“That might very well be the case, but I do think you should have at least discussed this with me first.”
“I know. I am sorry. ”
“Is everything all right?” Tristan asked, interrupting their intimate conference.
Derek turned around and walked back into the room, pulling Diana along with him. “Everything is fine, Tris. My impulsive wife has just agreed to consult with me in the future before giving away any more of my houses.”
Diana grinned sheepishly at everyone, marveling that was all Derek was going to say about the matter.
“Fine,” Caroline said, seemingly nonplussed by the entire incident. “Perhaps we can get on to more important business. It appears that gossip about your marriage is running rampant. Alyssa and I have discussed this matter at great length, and we have decided the only way to squelch this nasty gossip is for you to appear in public together. Lord and Lady Harrington are giving their annual spring gala Thursday night. It would be the perfect affair.”
“No,” Derek said in a firm voice. “It isn’t safe for Diana.”
“Oh really, Derek,” Caroline said. “What could possibly happen to Diana in a ballroom filled with members of the ton?”
“I’m not sure,” Derek replied. “But I have no intention of finding out.”
“Tris,” Caroline said, appealing to her husband.
“Now, Caroline, if Derek thinks it would be best not to attend, we have to honor his wishes,” Tristan said gently.
“The gossip could prove to be far more damaging, however,” Morgan said. “Not that we are a family to succumb to the tabbies of the ton, as grandmother would say. But I would not want to jeopardize Diana’s position in society. It is essential we contrive to escape the potential scandal. If an appearance at the Harrington’s gala will do that, then it must be considered.”
“True, we have all gone to a great deal of trouble to avoid a scandal,” Derek said reluctantly. “It would be ridiculous to ruin that now.” He saw Diana’s eyes widen with both excitement and anxiety. “I suppose, if I keep unfashionably attached to my wife all evening, she will be safe. What do you think, Tris?”
“Sounds reasonable. Naturally, Morgan and I will be in attendance to offer our assistance,” Tristan said with a smile as his older brother stifled a groan. “Come now, Morgan, it won’t be all that bad. After all, if it weren’t for Alyssa, you would never attend any parties.”
“We might as well bring grandmother along,” Morgan said gracefully. “She traveled up from Portsmouth yesterday, and she is anxious to meet our newest cousin.”
“Wonderful!” Caroline exclaimed. “Alyssa and I will call for you at noon tomorrow, Diana. We will visit Madame La Belle so she can create a spectacular new gown for your debut into society. I feel certain it shall prove to be a memorable affair.”
Chapter Twenty-two
Diana tugged nervously on the bodice of her evening gown, trying to stretch the scant material upward, in a fruitless effort to cover the top of her nearly exposed breasts.
“You look so beautiful, milady,” Molly said in genuine awe, ignoring Diana’s squirming. The young maid expertly pinned the final strand of blonde hair into place and stepped back to admire her handiwork. “None of the gentlemen will be able to take his eyes off you tonight, and the women will be green with envy.”
Diana cast her maid a dubious look, then rose from the dressing table to survey herself in the full-length glass. She gasped slightly as she took in her reflection in the mirror.
The violet moire taffeta of her dress shimmered seductively in the candlelight, the richness of the material and the deep hue of the gown setting off her coloring gloriously. The style of the dress was exceedingly simple. It was high waisted, with a widely cut heart-shaped neckline and tight-fitting bodice, displaying not only the crevice between her breasts, but a portion of them as well. The tiny puffs of sleeves were off her shoulders, and the long skirt was full and flowing. Her hair, artfully arranged with twisting curls pinned atop her head, exposed her neck. Long, snugly fitted, elbow-length white kid gloves covered her arms, and matching violet slippers encased her feet.
“I feel positively naked,” Diana muttered, trying again to raise the neckline of the gown, convinced she was showing far too much neck, throat, and bosom. The gown had not looked so deeply cut when she and Alyssa had selected it from the dress plate at Madame La Belle’s. She couldn’t even begin to imagine what Derek would think of her attire.
A soft knock at the bedchamber door distracted her and she sighed with relief when Alyssa entered the room.
“You are stunning,” Alyssa said. “I predict you will be an instant success. Derek will have his hands full keeping all the eager young bucks at bay tonight.”
Alyssa’s words did not comfort her. “Are you sure about this dress, Alyssa?” Diana asked anxiously. “I feel absolutely indecent in the thing.”
“’Tis the very height of fashion, Diana,” Alyssa said soothingly. “The color looks splendid and you certainly have the figure to carry the style of the gown.
Diana sighed. “I always thought you were supposed to wear something plain and white for your debut into society,” she mumbled.
“Young virginal misses straight from the schoolroom wear white,” Alyssa said. “You, my dear, are a countess. Besides, with all the gossip circulating about your sudden marriage, it is important to make a dramatic entrance tonight.”
Diana grimaced at her friend, not sure if she wanted her entrance into society to be quite so dramatic. Then with a critical eye, she shifted her attention to Alyssa’s evening attire.
The gold-patterned raw silk gown the duchess wore was similar in style, but not as revealing as Diana’s dress. Alyssa’s sleeves were on her shoulders, and the neckline was not as plunging. It was, however, the necklace around Alyssa’s throat that immediately captured Diana’s attention. It was double chained, with alternating emeralds and diamonds and the centerpiece stone was a single pendant: the largest, richest-colored-green emerald Diana had ever seen.
“My bridal gift from Morgan,” Alyssa said quietly when she noticed Diana staring.
“It is magnificent.”
Alyssa turned to study the gem in the mirror. “It is a bit ostentatious for my tastes, but it pleases Morgan when I wear it.” She turned back to Diana. “We must proceed downstairs at once, Diana. Morgan’s grandmother has arrived. She is waiting in the front salon to speak with you before the ball tonight.”
“Is there a problem?” Diana asked as they swept out into the hallway and quickly trod down the steps of the long, curved staircase.
“Don’t worry. Everything is fine. Since you are to be introduced into society as an Ashton cousin, as well as the Countess of Harrowby, the dowager duchess thought it prudent that she speak with you before we arrive at the ball.”
Alyssa abruptly stopped when they reached the landing, her breathing rapid and uneven. “Wait a minute please, Diana,” she said.
Diana paused in midstride and turned back to the duchess. Alyssa’s face was very pale and she was taking deep, gulping breaths as she clutched the polished mahogany banister.
“Good heavens, Alyssa. Are you all right?”
“Yes, I think so,” Alyssa said, straightening up. “I just became a bit light-headed for a moment. It has passed now. It is not unusual though. I am generally affected this way in my first few months.”
“Alyssa! My goodness, are you increasing?”
“Oh, dear.” Alyssa’s cheeks flamed. “I didn’t intend to blurt out my news in this manner.” Flustered, she wiped her damp brow. “You must promise me that you will not tell anyone about this, Diana. Especially Caroline. Morgan and I have not yet told the family about the baby, and even though Caroline has never said anything, I know how distressed she is that she and Tristan have not yet had a child of their own.”
Diana favored the duchess with a smug smile. Just wait until she heard Caroline’s news. Imagine, both Alyssa and Carolin
e pregnant at the same time! She wasn’t sure who would be more surprised, the women or their husbands.
“Naturally, I shall leave it to you to relate your good news to Caroline. Don’t wait too long though, Alyssa. I think you might be pleasantly surprised at her reaction.”
Alyssa recovered her breath, and gathering up their skirts, they proceeded at a slower pace to the front salon. The dowager duchess was alone as they entered the room. She was sitting regally on the brocade settee, a half-empty glass of sherry resting leisurely in her left hand.
Diana moved in front of the older woman and made a deep, low curtsy before her, while Alyssa made the appropriate introductions.
“You did that very prettily,” the dowager duchess said approvingly. “Managed to sink down and rise up quite gracefully, without falling out of your dress. Most impressive.”
Diana’s cheeks flamed at the mention of her gown, uncertain how to interpret the remark. She was very nervous knowing she must meet with the dowager duchess’s approval if the charade of her claiming to be an Ashton cousin was to succeed. Tentatively, she raised her head to look at the dowager.
Two warm gray eyes greeted her. They were the identical shade of Morgan’s eyes. Diana felt the tight knot in her stomach ease a bit.
“Do you think my gown too daring, Your Grace? Alyssa assures me it is most fashionable, but I would appreciate your opinion.”
The dowager duchess took a long swallow of her drink. “The gown is daring, my dear,” she replied regally. “And most provocative. But you look splendid in it. I approve.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
“No need to stand on ceremony with me, Diana. My grandsons have informed me you are to be introduced as an Ashton cousin.”
“Only if that meets with your approval, madam. I would not want you to be forced into it,” Diana said definitely.
The older woman smiled. “I might be considered a doting grandmother by some, but I can assure you, Diana, I make up my own mind about things. I dare say, neither my grandsons, nor anyone else for that matter, can force me to do something I do not wish to.”
“Oh, madam. I certainly did not mean to imply—”
“I know,” the dowager said gently. She finished the last of her sherry before she spoke. “I’ve always been very fond of Derek, ever since he and Tris were boys at Eaton together. I’d be happy to lend him my assistance in this matter.”
“Thank you.”
“Tell me, why did you marry Derek?” the dowager duchess asked bluntly.
Diana blinked in surprise, but she answered the question readily. “I love him.”
The dowager’s gray eyes softened. “I am pleased to hear it. Derek deserves a loving wife, especially after that disaster with the Worthington chit a few years back. Damn foolish girl to prefer Lord Winchester over Derek.” The duchess scanned Diana’s face. “That is all in the past. I do believe you will be a credit to the Ashton family, my dear. Now, I must determine exactly how you shall fit in.”
“I beg your pardon, madam?”
The duchess ignored Diana and tapped her fingers rhythmically on the arm of the settee while she concentrated. Diana could just picture the wheels turning under the soft gray turban that adorned the dowager’s head.
“My great-niece,” the elder women finally said. “Granddaughter of my only sister Charlotte. What was your mother’s name, Diana?”
“Anne.”
“And your father?”
“My father was Gerald Crawford.”
“Fine. My sister was Charlotte. We shall say Anne was her only child and my sister foolishly turned her back on her daughter when she married Gerald Crawford because he was in trade. Your relation to our family was only recently discovered during the settling of your late father’s estate. Naturally, we have welcomed you into the family. Since Derek is such a close friend of Tristan’s, it is logical to assume Tristan and Caroline introduced you to the earl, and Derek was instantly smitten. Yours is, without question, a love match.”
The dowager duchess paused when she noticed Diana’s stricken expression. “It really will be best if we stick to the truth as much as possible, Diana. My sister left England and married a Scotsman the year Morgan was born. She died young and childless, so there will be no one to refute our story. And I hardly need add it is best if no one ever discovers how you actually met Derek.”
Diana felt her cheeks color. Of course the duchess would have been informed of her marriage to Giles. The story the dowager had concocted was an interesting blend of truth and fiction. It should stand up to scrutiny.
After a brief hesitation, Diana nodded. She had barely known her mother and knew nothing about her grandparents. She felt no disloyalty to them by agreeing. “I shall be Anne’s daughter and Charlotte’s granddaughter.”
“Splendid.” The dowager duchess turned to Alyssa. “Please inform the others what we have decided so everyone’s story will be in accord.” She rose lithely from the settee, displaying agility in her slight frame despite her advanced years. “I have something here I want you to wear tonight, Diana.” The dowager withdrew a flat jewel case from her gray reticule and handed it to Diana.
Obediently Diana took the box and opened it. She gasped loudly. “My goodness!” Diana exclaimed, gingerly lifting the sparkling necklace.
“The Norwood diamonds,” the dowager duchess said with some pride. “They have been in my family for six generations. The gems are special, because they are always passed through the females of the family, instead of the males. They will belong to my great-granddaughter Katherine someday.” Reaching out for the heavy necklace, the older woman fastened it around Diana’s neck. “By wearing the necklace tonight, you will proclaim both your relation to me and my approval of your marriage.”
“They are dazzling,” Alyssa said. “And the perfect compliment for your gown, Diana.”
Diana clutched her throat, feeling the coolness of the many faceted stones. “Thank you for trusting them to me this evening, Your Grace. I promise I shall be exceedingly careful.”
“Call me Aunt Katherine,” the dowager duchess prompted. “I confess, I shall enjoy hearing your husband address me as aunt.” She smiled broadly. “’Tis time to depart for the ball. It is sure to be a crush and I wish to arrive before it becomes overly crowded.”
Respectfully, Diana and Alyssa followed the dowager duchess out of the room and into the vast entrance foyer.
“The earl and his guests are in the drawing room,” a young footman informed them. “Shall I summon them, my lady?”
“Yes, Rogers,” Diana said.
“Do you have a long cape, Diana?” the dowager duchess asked suddenly as the footman rushed off.
“Yes,” Diana said, puzzled. “I had a velvet cloak sewn in a similar shade of violet to match my gown, but I thought it too warm for this evening. I was going to wear a light silk shawl instead.”
“Have a servant fetch the cloak, Diana,” the dowager duchess said with a twinkle in her silvery eyes. “If I know Derek as well as I think I do, he will put up quite a fuss when he sees you in that dress.”
The dowager duchess’s prediction about the crowd at the Harringtons’ proved to be correct. The normally short carriage ride took twice as long because of the traffic in the streets. Diana did not mind the extra delay, especially since the dowager had accepted Derek’s invitation to ride in their coach. The three occupants spent the time reviewing Ashton family history and conversing pleasantly. By the time the coach drew up to the residence, Diana felt quite calm.
After jumping down from the coach, Derek first assisted the dowager duchess from the carriage, then Diana.
“Have I told you yet how strikingly beautiful you look tonight, my love,” Derek whispered into Diana’s ear as he swung her down from the vehicle.
“I wanted to look well so you would be proud of me, Derek,” she said.
“Are we all here?” the dowager. duchess inquired in a strong voice when Morgan, Alyssa, Tri
stan, and Caroline joined them.
“We are ready, Grandmother,” Tristan said. “Lead on.
“Feels as if we are back with the regiment, doesn’t it, Tris?” Derek said.
“With grandmother as our commander, we are assured of victory,” Tristan declared with an answering grin.
The party made their way swiftly up the front steps, which were clogged with people. The crowd seemed to miraculously part as the dowager duchess sailed up the stairs, her slight frame held stiffly erect. Diana could hear mumbled whispers and comments following them as they were ushered inside the mansion.
Politely, Derek lifted the velvet cloak from Diana’s shoulders, intending to hand it to the waiting footman. He took one look at all the creamy white skin revealed by the plunging neckline of Diana’s lovely gown and immediately placed the cloak back on his wife’s shoulders.
The dowager duchess witnessed the exchange and quickly intervened, hoping to avoid a display of Derek’s temper. “Come along now, Derek. Everyone is very anxious to see your new bride and I wish to introduce Diana to Lord and Lady Harrington myself.”
“I too am anxious to present my wife,” Derek said, flashing the dowager duchess a berating look, correctly surmising that the older woman knew about the dress. “I merely prefer, madam, that everyone not see so very much of my new bride.”
Derek noticed the sudden glow of masculine approval in both Morgan and Tristan’s eyes, and he knew without looking that Diana had taken off her cloak. He groaned in frustration.
“I think Diana looks stunning,” Morgan said mildly.
“I agree,” Derek said tightly. “I shall count myself fortunate, however, if I am not forced to draw my pistol in the middle of the ballroom tonight to fend off the unwanted advances every hot-blooded buck in attendance is bound to make toward my wife.”
Notorious Deception Page 24
