He stood and bowed. “Until tomorrow then.” He strode towards the door.
Miller looked at Diana for instruction.
“Please show Captain Phillips out and inform Mr Devere-Scott that I am at home.”
Diana sat down. She could hear her heart pounding in her chest. There was no inclination on her part to see what happened when the two men passed each other in the hall.
Miller showed Richard into the drawing-room and then backed out.
Diana stood and curtsied.
Richard, dressed in a well-cut frock coat and breeches, but no wig, bowed to her.
“Your circumstances seemed to have changed considerably since our last meeting, Richard.”
“Indeed so M’Lady. I have had good fortune in India.”
“Please be seated.”
Richard waited for Diana to sit down and then sat on the recently vacated chair.
“So what are you plans then Richard? Are you here to stay or return to India?”
“I shall return to India. My business ventures and commitments are there.”
“Indeed. How do you cope with the heat?”
“It is tolerable when one gets used to it.”
“It is good to see you again Richard. Is this a social visit or do you have something on your mind?”
“News travels even to the far corners of the world. I’m aware that your husband died, please accept my condolences. Of course, I would not have visited you were he still alive.”
“Thank you, Richard.”
“I am also aware that you have a child. It may be presumptuous of me but…”
“Yes, Richard. He’s your son.”
Richard took a deep breath. “May I be allowed to meet him Diana? At some time when it is convenient for you.”
“I think so Richard but I must ask you to be discrete. Nobody knows that Michael is your son; they think he is Reginald’s. If his parentage became common knowledge, it would cause him considerable loss. Reginald’s brother Joseph would inherit this estate instead of Michael. Joseph is already one of the richest men in the country, but he wouldn’t hesitate to stake his claim. I have told you the truth Richard because it is the right thing to do and I trust you.”
“You may rely on my discretion Diana. I would not do anything to cause problems for you or the boy. What is his name?”
“Michael.”
“Michael? I like that name.”
“You shall meet him before you leave today.”
“Diana, I am aware of my responsibilities and I have come here to ask for your hand in marriage. I have a fortune and I can provide for you and Michael in India. An Estate Manager can be appointed to run Eylebourne in your absence until the boy is old enough to return and run it himself.”
Diana picked up on the difference in the two proposals she had received that afternoon. Love was mentioned in the first but not the second. And Richard had said ‘he was aware of his responsibilities’. What did that mean? He wanted to marry her because she bore his child? Diana felt a little confused.
“Why would you want to marry me Richard?”
“I’ve thought about you often Diana. I know we didn’t have long together, but the little time we spent was one of the happiest times of my life.”
One of the happiest times? Not the happiest time!
“And you wish to be involved in the upbringing of your son?”
“”Indeed I do Diana. A boy should have a father. I would teach him how to be a real man.”
“When do you intend to return to India?”
“I am here for two weeks before I sail.”
“Where are you staying?”
“The King’s Head in Tunbridge.”
“Yes, I know it. It’s near the Pantiles. I need to give your proposal some serious thought Richard. Would you please allow me a few days to think it over?”
“Of course, Diana. It is a big decision.”
“Did you come here today by carriage?”
“No, I borrowed a horse from the landlord. Borrowed is probably not the right word. Rented at an exorbitant price I should say.” He laughed, but there was something strange in the laugh. It wasn’t like when she remembered his carefree laugh when she had first made love to him. It worried her.
“Come back in the morning the day after tomorrow and we shall take a ride in the countryside and discuss the matter.”
And I know a barn where you can plough me. That is if you come back to your old self. I’m not sure I like the new Richard.
“Thank you, Diana. I would like a ride with you.”
She thought, she hoped, she saw a twinkle in his eye but was it? Or was it a peevish look. Diana couldn’t be sure and it worried her even more.
Diana lifted a small brass bell from a table beside her chair and shook it. The tinkle was not loud but enough for Miller to appear in the doorway.
“Yes, M’Lady?”
“Please request Jane to bring Michael to the drawing-room to meet my guest.”
“Yes, M’Lady.”
Diana examined Richard while he was distracted looking at the wind swirling up the leaves outside. There was something different about him. She had to admit she didn’t know him well other than carnally. But he had lost much of that carefree air he had before and seemed more serious. Perhaps it was the burden of having a fortune.
Jane came into the drawing-room holding Michael’s hand. She curtsied to Diana and then to Richard.
Michael bowed to Richard. Jane and Michael stood hand in hand awaiting instruction.
“Please leave Michael with us for a few minutes Jane,” said Diana.
“Yes, M’Lady.” Diana curtsied and backed out of the room. She looked at Diana.
Diana nodded.
Jane closed the door after her exit.
“Michael, I would like to present a friend of mine to you. This is Mr Richard Devere-Scott from India.”
Michael bowed to Richard, who returned the compliment.
“I’m pleased to make your acquaintance sir,” said Michael.
“And I yours, sir,” said Richard with a smile. “I have come all the way from India to see your mother. Do you know where India is Michael?”
“Yes, sir. Jane has shown me on the globe.”
“Jane is an excellent teacher, Richard. He can already recite the alphabet and do his times table up to five.”
“I can see he is an intelligent child. He must have inherited it from his mother and father.”
Diana smiled. “Indeed, Richard.”
“Most English boys of his Class go to one of the Public Schools. Is he enrolled for Eton?”
“He isn’t going to a Public School. I couldn’t bear the separation and from what I hear of them, they are not places I would want to send my son.”
“Good for you Diana. I went to Eton and I would not wish that on any child. Tell me Michael, how would you like to live in India?”
“Richard!”
“Sorry,” said Richard.
“If Mama was there, then I do believe it would be tolerable,” said four-year-old Michael.
The two adults looked at him in amazement at his confidence and vocabulary.
Diana picked up the bell and shook it.
Miller opened the door and stood waiting for instructions.
“Please show Mr Devere-Scott out.”
“Yes, M’Lady.”
“Until the day after tomorrow, sir,” said Diana with a smile and curtsey.
Richard bowed to Diana and then to Michael and then strode from the room.
Jane came in and took Michael back upstairs.
Diana sat in her chair and black thoughts crept into her mind.
Chapter Four
Ann helped Diana into her thick brown riding culottes over her silk stockings and crotchless pantaloons. She held her boots while Diana pulled each one on to her long and shapely legs.
The overnight rain had given way to a wan sun that just managed to break through the cloud. She would have prefer
red to have been more lightly dressed, but Kent in autumn could be cold and today was no exception.
Her warm riding jacket covered her white blouse and the effect finished with a white silk cravat at her neck pinned in place with a cameo brooch. She tied her hair back with a black silk ribbon. Diana picked up her riding crop. It reminded her of the Baron.
“You look lovely, M’Lady.”
“Thank you, Ann.”
Diana descended the stairs to the hall to see Jane and Michael playing hide and seek. Michael had found his Nanny hiding in a cupboard.
“Oh, sorry M’Lady,” said Jane bobbing a curtsey.
Diana laughed. “Don’t worry Jane, please keep him amused. Please inform Cook that I will be back at one with a guest for lunch."
“Yes, M’Lady.”
Miller was still on Butler duty from the previous day and hovered by the front door as instructed. He bowed to Diana as she made her way to the drawing-room.
A tap on the door galvanised him into action; he slipped the bolt, dropped the catch and pulled open the massive door.
“Good morning sir, you are expected,” said Miller to Captain William Phillips RN who today was not in uniform but wore a heavy riding jacket over breeches and boots. The captain handed Miller his riding crop and top hat.
Miller led him to the drawing room.
“Captain Phillips, M’Lady.”
William strode into the drawing-room and bowed to Diana. She curtsied back.
“Is my mount prepared?” said Diana to Miller.
“Yes, M’Lady. The boy has tethered her outside.”
“Thank you that will be all.”
Miller backed out of the room.
“Will you take a little refreshment before we ride, William?”
“I think not, Diana. I must own I am rather keen to go on our ride and hear what you may have to say about my proposal.”
“Then let us depart forthwith.”
Diana led the way, side saddle, on her grey mare, Penelope. She could have gone astride with the crotchless pantaloons but decided that she would play the Lady.
The fields were claggy with wet earth where they strayed from the bridleways.
The hedgerows gave off their musty autumn smell of decaying leaves. Overhead a skein of geese headed south. A hare bolted from the undergrowth startling Penelope causing Diana to rein her in lest she took off at a gallop.
A cock pheasant gave off its alarm call sounding like a dry cork being turned in a wine bottle.
“This land is beautiful William. I am Chatelaine of this estate; I do not think I could leave it.”
“It is indeed a wonderful part of the country Diana but my estate in Devon, with its red earth and wildlife is just as awe inspiring. Perhaps, before you make up your mind, you would like to visit? It could be arranged. We could even take in Bath.”
“William, my geography is not good but I do know that Bath is a fair distance from your estate.”
“Only about ninety miles. We could stay there for a few days.”
“It will be the Season in Bath. I would like that.”
Ahead she saw the barn that she had been aiming for. A look around confirmed that no other persons were in the vicinity.
“Let us take a rest in the barn,” she said as she trotted her horse towards her goal.
William dismounted first and offered his hand to Diana as she slid from Penelope. He caught her in his strong arms and didn’t let go. Their lips met.
Diana was hungry for him. She broke free, took him by the hand and led him to the barn door. She watched him lift the latch and push open the great door. Inside she saw hay bales stacked up to the roof at the far end and only two bales high at the front. That would do.
Still holding his hand, she led him to the hay bales and sat down. He sat beside her. It made her smile to see his hands were slightly shaking. Was it passion or was he nervous? There was only one way to find out. She kissed him on the lips as she took his hand and placed it on her breast.
He needed no more encouragement. Gently he laid her back on the hay.
She looked up into his eyes. At last, she thought, at last. I’ve waited a long time for this. She felt his fingers at her cravat as he loosened it. She couldn’t help smiling as he unbuttoned her blouse. When his hand trespassed inside taking hold of her nipple between his forefinger and thumb she felt waves of delight down her spine and all the way down between her legs.
Now she waited as his hand ran up her boot, over her stockings and up to her pantaloons. He found the gap and slipped his finger inside her.
She unbuckled his belt, loosened his breeches and found what she craved. It was hard and ready.
William lifted her skirt and then lowered himself onto her as she spread her legs far apart. He entered her through the gap in her pantaloons and felt her give a little shudder of delight.
Her hands went under his shirt and she gripped the hard muscle on his back and then down to his buttocks and squeezed each cheek so hard she was sure she must have left fingernail marks.
As he pumped up and down, she moved in time with him like they were doing a horizontal waltz.
She felt him getting more carried away and lost herself in her own passion. Each thrust sent waves of ecstasy through her from head to toe. She couldn’t help biting his shoulder around the collar bone due to the sensations that had taken over her body.
Diana lifted her legs and wrapped them around his back while he carried on driving his hardness into her. She felt how wet and slippery she had become. His penetration slid in and out like a knife through warm butter.
She could tell he was near. Diana needed at least another minute of his penis inside her before she reached her climax.
“Not yet, not yet,” she gasped.
“I’ll try… I’ll try.”
“Harder, harder.”
“I’m coming.”
“Harder!”
She forced her body up as he drove down. Now she knew how close she was. Three more hard thrusts would get her there. She could feel him holding back as best he could. One. Two. Three. He fired and she convulsed completely satisfied.
She put her arms around his back and held him close to her. Diana wasn’t sure if it was the passion, but she felt love for this man. He had told her yesterday that he loved her and she had not reciprocated. Confusion crept into her mind. If she loved him, would she not go with him wherever he demanded?
They lay in each other’s arms for a long time before he climbed off her and pulled up his breeches.
She straightened her underwear, stood up and smoothed down the rest of her clothes.
“Well, William!”
“Well, indeed Diana.”
They both laughed. He threw his arms around her and kissed her on the lips.
“I don’t think I want to live without you, Diana.”
“William…”
“Diana, you know I love you and I will take good care of you and Michael. I shall adopt him. He would inherit my estate as well as Eylebourne.”
“William… and this is hypothetical, I’m not making any decisions, but if I did marry you and we had a son, surely he would inherit your estate, not Michael.”
“Yes, you are right. If I we had a son… but we may have daughters. And if we did have a son then Michael would be well provided for with Eylebourne Hall Estate.”
“That’s true.”
“Do you love me Diana?”
She looked at him. The passion had subsided and left her happy and content inside. Could she truthfully answer his question at this time? She did not know for sure.
“That is something I have to work out in my mind William. To tell you the truth, I think I do.”
“Then we should marry.”
“Please don’t rush me William.”
“Will you come to my estate and meet my mother?”
“Yes.”
He kissed her on the lips again.
“I’ve been thinking further ab
out Eylebourne. Perhaps your father would consider taking on the role of Estate Manager. You could trust him,” said William.
“I’ll race you back to Eylebourne for lunch,” she said tripping him up and running for her horse. But William had made a suggestion that was not without merit.
Chapter Five
Diana sat in her drawing-room embroidering her jungle scene. She had not progressed far. The joy of her encounter with William the previous day kept creeping into her mind along with the thought that she did indeed love him. It had been such a lovely day with the tumble in the hay, the horse race that he let her win and lunch with civilised conversation. Though she had not yet accepted William’s proposal, his suggestion that her father ran the estate when she wasn’t there had begun to sway her in favour. Though she had not told him directly, she had made it clear that she was moving in the direction that he wished to steer her.
She knew William would be on the road to his estate. She had agreed to visit him in four weeks so they could go to Bath to take in the season.
Today she had to face Richard and see what he had to offer. Marriage with him was definitely not on the cards. He’d seemed so different on his return to India. Different and not very happy with himself. And she certainly was not going to return to that country with him.
Miller appeared in the doorway still on Butler duty. “Mr Devere-Scott M’Lady.”
Richard strode into the drawing-room dressed in a riding jacket, breeches and boots.
He looked at Diana sitting at her embroidery wearing a blue dress with a dark blue shawl. “I thought we were to go for a ride Diana?”
“I think not Richard. I would prefer to stay here.”
Unusually for Diana, the thought of another roll in the hay did not appeal. Was she becoming dull? Could she be faithful to one man? It seemed like that was the way her mind was going.
“At the risk of repeating myself, I am offering you marriage. My fortune in India is vast. You shall live like a Queen.” His manner did not appeal to her. She didn’t like his brusqueness and he seemed altogether a very different person she had known before he went to India. It was as if he was demanding that she did what he said. There didn’t seem to be room for discussion.
Billionaire: Billionaire Romance: Billionaire Tiger (A Billionaire New Adult Shifter Contemporary Romance) Page 29
