The Devil's Match (The Devil DeVere #4)(22)

“It’s not just any race, Ned. It’s for two thousand guineas, and I have the winning horse. He proved himself nigh unbeatable in Doncaster this week. But no, I don’t wish to miss the happy occasion. Instead, I have a proposition for you, one I think shall answer nicely. Why not hold the wedding at Woodcote Park? A great many of our mutual acquaintances will already be gathered there. Besides, I have decided to gift the estate to Hew and Vesta. What more opportune time to tell them?”

Ned’s brows rose. “You are deeding them Woodcote Park?”

“That is my intention. Hew is very fond of the place while my own attachments to it has greatly waned. I am thinking now to establish my stables closer to Newmarket.”

“That’s exceedingly generous,” Ned said. “And actually, DeVere, I think it a splendid idea. I think they would be delighted to wed there. We can always hold a traditional wedding breakfast for them here at a later date.”

“Capital. Then I shall depart in the morning to make preparations. I shall expect you all in a fortnight.”

“I have only one hesitation,” Ned said.

DeVere cocked a brow.

“What of Diana? There was much unpleasantness the last time we were all gathered there—her husband’s death was quite a shock. I fear it may be too much for her to return.”

“You and I both know Diana is not so faint hearted. Besides,” Ludovic added with rare reflection, “how better to exorcise the specters of the past?”

***

Diana rose intentionally late and ordered breakfast in her room in hope of avoiding Lord DeVere but soon learned she needn’t have worried. Contrary to his custom, he had ridden out early that morning bound for Epsom. Indeed, she thought it unlikely he had ever gone to his bed at all. Unable to sleep, she’d heard Edward’s footfalls softly creeping down the hall to the master bedchamber just before dawn, but no other had come after.

She told herself she was relieved not to have to face him after what had transpired on the terrace. She was glad to avoid the awkwardness and antipathy, for surely it could only be so after her poisonous invective. Yet unwanted thoughts of him lingered. His scandalously seductive suggestions had burned into her brain the same way his scorching mouth had marked her skin. It would be so very easy to give in, to take her pleasure with the same selfish greed others did, but then the emptiness would follow. She now understood the behavior of people like DeVere and Caroline, who passed from one lover to the next, persistently seeking meaning in the meaningless—for the same hollow ache now haunted her. She had endured it for the last four years.

No, she didn’t want that, couldn’t bear it again. She wished she knew why DeVere affected her so, and even more that she had some miraculous purgative to expunge him from her system. Diana had long determined she would have a whole man, one capable of giving her love and respect, or none at all...and the latter seemed a bleak, but real prospect.

Polly had already begun packing her trunk for her return home when Vesta bound into her chamber. “We missed you at breakfast, Aunt Di.”

“I was exhausted after last night,” she offered her excuse. “It was a truly lovely party, Vesta.”

“Wasn’t it, though?” the younger woman gushed, dreamy-eyed. “And now it’s official. Hew and I are to be wed in a fortnight.”

“So soon? A fortnight is scarce long enough to arrange everything. Shall I stay to help? Poor Phoebe is barely accustomed to the household. To plan a wedding would surely be overwhelming for her.”

“Poor Phoebe?” Vesta repeated.

“Yes, Vesta. Upon closer acquaintance, I think I am guilty of misjudging her. She has all the marks of genteel breeding and is not at all the strumpet I had presumed her to be.”

“Then you will be friends?”

“I don’t know, but I refuse to be her adversary any longer. You might reconsider your own feelings in the matter.”

“Actually, Aunt Di, I already have, for a woman in love sees all things in quite a different light.”

Diana arched a brow. “Does she, indeed?”

“But of course!” Vesta grinned. “I am now brimming with happiness so it only seems fair that Papa should be happy too. And she will be his companion when I am gone. So it seems nothing is quite what we thought. Nothing except for you, Aunt Di. What shall you do when Hew and I are wed?”

“I haven’t yet decided. Mayhap I’ll just move in with you and become nanny to your children.”

“Lackaday! You jest! Everyone knows nannies are plump and wrinkled.” She furrowed her brow. “You know, I quite think Polly might suit.”

The maid gave a loud snort.

“I thought you and Polly nigh despised one another.”

“Whatever gave you that idea?” Vesta’s grin broadened. “Polly and I have a perfect understanding of one another. But that’s not what I came to tell you. You missed the big announcement at breakfast. You and Phoebe will not have to attend to a thing, because Hew and I are to be wed at Woodcote Park, my godfather’s estate at Epsom.”

“What?” Diana shook her head. “Why?”

“Because the setting is lovely, and everyone who’s anyone will already be there for the Derby. Hew and I love the races. This way we can attend without any delay in the nuptials. Uncle Vic is taking care of all the wedding arrangements. So you see, it’s perfect.” She beamed.