Notorious Deception by Adrienne Basso Page B

I have been summoned downstairs, but I see no reason why you cannot be present. In order to avoid any additional misunderstandings, I think it would be best if you accompany me. Don’t you agree?”
    Caroline showed her astonishment at Diana’s remarks. “Tristan told me a wild tale about you last night,” Caroline said. “I didn’t believe a word of it.”
    â€œNeither would I, if I were in your place,” Diana said, not in the least bit offended. “I am hoping your husband has uncovered some information that can help me sort out the mess my life has suddenly become.”
    Without further comment, Caroline rose from the bed. Diana breathed a sigh of relief, knowing she had won Caroline over, at least temporarily. With Diana’s able assistance, Caroline changed her gown relatively quickly. After taking one last look in the mirror over her dressing table, Caroline left the bedchamber, Diana trailing behind.
    Diana saw the surprise register on Tristan’s face as she and Caroline entered the salon side by side. After a moment’s hesitation, he strode across the room, meeting them halfway, an utterly charming smile on his handsome face. He brought his wife’s hand to his lips in a soft, seductive manner, and Diana felt like an intruder as she witnessed his welcome. Caroline’s breathing quickened noticeably when Tristan caressingly held her hand, but she greeted her husband cautiously.
    Diana muttered a hasty and nearly incoherent greeting. She moved to the far side of the room to allow Tristan and Caroline a few moments of privacy. No matter what difficulties the couple faced, it was obvious that they loved each other deeply.
    Self-consciously, Diana stepped away from the embracing couple, colliding directly with a large, unmovable object. At first Diana assumed she had backed into a piece of furniture, but when she turned around, she gasped loudly with surprise. Standing directly in front of her, with his magnificent cold, blue eyes sparkling down at her, was the Earl of Harrowby. And he was not smiling.

Chapter Five
    The earl took a step forward, placing himself even closer to Diana. She felt her cheeks become warm, and she was instantly aware of a queer excitement charging the air. She favored the earl with a nervous smile and an almost inaudible greeting, unconsciously taking several steps back from him.
    The earl’s proximity was unnerving. Diana felt the power he exuded with his very stance, his every movement, and she found herself frightened by the intensity of her reaction to him. He fairly took her breath away, Diana admitted to herself. She did not remember him being so broad of shoulder, so lean and muscular. Of their own volition, her eyes drifted down the length of him, and she admired the way his golden buckskins tightly hugged his muscular legs. He smelled good, Diana realized with surprise, like leather and spices and fresh air.
    The earl coughed and flecked a bit of imaginary dust from his immaculate coat of navy-blue superfine.
    The earl’s cough ended Diana’s scrutiny. Stiffening her spine, she returned his stare boldly, refusing to be intimidated by his forbidding demeanor. He met her gaze directly, a mere hint of amusement lurking in the depth of his eyes.
    â€œGood evening, madam,” Derek said.
    â€œMy lord,” Diana replied, dipping a graceful curtsy. For an instant, she thought he might take her hand, and she fought down a rising sense of panic at the idea of touching him. “I was not expecting to see you this evening. ”
    â€œOh,” he responded, raising an eyebrow. “I hope you are not distressed by my presence, madam. We do have unfinished business that demands our attention.”
    Neither his tone nor his manner suggested he was overly concerned about Diana’s feelings. She disliked his condescending attitude and felt no compulsion to hide that fact. She eyed him irritably.
    â€œThen I