purred, her voice dripping with false concern. “I am certain your brother is going to have plenty to say about this.”
Horror washed over Graham. In his selfish desire, he had done the unthinkable after he’d sworn he’d maintain control over himself that his father couldn’t. And his first night in society and he has compromised an innocent woman. They both skirted a thin line toward scandal and ruin.
“Ladies,” he said, moving protectively in front of Diana, though he knew it was far too late. “This isn’t what it appears—”
“Oh, I think it’s exactly what it appears,” Lady Rebecca interrupted.
Graham watched Diana’s face pale as the full implications hit her. Her family’s reputation, her sisters’ prospects, her own future—all hanging in the balance because of his weakness.
I’m exactly like my father after all, he thought bitterly.
But even as self-loathing flooded through him, Graham knew one thing with absolute clarity: he would do whatever was necessary to protect Diana from the consequences of his actions.
He had wanted to marry for love, and because his wife loved him in return.
Graham’s chest burned with shame as he looked at a distraught Diana. Diana’s wide eyes met his, with fear and confusion lingering there.
He knew what he must do to protect her, and that was far more important than how he had envisioned his future.
“You both can be the first to congratulate us,” Graham said as calmly as he could. “Lady Diana had just accepted my marriage proposal.”
Diana stiffened beside him. Her fingers trembled where they clutched his coat, and her lips parted as if she intended to speak, yet no words came. Her silence cut deep as the gravity of the situation set in.
Graham straightened his shoulders. Whether she wanted him or not, this lie had already become their truth.
They would marry.