Page 29 of A Wanton Adventure
He frowned, but she didn’t give him time to respond. Instead, she spun around and hurried after Addie.
*
The next day,Sebastian stood in his study, nodding in response to Sam Kincaide’s words but not really listening. Instead, he watched Diana walk around her garden with Lord Tremont or, as she explained to him, the epitome of her type of gentleman. Sebastian assumed the man was spending one last moment with her before she left on the leisure cruise.
He shouldn’t be watching them, but he remained baffled by what drew Diana to the man. Tremont was one of the few gentlemen who didn’t frequent any of the clubs of vice that were so popular with the peerage. Sebastian knew that because of his own connections among the owners of the various establishments. Yes, from a societal standpoint, Diana and Tremont suited perfectly.
Still, the man’s kiss was the most awkward token of affection Sebastian had ever witnessed. He almost felt sorry for him.Diana should want more than a brief kiss. Last night, he’d desperately wanted to show her the right way to kiss a lady in a darkened garden.
He would not act on his desires. Sebastian made a promise to himself that he wouldn’t be improper around her anymore, and he planned to stick to it. He still owed Diana an apology. Embarrassment coursed through him that he’d fallen for Lilah’s false words.
Diana and Tremont passed the gate at the back of his garden, and he leaned forward, studying them. She stopped and tipped her head back, laughing. Her hair was styled without the atrocious cap she usually wore. He rubbed his jaw as he observed her, wondering what Tremont had said to make her laugh.
“Devons, are you listening?”
He turned back to where Sam Kincaide sat in a wingback chair drinking a brandy. The man looked at him, puzzled. Sebastian pulled himself away from the window and joined him in the sitting area.
“Sorry, I’ve been distracted lately.”
“A woman?” Kincaide said with a wink.
“No,” Sebastian lied.
Kincaide laughed and shrugged. “If you say so.”
“I’m sure this isn’t why you came to visit me.”
Frowning, his guest shook his head and took another sip from his glass. Was something wrong with Diana?
“Is it Lady Hensley?”
“I wanted to ask if you would look out for my sister-in-law. My wife worries she may be naive about certain aspects of life.”
Sebastian lifted a brow. “You want me to act as her chaperone?”
Kincaide laughed. “No. She is a grown woman and should do as she likes. My wife insisted I emphasize that point. Still, ifanyone dangerous or unseemly attempts to engage her, we are requesting you assist her.”
Devons was already protective of Diana but wouldn’t share that with Kincaide. “Of course.”
“I knew you would. Thank you. I have one more matter to discuss with you. My mother-in-law may accompany Diana on the return leg of your cruise. If she appears to be up to anything, please send us word.”
Sebastian’s eyes widened. Many years ago, the Duke and Duchess of Claremore fled England for the continent with scandal chasing their heels. Why would they return? They’d tried to marry Kincaide’s wife off to a madman. The lunatic, at one point, kidnapped her. Sebastian and his brother helped the Kincaide family track them down.
As if sensing his confusion, Kincaide added, “My father-in-law has passed, and the duchess wishes to resettle in England. Diana has agreed to assist.”
“That seems very forgiving of her,” Sebastian stated.
“Diana is perhaps the kindest person I know, which is why I worry my mother-in-law is up to something.”
“You have my word.”
His guest smiled, relieved. He raised his drink to Devons. “Cheers to you and Diana’s trip. There is already a good deal of excitement about this leisure cruise. I’m looking forward to hearing about your adventures in the papers.”
Sebastian held his glass up before taking a large drink of his brandy. He embraced the burn as it went down his throat. The more he learned about Diana, the more he realized how inaccurate his perception of her was. He was a scoundrel. Twice, he had dragged the proper lady into wicked fun.
No more mishaps, he told himself. He would be a well-behaved man in her presence. He took another sip of his brandy, trying to ignore his disappointment. Sebastian pulled out hispocket watch and opened the front case. His eyes flicked to the words contained there.
To my son, Sebastian Devons. Know you are loved by me.
