Page 110 of A Wanton Adventure
Wescott waved his hand. “I don’t care about any of that. As you get older, Diana, you begin to realize how ridiculous and cruel the world can be. You either join them or try to be better. Stuart would want you with someone who was the latter. Is he that?”
“Yes, he is. Stuart wouldn’t be upset by our match,” Diana said but then frowned. “I want you to know I will always love your son.”
Westcott reached over and squeezed her hand. “Of course, you will, but that doesn’t mean you need to live the rest of your life mourning him. I have two more questions for you. Do you love this Mr. Devons? Are you happy?”
“I do, and I am.”
Her father-in-law nodded. “Then, when I meet with Mr. Devons, he will be given my blessing because my duty to my son is to make sure you are happy.”
Diana’s eyes watered. “Thank you.”
*
Sebastian laughed atsomething Lord Shipley said, smacking him on the back. The Den was packed. He’d slowly started to step back from the club, but tonight, he was playing host. Celeste had the night off. He grinned at one of the patrons while he silently admitted to himself that he would miss this.
This business had been his everything. He’d poured all his blood and sweat into it, and deep down, he knew it would hurt him when he let it go. Still, he was determined to walk away because he wanted Diana more. She was proper and themother of a duke. It would destroy him if she ever felt shame or resentment from something his actions caused.
He pushed the dark thoughts from his mind. Getting rid of the club was a good thing, he insisted to himself. Sebastian joined Malcolm, who stood leaning against a wall, drinking a brandy. “I thought the role of host was to engage.”
His brother rolled his eyes. “I cater to these fools in my own way.”
“By lording over them,” he said dryly.
They both laughed. Loud, angry footsteps struck the ground, and Sebastian turned to see who was barreling down on them. An enraged Tremont stopped in front of him.
“You will turn her into a disgrace!”
Diana had shared with him that Tremont confessed to the letter. He’d been livid. She’d made him promise he wouldn’t spend his time worrying about the man or seeking out revenge. With that in mind, Sebastian fixed him with a cool menacing stare. “Leave, Lord Tremont. You are lucky that is all I have to say to you.”
“Your union will bring her and her son nothing but shame.”
There was only so much a man could take. Sebastian grabbed him by the cravat and pulled him up, so they were face to face. “The only thing stopping me from destroying you, Tremont, is my promise to Diana. Her kind heart is what allows you to walk away from everything you have done without any form of punishment.”
Tremont struggled to get out of his grasp as Sebastian held tight, wanting this man to know who had the power between the two of them. He leaned in so only the wiggling lord could hear him. “Had you succeeded with your trick, make no mistake, I would have made sure your union with her ended.”
Sebastian’s grab on his cravat tightened. His brother said, “Sebastian, you need to release him.”
Tremont started to choke, and he still didn’t let him go. He glared at him and whispered, “And it wouldn’t have been by divorce or annulment.”
Sebastian’s hand finally released its hold, sending Tremont staggering backward and crashing into a table and chairs. They were on the side of the main hall so most had missed the commotion up until his fall. Now the room had grown deafeningly quiet. Malcolm grabbed the angry lord and pulled him up by his arms. “Enough brandy for you, Tremont. Our staff will escort you out.”
Tremont yanked away from Malcolm while glaring at Sebastian. “Don’t bother. I can see my way out.”
Sebastian watched him stalk out of the hall and into the night. The room was still silent. He clapped. “A free round on us tonight, gentlemen.”
Loud cheers erupted in the room and any scene was quickly forgotten. The dramatic showdown may be over, but Tremont’s words lingered with him. He vowed that he would do everything in his power to protect Diana and Robert’s social standing.
The next day, Sebastian waited in the Duke of Wescott’s study. He paced back and forth. Sebastian reminded himself he didn’t need his approval, but he still wanted it for Diana’s sake. She had a great affection for the duke, and the man was Robert’s grandfather.
The door opened, and the duke walked in. He was a formidable presence and looked nothing like his son. He nodded to Sebastian and indicated for him to sit in the chair across from his desk. Sebastian took a seat and studied the man whose son married Diana. There was a hardness to Wescott, making him wonder why Diana cared for him so much.
“How can I help you, Mr. Devons?” he asked.
Sebastian considered what his next words should be. He could tell Wescott he had enough money that Diana wouldnever want for anything, or he could explain his yearly income. He sensed the duke would care about none of that. Instead, Sebastian spoke from his heart.
“I’m here to ask for your blessing to marry Lady Hensley. I love her.”
Amusement twinkled in the duke’s eyes, transforming his face. He leaned back in his chair. “Will you make her and Robert happy?”
