Page 16 of Unmasking the Diamond
The flicker of hesitation in her eyes betrayed her. She was wavering. “No, but I do not wish to abandon Lord Welker.”
He allowed his gaze to slide towards the earl, who was still engaged in a loud tirade against the hapless coachman. Luca lowered his voice and said, “Your lord is too busy shouting at his servants to notice your absence. Has he even bothered to inquire after your well-being?”
Her lips pressed thin. “No, but?—”
“It is merely a ride I am offering. Nothing more.” He let the words hang between them, gentle but insistent.
Her normally guarded eyes shifted, indecision lingering there before she at last conceded. “Very well, but he is notmylord. Furthermore, my maid will accompany us for propriety’s sake.”
“I would expect nothing less.”
Her frown deepened. “Wait here. I will inform Lord Welker of my decision.”
Luca watched her glide towards the earl. Her words were hushed, but the sudden snap of Lord Welker’s gaze towards him was anything but subtle. Luca caught the narrowing of the man’s eyes, sharp and brief, a warning in their depths. It was evident the earl was not pleased by this turn of events. Good. Let him stew. He never really thought highly of Lord Welker anyways.
When she returned, she asked briskly, “Where is your coach?”
He gestured up the street and offered his arm. “It isn’t far, I assure you.”
She gave his arm a pointed look. “I can walk perfectly fine without your assistance.”
“I am trying to be a gentleman, Diamond.”
“I have a name, you know.”
“I know, but Diamond suits you.”
With an exasperated huff, she swept past him. He matched her stride easily, his longer legs carrying him beside her with no effort.
“How did you enjoy your carriage ride with Lord Welker?” he asked, deliberately casual.
“It was pleasant.”
“Truly?”
“Yes. If you expect me to say anything disparaging about Lord Welker, you will be disappointed.”
He shrugged. “You should know he has placed a wager at White’s. He intends to marry you.”
The faintest shadow of distaste crossed her face. “Then he shall be disappointed.”
“Ah, but he is a wealthy earl. What objections do you have?” he asked, half-teasing, half-earnestly.
Miss Winslow’s reply was curt. “I do not need to explain myself to you.”
“True,” he allowed. “But what else are we to talk about on this pleasant stroll?”
Her glare flicked towards him. “I would prefer we walk in silence.”
“But silence is overrated,” he teased, and glanced behind them.
Miss Winslow’s maid had fallen back slightly, distributing coins into the hands of ragged women and barefoot children who had drifted near.
He turned back to Miss Winslow. “Are you aware that your maid is giving money to the poor?”
“Is she?” she asked, sounding utterly uninterested.
Luca studied her expression, or rather her lack of one. “It is far too much coin for a maid to possess unless she is stealing from you.”
