Page 23 of Romanced By the Orc

She longed for Albion’s hands around her waist, pulling her up and toward him for another kiss. A longer and deeper kiss. One that would scandalize any upstanding member of theton.

“You didn’t overstep. Still, I would like you to speak with my father to keep things above board and all that.”

“I should have offered to do so at once.”

“Believe me, I took no offense. His ‘permission’ is only a formality.”

“And what will your mother say?”

Diana saw naught but her once socially unimpeachable mother, coldly informing her she would spend time with Aunt Penelope in Philadelphia so as to avoid bringing any further shame on the family.

“Iwant to marry you, Albion. That’s what matters.”

“We shall proceed as you best see fit. But I would prefer to take a few weeks for our courtship. To keep it ‘above the board,’ as you said. A promenade or two. Introductions to one another’s families. Is that not how English Society conducts such affairs?”

His voice resonated with good humor, and she replied in the same tenor. After all, three weeks would give sufficient time to publish an announcement and for the vicar to read banns on Sundays to see if anyone voiced an objection. Not that she imagined anyone would dare do so.

“Very well. But do continue with the …” She caught her breath, not quite willing to use the word he favored for their kiss and whatever might happen between them in the future.Fun.“… romance. No matter how practical the match, a lady craves as much.”

“Why don’t we follow an Orcan custom, then? Let me know where you would like to meet, and I will be there.”

“The lady takes the lead?”

Albion cocked his head mischievously. “The ladyandthe gentleman take the lead. In all matters. And call me Albie. After all, we are engaged.”

“Very well, Lord Albie,” she replied. “And I am most pleased for you to call me Daisy.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

“Given our circumstances, it seemed a logical decision,” Diana said, finger trailing the brass pins forming her initials on the trunk that would soon accommodate her modest trousseau. “After careful consideration, I find our match prudent. Yet, it is a resoundingly daring undertaking as well. Don’t you think?”

Lillian was packing her portmanteau for Chamberly. Nearly a year had passed since their roles were reversed. When Lil had helped her pack that very same portmanteau and then pinned Diana’s hair and tied the ribbons on her bonnet tightly so it couldn’t fly off her head in a gust from the sea. The post-chaise Mother hired had spirited Diana to the Cornish port of Falmouth, where she boarded the packet Swiftsure for her journey across the ocean in a vessel intended to deliver mail rather than passengers, though Father had acquired a compartment for her private use.

Her sister’s voyage would commence in just over a week’s time. Much as she had tried to deny it was truly happening, Diana would soon see her sister off to the hired coach taking her to Dover. Her group planned to take supper and stay the night before catching the ferry to Calais.

From there, they would head directly to the medical unit outside the heavily guarded gates of Chamberly.

The danger she would soon face hardly seemed to faze her sister. But when Diana told her she was going to marry, Lillian’s hands dropped to her side and the cloak she’d been clutching tumbled to the worn carpet.

They stood in what had once been their nursery. Decorative fabrics lined the walls depicting beatific mothers tending to their babies while children toddled about happily, a reminder of a brief period when their young lives had been idyllic. Outside the window, birds chirped and whistled high in the trees while a stray cat half-hidden behind a nearby hedge chittered in frustration.

In addition to the customary gowns, toiletries, and life’s necessities, Diana had already stowed away a few treasures to bring with her as she began her new life with Albie. A crystal brooch that had belonged to her maternal grandmother. A looking glass she had purchased in Philadelphia, adorned with red, white, and blue ribbons.

It was shocking how little she packed, really. She neither needed nor wanted to bring much with her, primarily since Albion had assured her he would lease a furnished townhouse and happily purchase anything else she might need afterward. He would have a set of rooms for his personal use and an equally extensive suite for her.That should have made her lighter, freer. Instead, she only felt vaguely melancholic that a woman grown should have so little to show for two and twenty years on this earth.

Well, that would change soon enough. Her marriage to Albie would be a grand undertaking. She’d make sure of that. It was a swift decision, to be sure, but one in which she felt confident.

Lillian gnawed at her cuticles, a habit she hadn’t indulged in for some time. “I wasn’t aware a gentleman was courting you. Why didn’t you tell me?”

Her sister had once divulged even the smallest of details from her courtship with Nigel Halman. Diana had not shared a single detail about Albie. Lillian didn’t know of their extraordinary meeting at the Wayfarer’s Respite, for Diana hadn’t found the right words to relay the conversation without making it seem brash and irrational.

“It happened quickly. Lord Albion has proven himself an honorable gentleman and a loyal friend. It is not a traditional sort of arrangement. I confess when he first proposed, I could not accept. However, upon further consideration, I realized it would be a useful partnership. Most sensible.”

“A sudden change of heart? Shouldn’t you take more time to consider this proposal? What is the saying? Marry in haste, repent at leisure?”

Diana understood how impulsive this seemed. She still couldn’t quite believe it was happening herself. Yet she’d no intention of changing course.

“Can’t you wait until I’m back? A late summer or autumn wedding could be lovely.”

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