Diana, page 12
His lips hovered above hers and then came down again, his tongue teasing her mouth open. She gave over to him and all the kisses that followed, ones of hot passion and desire that let her know even if he hadn’t echoed her words of love, he cared for her deeply. He risked everything by choosing her and she would give everything of herself to him.
The deep kisses went on forever and then Oliver lifted his mouth, resting his forehead against hers.
“I’m going to make you very happy, Diana de Wolfe.”
“I’m already happy, Oliver.”
His hands stroked her hair. “Say it again.”
“I’m very happy, Oliver. You make me happy. You believe in me—even when I don’t believe in myself.”
“I want you to always be happy, love. You and our twins.”
She touched his cheek. “You say that as if you mean it.”
“I do. They’re delightful. Of course I want to claim them.” He kissed her. “I hope we have many more. Do you want more?” he asked softly.
“Very, very much. I was afraid I’d never have the chance.”
“Finn and Mena will make excellent older siblings. Though Finn won’t be able to have my title, know that he and Mena will be taken care of.”
Diana kissed him sweetly. “Let me tell you how they came to be.”
“You don’t have to.”
“No, I want no secrets between us.” She paused, collecting her thoughts. “I’d never kissed anyone before and I was terribly curious about the process. I finally found a groom that provided me with answers. I’ll admit I enjoyed kissing him but his touch held no interest for me. When he . . . when he wanted to do more, I foolishly agreed. It only lasted briefly and hurt so much.”
Oliver kissed the tip of her nose. “The first time always hurts.”
“I didn’t know that. I didn’t know much of anything. I was so young and immature, I didn’t realize what we’d done could result in a child. His father found us in the stables and sent him off to war. He died a short time later. I’ve had to live with that guilt ever since.”
Diana rested a palm against his chest. “My father was furious when he found out I was with child. He demanded to know the name of the man who’d taken my virginity. Stephen was already dead by then. I didn’t see the point in revealing his name. Father also insisted I give the baby away. I couldn’t do it, Oliver. I just couldn’t.”
He brought her head to his chest and she snuggled against it. “I don’t blame you.”
“His rage knew no bounds. He was so angry that he banished me from Esterley Castle. I wasn’t allowed to see any of my family.”
“Wait. Where did you go?”
“To a cottage outside the nearest village.”
“By yourself?”
She nodded. “I gave birth there. I’ve raised the twins there. I took in sewing and what I earned helped provide for us.”
Diana sensed the strong emotions running through him and raised her head. She pressed a soft kiss against his jaw. “It was very hard but I would choose it all again because it meant keeping Finn and Mena with me.”
“Your father died recently. Your brother now holds the title.”
“Yes. I took Finn and Mena to his funeral. I hadn’t been allowed to go to Mama’s. Derek was kind enough to invite us to come to Esterley. It was his idea for me to partake in the Season and try to find husband. I warned him my past would follow me to London but he didn’t believe me.”
She sighed. “You know everything now. I became an outcast for two minutes that meant nothing to me. Oliver, you do understand that Finn and Mena aren’t of noble blood.”
“I don’t care about that. They are our children. Society will treat them as thus.”
“Do you really believe that, Oliver?”
“I do,” he said with conviction. “When we wed, Diana, you’ll become the Countess of Merrifield. You’ll have the protection of my name—and that extends to the twins. I have excellent connections and am quite wealthy. Yes, a minute portion of the ton might gossip for a few days about us, but I can tell you this—it’s the first night of the Season. There’s always dozens of rumors that fly rampant through all the events. People will act indiscreetly. Couples will be found together in compromising positions. Several pairs will elope to Gretna Green.”
He kissed her. “We will be an afterthought to all of these events. An old, married couple by Season’s end. That is, if you’ll wed me soon.”
“I’ll marry you whenever you wish, Oliver.”
“Let’s discuss it with Finn and Mena. I’m already set to meet with your brother. We’ll agree upon the settlement. I’ll purchase a special license tomorrow. It will give us the opportunity to wed wherever and whenever we wish.”
“Thank you, Oliver. For being my white knight and rescuing me.”
He chuckled. “And I won’t have to slay any dragons—other than a few gossips of the ton.” He paused. “Are you willing to return to Everton’s ballroom for our final dance, Diana?”
“That’s when Linda Ashmore threatened to approach you, Oliver. She won’t be quiet about it.”
“Let her come. We stand together, Diana. Lady Ashmore will not tear us apart.”
Oliver opened the carriage door and jumped down. He reached for Diana and his hands spanned her waist as he lifted her from the vehicle and placed her on the ground. His hands stayed in place.
“I find I can’t seem to let you go, my lady,” he said, his voice husky as he gave her a lingering kiss.
He wanted to do what he could to bolster her courage. Walking into the ballroom, knowing Lady Ashmore lay in wait for her, would be one of the hardest things Diana ever did. Though from what she’d said, she’d experienced more difficulties than he’d imagined. He’d thought her father had sent her to relatives, never dreaming the man would exile her from her home and isolate her from all family. Diana hadn’t said it but Oliver knew she’d lived a hard life since before her twins were born. She would have made do without servants to cook or clean or help her care for the children. If Lord Reston weren’t already dead, Oliver would painfully put the man in his grave, one limb at a time.
They entered the grand foyer again and he heard music still playing. Leading Diana to the ballroom, the first people he saw upon entering were the Duke and Duchess of Everton. They always danced the first and last dance together. With them standing on the sidelines, he knew they hadn’t missed the final song.
Everton nodded. “Congratulations again on your engagement, Lady Diana, Merrifield.”
“Oh, yes,” the duchess agreed. “We are so pleased for you. Might we hold an engagement party for you?”
Oliver grinned shamelessly. “I’m purchasing a special license tomorrow, Your Grace. We want to wed as soon as possible. There’ll be no time for an engagement party.”
The duchess smiled. “What do you think, Duke? Should we host Merrifield’s wedding instead?”
Her husband claimed his wife’s hand and kissed her fingers. “It’s a lovely idea, my love. Of course, you realize Rachel will commandeer the entire proceedings.”
Oliver smiled. “Your sister has been a very good friend to me and is fast becoming one to Diana. As long as Rachel allows Diana—and Her Grace—to contribute their opinions, I think we should let her have at it.”
Everton chuckled. “She will. And don’t think Leah and Caroline won’t wiggle their way into the proceedings. Tell Rachel there’s a wedding and she’ll have the breakfast menu planned and organized within minutes.”
The duchess turned to Diana. “When would you like the wedding to take place, Lady Diana?”
“Whenever is convenient for you, Your Grace. Thank you for offering to host it.”
“We’re happy to do so. Merrifield, any ideas?”
“Today is Monday. How about Friday morning?” he offered.
“Oliver!” exclaimed Diana. “That soon?”
He entwined his fingers with hers. “We’ll have the license by tomorrow. I don’t see the point in wasting time.” He gazed at her longingly and she immediately blushed.
“Leave the poor girl alone, Merrifield,” the duchess commanded.
The music ended and couples began leaving the dance floor, ready to search for their last partners of the night.
“I can’t, Your Grace,” he said. “I need to dance with my fiancée.”
He glanced up and saw none other than Lady Ashmore making her way toward them, a determined look on her pinched face. She reached them and looked to Diana and then Oliver. Diana’s fingers clutched his tightly.
“Lord Merrifield, I’ve just heard the rumor that you intend to wed Lady Diana de Wolfe.”
He looked lazily at his bride-to-be and smiled as he answered the gossipmonger. “I most certainly do.”
“I’m here to inform you that would be a most unwise decision.”
Oliver looked at Lady Ashmore. “Since you have nothing to do with my decision-making, Lady Ashmore, I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself.”
The viscountess gasped. “Sir, you are not behaving as a gentleman should.”
“And you, my lady, are certainly not exhibiting ladylike behavior. What are you going to tell me that I don’t already know? Nothing,” he said flatly.
“I know that Diana de Wolfe has been ruined,” the woman said loudly, turning nearby heads. “That she has a bastard child. That her father sent her away so she wouldn’t taint the rest of the family with her loose morals.”
“Ruined implies something damaged. Lady Diana is as far from that as possible. She is the epitome of grace, kindness, and beauty. A loyal sister and friend. She would never say an ugly word about a soul—unlike you, Lady Ashmore. Diana de Wolfe is to be my countess and will receive every respect that should be given from her title and position in society.” Oliver paused, his eyes narrowing. “And her children are now my children. We four are a family. I would do anything, Lady Ashmore—anything—to protect my family.”
“You’re a fool, Merrifield,” the viscountess said. “No one of the ton will recognize your trollop.”
Gasps occurred from those listening nearby. Oliver fought to get his temper under control.
And then the Duke of Everton spoke.
“Lord Merrifield is one of my closest friends, Lady Ashmore. He has my support and that of my wife. We think so highly of Lady Diana that we are hosting their wedding and breakfast this coming Friday. An event you will not be invited to. In fact, my duchess will never issue another invitation to you again. Neither will my sister or sisters-in-law. If society is wise, they will do the same.”
With that, the Duke of Everton led his wife to the center of the ballroom and nodded at the musicians to begin playing. The music started and Oliver escorted Diana to the dance floor as well. His other friends followed. The Merricks. The Mayfields. The Alfords. Soon, the room was filled with couples moving in time to the music. He saw Lady Ashmore’s mouth agape as her husband led her with grim determination from the ballroom, people turning away from the pair in the cut direct.
Oliver maneuvered them toward the Evertons and mouthed a thank you. Everton winked and twirled his duchess.
A rush of strong emotion poured through him as he gazed down at Diana, who smiled up at him with adoration and trust. He’d known he cared for her. That he liked her a great deal and was willing to do whatever it took to keep her safe. That her kiss was unlike any he’d known before and how he eagerly looked forward to making love to her for the rest of their lives.
But what he hadn’t understood was that love had somehow crept up on him. Oliver knew beyond a doubt that what was in his heart was love for this woman. His woman.
He stopped in the middle of the dance floor, oblivious of the couples around them. Diana’s brows knit together.
“Is something wrong?” she asked.
Oliver smiled. “No. In fact, everything is right. Absolutely right in every way imaginable. And it’s all because I love you, Diana. Do you understand that? I love you. Now and forever and beyond forever, my beautiful, wonderful, amazing wife-to-be.”
The smile lighting her face would be one Oliver would always remember, even years from now, when they moved slowly and their hair had turned to gray. This would become his most precious memory—the moment he realized how much he loved Diana—and told her of that love for the first time.
With that, Oliver’s mouth sought hers in a kiss that lasted for the rest of the tune that played—and long after the music stopped.
Epilogue
Ten years later . . .
Oliver awoke, the delicious warmth of his wife nestled against his chest. His arm held her fast to him. Even in sleep, he didn’t like Diana being far from him.
A hard kick to his arm let him know the baby was awake. He brushed his lips against the nape of her neck and her contented sigh made him fall in love with her all over again. It had been that way ever since he’d realized he loved her. A hundred little things that occurred between them each day solidified their love and caused it to grow deeper and richer as the years passed.
“Did you get any sleep, my love?” he asked.
“Not much. This little one is begging to come soon. She kept me up most of the night.”
“She?” he asked, nibbling his way along her neck as his hand stroked her rounded belly.
“That’s what I’m guessing. Our first three I carried low and they all turned out to be boys. The last two sat high so it didn’t surprise me when they were girls. This time the baby is also high so I’m making the assumption.” She paused. “Will you be happy with another girl, Oliver?”
He kissed her hair, rubbing his nose against its silky texture. “I’m happy with every child you’ve given me,” he declared. “As long as this one is healthy, I’m satisfied. I hope you feel the same. Besides, it would even things up. Four boys. Four girls.”
Diana turned to face him, her hand cupping his cheek. “You are the most attentive husband imaginable and a loving, generous father. You have given me the world, Oliver. Every day you spoil me more than the one before.”
“Because you should be spoiled. Falling in love and marrying you was the best thing I’ve ever done.”
He kissed her deeply, love swelling within him for this woman and the family they’d created.
Suddenly, several violent kicks knocked against him and he and Diana began laughing.
“It’s definitely a girl,” he proclaimed. “Headstrong as Mena is. Our oldest must have been whispering to your belly again.”
Now sixteen, the twins had been one of the biggest blessings of Oliver’s life. Finn and Mena had taught him so much, as had the children they’d added to their family in the last decade.
“I love you so very much, Oliver,” Diana said, her eyes misting with tears.
“I love you, Diana. More than I ever dreamed possible.”
She smiled—and then her eyes widened. Her quick intake of breath prepared him for the storm that had descended upon them.
“One more kiss, love.”
He kissed her again, cherishing this final, quiet moment between them, and then broke the kiss.
“I’ll get the midwife.”
Oliver quickly dressed and went across the hall. They’d learned that Diana’s babies came fast after their first one together and so he’d installed a midwife in the chamber across from them for all the subsequent births, wanting the woman on hand a good two weeks before the baby was scheduled to arrive.
He returned and kissed his wife again. “The midwife is gathering all she needs. I’ll go tell the children and stay with them until the newest Ward arrives.”
When Diana had gone into labor the first time, Finn and Mena had been frightened beyond words, upset by her anguished cries. Oliver had reassured the twins that all was well and they’d soon have another sibling. He’d taken them downstairs, where they curled up on each side of him as he’d read them the latest book by the Duchess of Everton while they waited. Once his son had been born, Oliver took the twins with him to see their mother and new brother. Ever since, he’d stayed and comforted their growing brood, keeping them calm so Diana had one less thing to worry about.
This time, he’d barely gotten the children dressed and fed poached eggs and toast when a maid hurried in and whispered that Lady Merrifield wished for him and the children to come meet their new sister.
Oliver stood. “Mama’s had a girl. Let’s go say hello and welcome her to our family.”
The four children at the breakfast table all cheered loudly. Their three oldest boys were away at school. He’d write to them today once he and Diana settled upon a name for the baby. Mena helped him gather her brother and two sisters and they went upstairs to the master bedchamber.
By now, Diana had changed into a new night rail and fresh sheets adorned the bed. Her raven hair had been brushed and braided, the single braid falling over one shoulder. She held a small bundle in her arms. They surrounded the bed and Oliver gazed into the beautiful blue-gray eyes that would always hold his heart.
“We did it again,” she said softly.
He took her hand and sat beside her on the bed, glancing down at the baby they’d made together. She had a headful of fair hair and slightly red cheeks and eyed him with interest. Oliver brushed a kiss upon her head and offered his finger, which his daughter gripped with surprising strength.
They all stared at the child in wonder for several minutes, suggesting names they liked, and then Mena told her siblings it was time to leave.
“Mama and Papa need time with the little one.”
After the children left, Oliver pressed a kiss to Diana’s brow.
“Was it awful?” he asked, hating that his wife had to go through all of the pains of birth without any help from him.
“As terrible as usual—but even faster than before.”
“Was it worth it?”
She smiled at him, her face radiant with love. “It’s always worth it, my love.”
He lifted his daughter and held her close to his chest, the miracle of a new life never growing old. The wet nurse came and asked to take the baby. Reluctantly, he gave her over.
