Page 75 of Romanced By the Orc

“You know I would not. As it so happens, I did chart a course with Dunc. One that might help resolve this situation with your sister.”

“Thank you,” Diana said, feeling better. “I knew I could count on you, Albie. What is your plan?”

He looked down, adjusting his cravat. “To gain reliable intelligence regarding Lillian’s welfare, I shall need to call on the right people in London with ties to either Chamberly or perhaps the Duke of Rostin. Your friend Reg, for example.”

The night was still temperate, but she shivered and ran her hands over her arms. “I wouldn’t bother. Sir Reginald would never offend his great friend, the duke, by asking for a favor.”

“If he is friendly with Rostin, isn’t he precisely the man to approach?”

“I have it on good authority that he owes the duke money.”

“Who told you this?”

“Sir Reginald himself.”

“You and Reg chat often, then?”

“I ran into him in a shop, and it came to my attention during our brief conversation. That’s all.”

Diana sensed the anger seething just under his polished exterior. She wanted her husband to press her further. To ask so many questions that she was cornered and had no choice but to confess everything. Anything to relieve this miserable feeling that the person she was talking to wasn’t her Albie. Not the man she’d come to love.

“I should accompany you on these calls,” she said. “I can make my case alongside you.”

“Unfortunately, these men will be more responsive if we meet alone. I’m sorry. I understand why you would do anything on earth for your sister.”

“I would,” she said quietly. “You see, we have much in common, Albie. Why are we so distant from each other these past days?”

“Pray tell. What has been inappropriate about my behavior?”

“I did not say inappropriate but distant. We cannot lose our friendship. If nothing else, grant me that.”

For one hopeful moment, Diana thought Albion would finally bear his soul. That her seemingly unflappable husband would let down his guard and show her his true self. If they could lean on one another, that would surely make it easier, wouldn’t it? They’d leave no space for secrets, united in complete and loving trust.

Her hope was short-lived. Albion resumed his aloof air. Any romantic notions were naught but fantasy. A veil of polite distance formed between them once more.

“We can make calls together another time,” he said. “I have business to attend to outside the city. It seems my father has some affairs in Newhaven that he has left unattended—to do with shipping, I’m told. I asked Dunc to let me tend to them. I plan to leave directly after my calls tomorrow morning.”

“Oh.” Diana’s heart sank. “I am surprised to hear this.”

“Why? Isn’t it time I carried more responsibility in my family? One can’t hide behind being the younger son forever. I should be back within three days.”

“Can you not postpone this trip, Albie? Or perhaps I could accompany you.”

His response wasn’t as polished as it could have been. “What on earth would you do with yourself? It shall be a great bore, I assure you.”

“I will find plenty to do.”

“Not this time,” he told her. “This is my business alone. When I return, we should allow for a longer discussion about our future.”

He kissed her hand and retreated to his set of apartments. Diana felt sure that the conversation he had in mind would not be to her liking. Then again, what more could she expect? Her husband was so good, and she was so shameful.

Albion deserved a happy life. Separation from her would grant him the best chance of enjoying one.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

After Albion left her alone in the garden and she retreated inside, Diana felt the emptiness of the townhouse keenly. She had told Izzie not to wait up for her and dropped onto her bed as soon as she entered the chamber, having no will to change or go through her evening routine.

Lost, she found that sleep would not come, nor could she focus on reading. Eventually, Diana drifted into a fitful slumber for a few hours, draped in one of the thick quilts she had brought from home, a gift from Lillian for a Christmas past. She remained dressed in the Orcan gown she had worn to the ball.

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