Page 58 of Her Wicked Highwayman
“The right woman will not care about your reputation. Reputation is what others think of you. The right woman would only care about your character, about whoyouare.” Diana’swords slid directly into the center of his chest, curling up there in a warm ball that made him feel... light in a way he hadn’t in a long time.
The night his father died, he’d lost his way, but the night Isla had chosenhimas her father, he’d stumbled back onto the path that would lead him home. And the night he had taken Diana to bed in the hunting lodge, it was as though his home was finally in view. He was so close to finding himself, to being the man he should have been all those years ago. Yet he also feared how much this woman mattered to him. She had slept with him when he’d been Tyburn, and now she was alone with him as Rafe. He knew his little thief’s secret, but she did not know his. What if he asked her to choose Rafe and she secretly wanted Tyburn? It was a damned hard thing to find himself jealous of himself. Perhaps he should do what he’d always done and leap into the unknown, trusting to fate, or at least luck.
“Diana... I know we’ve only just met, but I would like to see you more often.”
“What are you asking?” she replied, a little breathless.
“I suppose I’m asking, in a frightfully awkward way... if I would be allowed to... court you?”
Her eyes looked deep into his, and he wished he knew what she was searching for there.
“You wish tocourtme?”
“Is it too soon? I can pretend to wait.” He tried to tease her with his words, but he sounded far too earnest.
“Um . . . I . . .” Her hesitation felt like the sword of Damocles above his head.
“Do not answer now. Please take some time to think upon it. For now, let us simply enjoy our ride together. It is a splendid day, and sometimes it’s best to just soak in the sunshine and remember to breathe.”
They rode in companionable silence to her home, and he had a chance to take it in with new eyes. He’d only ever seen it at night and in the early dawn.
Foxglove wasmagnificent. The old stone manor house was covered with lush ivy on one side, and gardens ran wild on the opposite. It was steeped in character, with its beautiful gables and wild, ancient sort of beauty that only some old homes could manage. The windows winked in the sunlight, as if to welcome him. No wonder Diana was fighting to keep this place. Itwasa home.
Rafe halted the phaeton in front of the steps as an elderly groom came out to meet them.
“Good afternoon, Nelson,” Diana said with a smile.
“Glad to see you back, Miss Diana.” The old groom gave Rafe an appraising look as he took charge of the horses.
“Will you be staying here, sir?” he asked Rafe.
Rafe looked to Diana. It was her choice, but he hoped she would ask him to.
“Yes. That is, if you would like to?” Diana looked at Rafe, her face flushing a little. “I can offer tea.”
“Tea would be marvelous.” Even though they just had breakfast an hour ago, he would not turn down any chance to know Diana better and see her world.
“Nelson, would you please see to Mr. Lennox’s horses and mine?” She pointed at her own horse, which was tied up to the back of the phaeton.
“Yes, Miss Diana.”
A butler greeted them at the door, and again Rafe had the sense that this man was measuring him. Rather than take it personally, Rafe was glad the servants were so protective of his little fire drake.
“Mr. Lennox, this is my butler, Mr. Peele. Mr. Peele, this is Mr. Rafe Lennox, Lord Lennox’s younger brother. He was kindenough to escort me home, and I have invited him to stay for tea.”
“Mr. Lennox,” Peele said gravely and took Rafe’s hat and gloves.
“A pleasure, Mr. Peele,” Rafe replied. Diana guided him to the sitting room. His keen eyes took in the state of the interior of the house. It was well cared for, but he did notice that repairs were needed. Walls needed repainting, doors needed sanding and re-lacquering. New fabrics were required for furniture. He knew that Diana likely didn’t wish for him to see any of this, so he pretended not to. It seemed that even with the debts paid there wasn’t enough left over to renovate this home, which made him wonder whether she’d end up in debt again all too soon. The cost of maintaining a house like this in good condition was certainly expensive. He knew that all too well because Ashton so often reminded him of the expenses of their own estate.
It seemed he and Diana had more in common than he realized.
She gestured to a settee. “Please, sit.” She pulled a bell cord by the door to summon for the tea service, then sat down in a chair facing him. She adjusted the skirts of her gown, clearly nervous.
“Diana, you need not worry,” he said. “I fear I put you in a difficult spot by bringing up the matter of courtship so soon. It’s just that... after what happened in the field, and how you stayed with me and Isla, I feel as though I’ve known you for years.” Rafe knew he sounded desperate, perhaps even a little mad. But when she spoke, she stunned him.
“I feel the same, as though I’ve always known you, yet Ibarelyknow you. I think that is what makes me rather uneasy. I know nothing of your life, nor you of mine.”
Rafe took a chance and stood. He grasped her hand and then gently pulled her toward him so that she would sit down besidehim on the settee. “Then tell me about yourself, Diana. Let me peer into your heart and you into mine, so that our souls will be satisfied.” He clasped her trembling hand in his own.
