Diana, page 4
“Anything special?” Mrs. Stinch asked.
“Surprise me.”
“It’ll be waiting for you, Lord Merrifield. You can count on Bessie and me,” Mrs. Stinch told him.
Oliver headed through the large archway that connected the tearoom with the bookstore. Already, a flurry of customers buzzed about. As usual, he was drawn to the play area, where puzzles and games were available, as well as books. He nodded to Miss Smith, a former nursery governess who manned the area and kept watch over the children to make sure all played fair and no trouble arose.
His attention was drawn to a pair he’d never seen before, a boy and girl close in age, looking enough alike that he believed they might be twins. They were on the floor playing with Delia and Timothy, Jeremy and Catherine’s twins. He made his way over. Immediately, Delia sprang up and hugged one leg while Timothy latched on to the other.
“I knew you’d come, Lord Merrifield,” Delia said. “You never miss Mama read.”
“I love the voices your mama uses. She’s quite entertaining.” He glanced to the tall structure the four had been working on. “What are we building today?”
Timothy looked at the newcomers and grinned. “He likes playing with blocks.”
“I do,” he assured the two beautiful, wide-eyed children whose mouths gaped open. “One is never too old to build with blocks. Who might you be?”
Delia took charge, as usual. “This is Mena. He’s Finn. They’re twins like us.” She clapped her hands in delight.
“Two sets of twins means we should build two structures,” he declared, getting down on the floor. Looking to Finn, he asked, “What would you like us to build?”
“A bridge,” young Finn said thoughtfully. “To cross a river.”
Looking to the boy’s sister, Oliver asked, “And what’s across the river, Mena?”
She grew thoughtful. “A barn. Or maybe a stable.”
“You like animals?”
The little girl nodded. “Especially cats. And goats.”
“Oh, don’t say goats,” a familiar voice warned.
Oliver turned and saw that Rachel and Evan had joined them. The marquess held young Seth, just over a year old, in his arms.
“Do you not like goats, my lord?” Mena asked, looking concerned.
Rachel laughed and knelt so she was eye-level with the child. “Lord Merrifield adores goats. Almost as much as he does children.”
“Do you have a son or daughter, my lord?” Finn asked.
“Not yet. I’ll need a wife first.”
Finn and Mena exchanged a glance. He’d seen Timothy and Delia do the same, as if they were communicating without words. Jeremy had told him when Timothy and Delia were first learning to speak, they had a language all their own in which they communicated. Now that they were older, Jeremy claimed the twins could merely look at one another and know what the other thought.
“People always get married before they have children, don’t they?” Mena asked.
Well, that wasn’t always the case. Sometimes, a bride went to the altar already increasing. At other times, a man got a woman with child and didn’t do the right thing, abandoning her so she raised the poor bastard on her own. But it wasn’t his place to discuss the hard facts of life with two children he’d only met. That was something for their parents to deal with.
Instead, he said, “Yes, getting married is required—and then children come along.”
Miss Smith clapped her hands to get the attention of those in the play area. “It’s time to go hear the duchess read her new story. Let’s clean up.”
Poor Finn and Mena looked very sad, so Oliver rose and said, “Don’t worry. We can build our bridge and barn another time. Maybe even after the reading today. Delia, Timothy, help your new friends gather the blocks and put them away.”
As the children jumped into action, Evan leaned close. “That was a narrow escape,” he murmured and then whipped out his handkerchief to wipe the drool from Seth’s chin. “Teething,” he explained. “He’s fine one minute and then screaming like a banshee the next.”
Seth gave Oliver a crooked smile. Then his face scrunched up and a loud howl burst from him.
“Off to walk him outside,” Evan said cheerily. “Don’t want to ruin Catherine’s reading.”
Oliver watched the marquess weave through the store and out the door.
“He’s so good with Seth,” Rachel said. “Just like you’ll be when you have a son or daughter.” She placed her hand on his arm. “Are you ready for the Season?”
“I suppose so,” he said grumpily. “Tell me you’ve found someone—or someones—that might make for good candidates. If not, I’ll be reduced to bachelorhood for good.”
She squeezed his arm. “Try not to be obvious, Merrifield, but look to ten o’clock. And keep talking as if we’re having a conversation.”
“We are having a conversation, Rachel,” he said as he casually glanced to where she indicated.
Already, children gathered on the floor, sitting cross-legged, as they awaited the arrival of the Duchess of Everton. Women bunched together, gossiping away before the reading began. His eyes skimmed the crowd, recognizing several and vaguely recalling a few others. Then he stopped, drawn to a tall, slender woman with dark hair and porcelain skin. He’d never laid eyes on her before but his attraction to her was instant. She coolly surveyed the area, speaking to no one.
Then Miss Smith hustled over those who’d been in the play area and Oliver watched as the woman smiled as the new additions took a place on the floor.
He sucked in a quick breath.
“I see you’ve spotted her,” Rachel said dryly. “Well, say something.”
“Who is she?” he asked, mesmerized by the beauty.
“I don’t know but I’m going to find out,” his friend replied. “She’s not wearing a wedding ring, though that doesn’t mean anything. Some women choose not to. She’s very well dressed. I’m wondering if she’s in town for the Season. I haven’t seen her before.”
“She’s a little old to be making her come-out,” he said, his eyes flicking to observe the woman and then glancing away.
“Some women don’t. A few have marriages already arranged for them by their families and never make their debut in society. If she’s not married and if she is coming to any ton events, I think she would be an excellent prospect, Merrifield. She’s beyond beautiful, especially when she smiles. She’s a bit older, which is exactly what you need. You’d be bored with a silly girl. I’m hoping she’s intelligent. You need a wife who will challenge you, not one who’ll agree with everything you say.”
Rachel released his arm. “I’m going to go introduce myself. You stay here. Let me assess her and the situation. Don’t get your hopes up until I’ve spoken with her.”
“I’m yours to command,” he said lightly, though his heart raced.
Oliver couldn’t remember the last time he’d been excited about meeting a woman. Probably it had been two years ago when he’d first been introduced to Rachel St. Clair at a house party Alex gave. No woman had caught his eye since then.
Until now.
He watched as Rachel made her way toward the woman and then engaged her in conversation. When the two women continued to talk, it gave him hope that this woman would be a possible candidate for the position of the Countess of Merrifield. Then Rachel smiled and left, choosing not to return to his side. Oliver supposed that might be too obvious. He moved closer to the gathered group, spying Leah and Alex, and joining them. Little Rose slept in her father’s arms, sweet as an angel. Oliver glanced at Leah’s rounded belly, just now starting to show the child she would bear in the fall.
Catherine appeared, gliding easily through the store and taking a seat in the chair, scooping up the book that awaited her. Luke introduced the guest reader and the duchess began.
This time, he didn’t watch the children’s faces. He focused on the mysterious woman and her reactions. The longer he studied her, the more he desired to speak to her.
As the reading came to a close, the woman turned. Her gaze met his and, for a long moment, it seemed only the two of them were present. Finally, Oliver nodded to her and glanced toward Catherine, using every bit of willpower he had not to be drawn back to the beautiful stranger.
The one who might be the one.
Chapter Four
Diana had allowed Finn and Mena to go to an area designated for play. They’d been drawn to two children building something with blocks and immediately scampered over to help. A woman introduced herself as Miss Smith and told Diana it was safe to leave her children playing there until the Duchess of Everton arrived for her reading since she would be supervising those in the play area.
She browsed the bookstore, looking for a novel for Thea, though she couldn’t decide what her sister might enjoy reading. Diana did find a good number of children’s books that looked appealing and would let the twins choose two each, thanks to her pin money. Both Finn and Mena still played with the younger pair, who resembled one another closely. Seeing them happily engaged, Diana went to stand with the other women who’d brought children to Evie’s and awaited the arrival of the Duchess of Everton. She didn’t speak to any of them since one of the few things she remembered Mama saying was how important waiting for an introduction was. That worried her, knowing she’d attend ton events and not know a soul. Would Derek know enough people to help her meet others?
It had been so long since Diana had a friend and she wondered if she would make any during the next few months. She almost wanted one of those more than a husband.
She looked to the twins again and saw a man had joined the foursome. Worry filled her that a stranger had approached them. Before she could rush across the bookstore, she saw two of the children hug his legs. Relief swept through her. They must be his son and daughter. She saw him talking with Finn and Mena and then the man plopped on the floor. Shock filled her. Her father never would have gotten down to play with her. For a moment, she wished this man was free to wed her and be a father to her children. Any gentleman who disregarded his attire in favor of entertaining little ones would be exactly the kind of husband she was looking for.
Then another attractive couple arrived and engaged him in conversation. The newcomers had a baby with them, the father holding the boy as his feet constantly wiggled. Once again, she’d never seen her father hold any of her siblings. Was this a new trend in London, for men to actually be involved in their children’s lives? It gave her hope that she could find a husband who might care for Finn and Mena.
Diana turned away, studying the other children already seated in front of her and listening to conversations around her.
“Excuse me,” a voice said to her right.
Turning, she saw the woman who’d been in the play area. She was stunningly beautiful, with raven hair and inquisitive, emerald eyes.
“I know it’s rather forward of me to speak without a proper introduction but I’m known for being somewhat unconventional. All St. Clairs are.” She smiled. “I’m Lady Merrick. My sister-in-law, the Duchess of Everton, will be reading from her latest children’s book today.”
Diana’s surprise by the woman approaching her melted away. “Good morning, Lady Merrick. I’m Lady Diana de Wolfe. It’s my first time in London and I’d read about Evie’s Bookstore and the author reading in the newspaper. I was a bit curious and decided to come.”
“The duchess does these whenever she has a new book come out. All the proceeds go toward orphanages she and my brother support.”
“What a wonderful idea.”
“Are you in town for the Season?” Lady Merrick asked.
Diana hesitated, needing to watch her words carefully. “I am. My father recently passed and my brother, the new Earl of Reston, will be accompanying me to events.”
“Hmm. I don’t know Reston, either your father or brother. Where are you from?”
“The north,” she said vaguely. “Father wasn’t interested in London’s social scene and rarely came to town. My brother only graduated from Oxford last spring and has never been to London, either. We’re looking forward to partaking in the Season, though.”
Lady Merrick’s brows knit in concern. “Oh, dear. If your father wasn’t social, you might be lacking in invitations.”
Diana hadn’t even thought of that. She assumed Derek would handle things through friends but most of them were too young to be hosting events. What if she’d had all those dresses made up—and no invitations came?
Her distress must have showed, for Lady Merrick took her hand. “Don’t worry, Lady Diana. I will see to your introduction and that you receive enough invitations to enjoy yourself. My brother is hosting the first ball of the Season next week. You must attend it. The marquess and I will also host our own event, as will my best friend, the Countess of Alford. And the Countess of Mayfield, who owns Evie’s, is having a garden party in two weeks. She’s married to my brother.”
She thought she might have misunderstood. “A woman . . . owns this establishment?”
Lady Merrick chuckled. “She does. And the tearoom next door. You must try the cakes and scones. They’re to die for.” She withdrew a pencil and paper from her reticule. “Give me your address so I will know where to send the invitation. And what is your husband’s name? He and your brother will be included, of course.”
“I’m not married,” she said softly.
The marchioness looked pleased. “Well, you won’t lack for suitors.”
“I’m much older than the other ladies making their come-out.”
“There are gentlemen of all ages who are bachelors in search of a wife. With your looks, Lady Diana, you won’t have a problem if it’s a husband you seek.”
Age aside, Diana still worried about rumors from home reaching the ears of those very bachelors.
“What is your address?”
She gave it to Lady Merrick and then said, “Might you recommend a book for my sister? I promised I’d bring her something back.”
“Is she not old enough to make her come-out?”
“Actually, she was supposed to until she broke her leg. Because of that, she’ll do so next Season. In the meantime, I’m trying to help keep her from being bored.”
“Lady Alford would be the one to speak to about books. She’s my closest friend and a voracious reader. She’s a subscriber at Evie’s. I’ll be sure to introduce you after the reading. I’ll see you then.”
Lady Merrick smiled and walked away. Diana hoped she might have made a new friend. The woman was a breath of fresh air.
She saw the children who’d been in the play area coming to sit on the floor and smiled as Finn and Mena held hands and sat next to the new friends they’d made. Then a hush fell and an exquisite woman with auburn hair arrived and took a seat, lifting the book on the chair and opening it. She smiled at the children gathered and a man closely resembling Lady Merrick waited until he had the attention of those gathered.
“Normally, Lady Mayfield, the proprietor of Evie’s, would be introducing our guest reader. Instead, she is at home, recovering from the birth of our son three days ago—so you’re stuck with me.” He flashed a smile that caused a few women around her to sigh.
“Today, Evie’s Bookstore is proud to once again have the Duchess of Everton, my sister-in-law, read to you from her latest work. She is a best-selling author in children’s literature in England, and children and adults alike are entranced by her stories. With that, I would have you turn your attention to our guest. Your Grace?”
“Thank you, Lord Mayfield,” the duchess said, her eyes sparkling. She gazed across the crowd. “Are you ready to hear a lovely new tale?”
“Yes!” cried her audience and the duchess opened the book and began to read.
Diana found herself drawn in as much as a child. She’d always enjoyed how books took her away to a different place and time. Then she felt eyes upon her and turned to look.
It was the man who’d gotten down to play with Finn and Mena. He stood much closer now and she could see how very handsome he was. Tall and broad-shouldered, with tailored clothes that showed off his athletic frame. He had thick, dark blond hair and even from a distance, she could see the crystal blue eyes that drew her in.
Diana found she couldn’t look away.
Finally, he nodded cordially and glanced to where the duchess was closing her book and the audience began applauding wildly. Diana noticed the woman standing next to him had a slight bulge to her belly and supposed this was his wife. Disappointment flooded her. She’d guessed he was the father to the two children he’d embraced but seeing him with this woman brought a pang of jealousy. Since he was married, he shouldn’t have glanced so boldly at her, much less held eye contact for so long. Her opinion of him lessened considerably. He might be a good father but he was like what she’d heard about men of the ton—they went their own way, disregarding their marriage vows.
It made her realize that it didn’t matter who she wed. Her new husband would be unfaithful. Every man in the ton seemed to be. It clarified for her the need to ensure whomever she chose would be decent to her children. She wouldn’t ask for more than that.
Diana listened to Lord Mayfield encouraging those who wished to buy the Duchess of Everton’s book to line up at a table, where Her Grace would autograph those purchased. A rush of women hurried in that direction and Diana decided to collect the twins and do the same. Finn and Mena had a different idea, though. Both turned and waved to her and scurried back to the play area with their new friends, where the four began sorting blocks.
Then Lady Merrick appeared before her, with none other than the blond beauty who was with child.
“Lady Diana, here’s my friend I told you about, Lady Alford. She knows all about books and has a recommendation for your sister.”
The newcomer said, “I heard your sister is laid up. Reading will help her convalescence go faster. Come, let me tell you about the subscription service here at Evie’s.”
