Page 72 of A Wanton Adventure
Her mother shook her head. “Not necessary. We can become reacquainted at dinner.”
Diana was flabbergasted that her mother didn’t want to see her own sister. Wanting to move things along as quickly as possible so she could return, Diana nodded. She turned to Spoor and Haggerty. “Will you inform my aunt I will be back before dinner?”
Spoor nodded. “Of course. Enjoy your day.”
Diana wasn’t sure that was possible but smiled in return.
A few hours later, Diana sat with her mother and Arthur drinking chocolate in a cafe. The hot drink was decadent. Never far from her mind, she wondered if Sebastian would like it. Arthur arrived in Livorno three days ago and had decided to call on her mother. They’d appeared to have become fast friends.
All afternoon her mother and Arthur had chatted nonstop, no matter where they were—at a museum, a historic sight, and now at the cafe. Diana stayed quiet, lost in her thoughts that had nothing to do with ruins or antiquities but the displeasure that her society-free adventure was coming to an end.
“I have been speaking with Lord Tremont about my predicament, and he agrees with me.”
Diana glanced between the two of them. “Your predicament?”
She daintily took a sip of her tea. “Yes, I barely survived the activities that took place between the Austrians and the locals. I don’t think I can live through another revolution. I must return to England. We could have a flare-up of violence anytime.”
Diana looked around at the quaint street outside of the cafe. She had to admit, she wasn’t sure how her mother had managed over the last few years. A sliver of guilt shot through her. She pushed it down. She would not feel bad for the woman who had treated both her and Clara horrendously their whole lives.
“Mother, I’m speculating that you would need to have your household packed up. Maybe this spring would be a perfect time to return.”
“Nonsense,” her mother said. “I have instructed my servants to be ready to leave when your ship departs.”
No. No.
“Lady Hensley, I think your mother returning with us would be the best solution. She has seen horrific things. Now that your father is gone, she shouldn’t be alone.”
She took another sip of her chocolate, trying to conceal her shock that Arthur would return to England on theSS Lark. Diana didn’t want that but had no valid reason to stop him.
“I only want to retire to our family country estate. Nothing more.”
She studied her mother. The duchess was still the perfect lady, but she did seem frailer. Was this a ploy? Diana’s eyes darted to Arthur, who appeared to be siding with her mother.
“You will be prepared to leave when theSS Larkdoes?”
Her mother nodded. Diana wished she could speak to Clara about this. The duchess rose, and her lips trembled. “You are unsure if you want to help me? Why don’t I leave you here with Lord Tremont? He is also staying at your hotel. He can make sure you are escorted back safely.”
She left in a blur of skirts. Diana wondered if this show was for Arthur or was her mother truly displaying genuine emotion. She watched her departure before turning back to Arthur. He frowned at her. “She is your mother, Diana.”
Diana bristled at his disapproving tone. Arthur had no idea how dreadful her mother was. She’d used her children as pawns and taught etiquette lessons violently. Diana still had the scars on her back from her many lashes. Both she and Clara did. The only people who knew about them were Stuart, Sam, and Sebastian. Her eyes flashed with anger. “You don’t know what she has done to me or my sister.”
Arthur’s mouth fell open in shock at her fury. He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t involve myself in something that is not yet my affairs.”
The word “yet” caused a flurry of panic within her. They were not close to being betrothed. She couldn’t discuss this now with Arthur. “I know you are trying to be helpful, but my relationship with my mother is complicated. There are things you don’t know.”
Arthur, contrite, said, “I’m sorry, Diana. Truly, I am. She has just been so helpful while I’ve been here.”
Of course, her mother was. Arthur was a lord. Diana didn’t want to discuss the topic any longer. She forced herself to smile, nodding.
Arthur, relieved, said, “Now, tell me about your travels. You and Mr. Devons have become quite the rage.”
*
Sebastian twirled hiswine goblet as he studied Diana while she laughed with Tremont at the other end of the table. They were being hosted by the Count and Countess of Demazz. Diana, Tremont, and Lady Clark sat closest to their hosts as seating was dictated by who was titled and who was not. Being untitled, Devons, Monroe, Spoor and Haggerty were located at the far end of the table.
Tremont gazed at Diana proudly. Sebastian’s hand tightened on the glass. He had the overwhelming urge to smash in the man’s face. The jealousy in Sebastian was startling and not something he was accustomed to. Diana and the countess looked his way, both smiling. Tremont frowned. The lord didn’t like him very much and that was fine because Sebastian wasn’t interested in befriending him. The lady of the house rose. “I would like to toast Lady Hensley and Mr. Devons’s successful columnabout their exciting adventure. A few copies of the newspapers carrying the Ladies of London column have even found their way to Livorno. Lady Hensley and Mr. Devons, you appear to be quite the dynamic duo. I imagine there will be several women hoping to take a similar journey next year. Cheers to both of you.”
Everyone applauded them and took a sip of their drink. Lord Tremont placed his hand on Diana’s, whispering to her. She flushed and her gaze darted to Sebastian. He raised a brow. The host announced dinner was over and directed all the guests to different areas where they could enjoy their after-dinner drinks.
