Page 94 of A Wanton Adventure
“He is probably resting from his return trip. I’m sure he will make an appearance when he’s ready,” Diana said, ignoring the pounding of her heart.
Addie beamed at him. “No, he—”
She was interrupted when the butler announced, “Mr. Sebastian Devons.”
The room went quiet, and everyone turned to the entryway of the ballroom. He took her breath away. His dark-black hair anddark eyes perused the room, and she insanely wondered if he was looking for her.Stop it,she told herself. It had been nothing more than a tryst. Still, if it was something so blasé, they could be friends, couldn’t they?
Arthur moved next to her, placing her hand on his arm. She saw Sebastian focus on something, and Diana looked to see what it was. Shock rippled through her as she realized it was Lady Wesley. A flirtatious smile flitted across his face as he approached her. Diana tore her gaze away before he reached the lady, not wanting to watch anymore. She was so angry. Angry, not because he was flirting, but because Lady Wesley didn’t deserve any of his attention. Why would he go to her?
“Travel seems to agree with him. Should we go say hello?” Addie asked.
The thought horrified Diana. Arthur stepped in and unknowingly saved her. “Lady Hensley has promised me this waltz.”
She smiled. Addie nodded. “He will probably be engaged with all his adoring admirers tonight anyway.”
Diana forced herself to keep smiling and allowed Arthur to guide her onto the dance floor. She would not look back to where Sebastian was standing. The waltz began, and she kept her attention on Arthur and the dance. As they moved across the dance floor with the other dancers, she kept her expression blank, but her mind was rampant with thoughts of Sebastian.
He had his own life to live, and if that included Lady Wesley, it was none of her business. Still, annoyance sizzled in her that he would allow himself to be used by her. Arthur escorted Diana off the dance floor, her eyes met Sebastian’s. She forced herself to smile. His eyes raked over her, and without a smile, he nodded at her before turning back to Lady Wesley. Yes, waiting to decide on a courtship had been the best choice.
*
Sebastian waited inthe drawing room of Diana’s townhouse while the butler went to determine if she was available. He’d regretted not speaking with her last night. She’d openly acknowledged him, and all he’d given her was a curt nod. He hadn’t been prepared to see her with Tremont or how familiar the lord had become with her. Still, Sebastian’s actions were rude.
“Sebastian!” Young Robert exclaimed before shutting the door, seemingly hiding from someone.
He suspected it was a nanny. “Good day, Robert.”
“I heard your voice.”
A smile formed on his face. “We have only met twice, and you remember me?”
“I like you,” he said, beaming before peeking out the door.
“Are you not supposed to be in here?”
The young boy wrinkled his nose. “My grandmother and my governess are looking for me.”
He still couldn’t believe the duchess convinced Diana she needed to return to England. The woman was awful for what she had done to Diana and her sister. Heels clicked on the foyer floor, and Robert’s eyes widened. Sebastian raised his fingers to his mouth, shushing him. “Hide behind the curtains.”
Seconds later, the door was thrown open, and the Duchess of Claremore stood before him looking as elegant and perfect as ever. He bowed, and her eyes narrowed as she nodded back at him.
“Can I help you with something, Mr. Devons?”
“I was hoping to meet with your daughter.”
The woman entered the room, looking around. He asked, “Is there something you are searching for?”
Her lips pressed together in annoyance before she said, “My grandson is not behaving. He is hiding. Did he enter this room?”
Sebastian shook his head, “Not since I have been here.”
She walked around the room. Anger emanated from her. Why did she care so much about her grandson’s behavior? She’d only just met him. Sebastian suspected she was a woman who liked to break spirits. He hoped she wasn’t staying with Diana long.
Finally, she turned back to him. “She is likely with her betrothed.”
The words shocked Sebastian. He blinked rapidly, digesting her statement. Slowly, he said, “Betrothed?”
She looked at him with disdain. “Yes, Lord Tremont. They are keeping it quiet for now.”
