After dinner last night, Simon had given Diana a tour of Lyndhurst. Quite a few refurbishments had taken place over the past two years, and she wondered if all the work would be enough to make living here tolerable for him. She wasn’t convinced.

She could see, however, that her new husband was really quite wealthy. That might be enough to mollify her father, but she doubted it. She wondered when and how he would deliver his anger upon her—for never in a moment did she think he’d simply congratulate her on her elopement and wish her well.

Shoving those unpleasant thoughts aside, Diana made her way from the sitting room where she’d enjoyed a lovely breakfast with Simon. After enjoying a rather lovely night with him too.

She still blushed thinking of their intimacy and how wonderful it had turned out to be. She now had to speculate whether her mother’s experiences were really as awful as what she’d told Diana, or if she’d lied on purpose to dissuade Diana from allowing any bachelors to kiss her while she was on the marriage mart. Unfortunately, Diana was fairly certain it was the former. Her poor mother.

Perhaps I should write to her, Diana thought. While she’d always seen her mother as complicit in her father’s cruelty, she also accepted that the woman really had no choice. And now that Diana was married to a man who valued and respected her, she found she had a wealth of sympathy for her mother.

Simon had already gone downstairs to meet with his steward and butler, and Diana had an appointment with the housekeeper, Mrs. Marley. They’d planned to meet in the housekeeper’s office, which was situated near the kitchen attached to the main house. As she made her way toward the stairs leading down to the hall, it was impossible not to think of Simon and the former duchess. And since it pained her to imagine his wife tumbling down the stairs to her death, Diana knew just how torturous it was for Simon to be here. It was no wonder he spent so much time away.

She also understood why he moved through this particular space rather quickly. Now she didn’t linger either.

She hastened into the small parlor, then through to the lobby that opened into the breakfast room and led to the corridor that funneled to the kitchens. Simon had pointed them out last night, but they hadn’t gone to investigate.

She stepped into a vestibule that led to many rooms, the largest of which was the main kitchen in front of her. However, before she could move forward, Mrs. Marley approached from the left.

“Good morning, Your Grace.” The housekeeper smiled warmly. She was young for her position—not much older than Diana—with dark red-brown hair and rich brown eyes. In fact, Diana had noticed that most of the staff was rather young, with the exception of the steward and the cook.

“Good morning, Mrs. Marley.”

“My office is just this way.” She led Diana through the vestibule to a door that opened to a small room. Not much larger than a closet, it held a writing desk and straight-backed chair set against one wall, with another chair on the opposite wall. There was also a dresser and a small hearth with a low fire burning in the grate. The flames and a lantern on the desk were the only sources of illumination, for there were no windows.

“Is this office sufficient for your duties?” Diana asked.

“Oh yes, ma’am. I don’t spend much time here. There’s far too much to oversee throughout a house of this size.”

“I hope you don’t mind my saying so, but you’re very young to be in your position. You must be quite accomplished.”

Mrs. Marley blushed slightly, but her spine was straight and her head high. “I’ve always worked very hard and have been fortunate to move up. Unfortunately, I was likely promoted far before my time due to the tragedy that happened here.”

“Many of the staff left?”

Mrs. Marley nodded. “Rather than be marked by the scandal. I considered leaving, but I am far too fond of the family. I’ve never worked anywhere else.”

Diana understood that kind of loyalty and was glad to hear of it. Simon needed all the support he could get. “How long have you worked here?”

“Over ten years, ma’am.”

“And when the former housekeeper left two years ago, you were promoted.” Diana assumed that was how the butler had also gained his position. She thought of the steward and cook and presumed they must have remained despite what happened. “You say many of the staff left, but how many remained?” Diana didn’t want to gossip, but she needed to understand the household that was now in her care.

“One of the scullery maids, a single footman, and some of the outside staff. Plus Mr. Nevis and Mrs. Dodd.” The steward and the cook, just as Diana had thought.

“I’m grateful to those of you who stayed, and I’m sure the Duke is as well.” Not that he likely told them. He was never here. “Has it been…difficult since then?” The house seemed to be well organized and finely run, but again, in Simon’s absence, how could they really know if they didn’t ask?

“It’s been different. His Grace is rarely here. We didn’t replace all the staff who left. There hasn’t been a need to do so.”

That made sense. “Well, it sounds as if you’re managing things adequately. The Duke and I deeply appreciate your service—and your loyalty.”

“It is my distinct honor and privilege to serve him, and you, ma’am. We were all distraught over what happened with the previous duchess. We only want for His Grace to find happiness once more. Now he’s wed again, and it seems God’s grace has smiled upon him.” She smiled, and her eyes sparked with cheer. “Upon all of us.”

Diana couldn’t argue with that sentiment. She was just so pleased to hear that the staff was behind Simon. “I’d like to see the kitchens if I may?”

“Of course. You met Mrs. Dodd yesterday. She is probably the best person to show you her domain.” Mrs. Marley lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “She’d prefer that. I may outrank her, but the kitchens are her kingdom, and I wouldn’t dare interfere.” She winked, a glint of humor in her eye.

Diana laughed softly. “I see. Thank you for telling me.” She recalled Mrs. Dodd’s confident and perhaps slightly taciturn demeanor yesterday. She hadn’t remained for the disbursement of the gifts, saying she and her staff had to return to the kitchens or there wouldn’t be any dinner. Their gifts had been delivered here to be handed out later.

“I’ll take you to her,” Mrs. Marley offered, gesturing toward the door.

Diana turned and went back through the vestibule to the entrance to the main kitchen on the left. A long table stood in the center of the room, and on the other side was a wall of brick masonry featuring a massive hearth as well as a new iron range. Diana had heard about them but hadn’t seen one.

Mrs. Dodd turned from supervising one of the maids, who was stirring something on the stovetop. She wiped her hands on her apron. “Good morning, Your Grace.”

“Good morning, Mrs. Dodd. It smells wonderful in here.”

“Don’t go into the scullery.” She nodded to her left. “The maids are gutting fish for dinner tonight. Doesn’t smell too good in there just now.” She tittered, and Diana thought the cook seemed far more comfortable here than she had in the hall yesterday. Probably because she was in her element, her kingdom, as Mrs. Marley had called it.

“I wondered if you might show me around your kitchens?” Diana asked, glancing about the busy main room. There were several doorways leading to the various parts of the kitchen, and she was eager to explore each one.

“Certainly,” Mrs. Dodd said brusquely. She directed a look at the housekeeper, who excused herself and left the kitchen with alacrity. “That one’s a fine housekeeper, but she’s always rubbed me a little odd.” Her generous mouth ticked up. “But then most people rub me a little odd.”

Diana could think of nothing to say to that, so she didn’t. “This is a very large kitchen.”

“The best in Hampshire. Come, I’ll show you.” She guided Diana through the various rooms leading off the main kitchen. There was a pantry, a dry larder, a wet larder, a buttery, the scullery with its own storeroom, and a door to the outside that led to the ash bin and fuel bins as well as the kitchen garden.

“My husband is the head gardener,” Mrs. Dodd said. “He oversees the kitchen garden for me.”

Diana hadn’t met the outside retainers yet. She didn’t realize any of the staff were married. “Do you and Mr. Dodd live here in the house?”

“No, the former duke, God rest his blessed soul, gifted us a cottage. No one can say the Lyndhurst staff aren’t well cared for.”

And yet many of them had left rather than face the scandal of what had happened here two years ago. “Is anyone else on the staff married?”

“Not yet, but I hear Lowell is speaking to His Grace about that this morning. He and Mrs. Marley would like to wed.”

“Oh, she isn’t actually a missus then?” Diana recalled that housekeepers typically went by missus, whether they were wed or not. She wondered why the housekeeper hadn’t said anything about marrying the butler, but perhaps Mrs. Marley preferred to wait for her intended to speak with Simon.

“It’s past time. They’ve been sneaking around for a long while now—since before the Incident.” She lowered her voice. “We don’t talk about it.”

Diana had no problem comprehending what the “Incident” was. She shouldn’t talk about it either, but it nagged at the back of her mind. What she knew of it didn’t paint a full picture, probably because Simon couldn’t contribute any memory of it.

Mrs. Dodd continued. “I don’t let my girls talk about anything like that—no gossip in my kitchen, I say.” She cracked a small smile. “Except for me, of course. Can’t let the housemaids have all the fun.”

The staff at Lyndhurst was perhaps as hierarchical and complicated as Society. Diana went back to the topic at hand. “I’m sure the Duke will support their marriage.” As soon as she said it, she wished she hadn’t. It wasn’t her place to say such things without Simon doing so first.

Except she knew he would. Because she knew him. The admonition had come from the part of her brain that was still under the influence of her parents. She’d been able to push them from her thoughts more and more, but now that she was fulfilling the role they’d always intended for her, it seemed the knowledge they’d drilled into her was harder to ignore. She didn’t want to be the kind of duchess her mother and father had trained her to be. She wanted to be the kind of duchess who knew her staff well and supported their lives and loves.

Mrs. Dodd put her hand on her hip and yelled toward the stove. “Becky, you need to stir that faster or it will burn and be ruined!”

The maid increased her movements as directed.

The cook shook her head. “Have to watch these girls constantly. But they’re a good lot. Hard workers to a one.” She blinked her light blue eyes at Diana. “What was I saying? Ah yes, Lowell and Marley getting married. It’s hard for me to be too happy for them.” She lowered her voice to a stage whisper. “As I said, Mrs. Marley rubs me wrong. Always a bit big for her station, if you ask me.”

“But you said she’s a fine housekeeper.” Diana didn’t wish to encourage the servants’ gossip, but she also wanted to understand the complicated relationships between them so she could better manage her duties.

“That she is.” Mrs. Dodd waved her hand, motioning for Diana to move toward the other end of the table so they were out of earshot of the other maids—relatively. The cook pitched her voice to its lowest volume yet, which still wasn’t quite a whisper. “I admit I don’t particularly care for Mrs. Marley because of the role she played in the Incident.”

This time, Diana couldn’t resist probing for more information. “Whatever do you mean?” She confined her voice to a genuine whisper.

“Mrs. Marley is the one who saw what happened. She said His Grace and Her Grace argued on the stairs, and the next thing she knew, Her Grace had tumbled to the hall.” Mrs. Dodd’s eyes darkened with sadness. “Terrible tragedy. Her Grace was as kind as they come.” She flicked a wary glance at Diana. “I’m sure you’re just as kind.”

“I shall hope to display such a quality,” Diana murmured. This staff was apparently not only loyal to Simon, but also to his first duchess. And yet, they’d also been welcoming to her. So far.

She couldn’t help but delve deeper into the Incident. “So Mrs. Marley saw the Duke push the duchess?”

“Not directly, but she saw him grab her arm. The story goes that she didn’t want them to see her, so she turned to leave. That’s when she heard the sound of Her Grace hitting the floor.” Mrs. Dodd winced as she shook her head. “It was most distressing.” Sadness darkened her words.

Diana’s stomach turned, and she felt a bit queasy. Simon had grabbed Miriam’s arm? Diana had never believed he could push his wife, whether angry or drunk—or both. Her father was capable of that kind of behavior, but not Simon. Yet, she recalled the way he’d grabbed her in Brereton, when he’d seen the Taft children. He’d been completely unaware of what he’d done, of the stress that had provoked him to squeeze her too tightly. Had he done something similar with his first wife? She could see how it was possible, especially since he’d been drunk. Her blood ran cold. For the first time, she considered that he might actually be guilty of what everyone accused him of. And that made her feel sick.

Diana recalled her conversation with the housekeeper and how supportive she’d been of Simon. “Despite seeing that, Mrs. Marley stayed?”

“Oh yes, she’s always been a staunch ally to His Grace. She and Lowell both, but I guess that makes sense. You tend to share everything with your mate.” Her eyes narrowed, and her voice, which had risen to a normal tone, dipped again. “What I’ve always wondered is why the stupid chit couldn’t just lie and say she didn’t see anything. Why torture His Grace with the knowledge that he may have caused her death?” Mrs. Dodd’s gaze sharpened on the maid stirring at the stove. “That’s too fast now, Becky!” She exhaled with a tinge of exasperation. “It’s time for the next step.” She gave Diana an apologetic look. “It’s her first time with the sauce. Excuse me, ma’am.”

Diana inclined her head and watched the cook bustle off to instruct the young maid. Curious to see the kitchen garden—briefly, because it had been frosty this morning and was likely still quite cold—Diana went into the scullery. A single maid, the young Rose who’d been at the end of the line at yesterday’s introduction, was cleaning the tools she and the other scullery maid had used to gut the fish.

“You’re Rose, is that right?” Diana asked with a smile. The girl had been shy yesterday, her gaze never quite meeting Diana’s.

She flicked a glance toward Diana but kept her attention focused on her task. “Yes, Your Grace.”

“I remember you from yesterday. You said you liked to draw.” Diana had tried to learn something specific about each member of the staff, both to help her remember them more easily and because she genuinely wanted to know them as people and not just faceless servants.

“I do, ma’am.” Her cheeks flushed a charming pink.

“I can see you’re very good at your job,” Diana said, thinking it must be difficult work. She’d no idea how to gut a fish. She’d caught a few, put them in a basket, and they’d magically shown up on the table for dinner later.

“I try, ma’am. Working here is an excellent opportunity for my family. Hopefully, my younger sister will be hired on this summer.”

“I’m sure that’s a distinct possibility if there’s an opening in the scullery. Perhaps you’ll be promoted to kitchen maid,” Diana said.

Rose finished washing the last knife and put it on the drying rack, then wiped her hands on her apron. When she turned to Diana, her lips lifted into a cautious smile. “I would like that. Maybe some day, I’ll even work myself up to housekeeper like Mrs. Marley.”

“Did she start here as a scullery maid?” Diana asked, intrigued with the rapid rise of Mrs. Marley, who’d apparently gone from scullery maid to housekeeper in barely over a decade.

“When she was fifteen. The same age I am now.”

“And how long have you been here, Rose?”

“Just over two years.”

She’d started just before the prior duchess had died. “Did you meet the former duchess?”

Rose’s color faded, and her gaze dropped again. “Yes, ma’am.” Her voice was small and wispy in the dim scullery.

A sound from outside the door brought Rose’s chin up. Her dark eyes were wide. “Cook is coming.”

Diana understood. Mrs. Dodd wouldn’t appreciate Rose dawdling, especially to gossip. Although, Diana was the duchess. She would surely allow that. Even so, Diana didn’t want to cause any trouble for the girl. Offering a warm smile, she said, “I’ll let you get back to work.”

Diana turned and passed the cook as she left the scullery. “Your staff is excellent, Mrs. Dodd. You should be very proud.” She wanted to make sure the cook knew Diana was impressed.

The cook’s chest puffed up a bit. “Thank you, ma’am.”

As Diana made her way back out through the kitchen, her thoughts teemed with all she’d learned, especially about the Incident and the fact that her mind was open to the notion that he’d accidentally killed his wife. It fairly broke her heart. But did it change how she felt?

And how is that exactly, a voice in her head asked. Did she love him?

She couldn’t know. She had no experience with the emotion. Fear, however, was one she was quite well acquainted with. And when she thought of what Mrs. Dodd had told her of what Mrs. Marley had seen and of what she knew of Simon, she felt a wave of apprehension.

He’s not like your father, that voice said.

Belatedly, she recalled that she wanted to explore the kitchen garden. Perhaps the fresh air, however cold it may be, would clear her mind of troublesome thoughts.

It was a temporary reprieve, for she knew the past was bound to catch up with them.

---

“So the staff is functioning well?” Simon asked Nevis, who sat on the other side of his desk in his study.

The steward nodded. “I’d wondered if Lowell would be able to fulfill the duties of butler, but he’s exceeded my expectations. He’s quite intelligent. It’s a shame he wasn’t able to attend university. I think he would have acquitted himself well.”

Simon was pleased to hear this. He’d left the promotion and hiring of staff entirely to Nevis, especially after Miriam’s death. “Most excellent.”

As their meeting was drawing to a close, the older man sat forward in his chair. “How long will you be staying at Lyndhurst? I thought we might tour the estate. It’s been a while since you did so.”

It was a gentle admonishment, delivered without heat and accompanied by the hint of a supportive smile. The entire staff had treated him with kid gloves since Miriam’s death, and Nevis was no exception. It was, in this case, a tad bittersweet because he’d known Nevis for so long. There was a fatherly aspect to him that Simon couldn’t ignore.

“I was thinking so too.” Which was true, but just because he’d been thinking he should stay for longer than a few days and actually pay attention to his estate didn’t mean he planned to. However, guilt—a too familiar and painful emotion—ate at him.

“We’ll be here at least a week.” Simon regretted the words as soon as he said them, but then quietly scolded himself. He could stay here for a bloody week. Especially with Diana at his side.

“Excellent. I’ll arrange something with the tenants. They’ll be delighted to see you.”

Simon assumed they were finished, but Nevis didn’t rise. Indeed, he seemed hesitant. “Is there something else?” Simon asked.

Nevis’s forehead creased, and his gray brows angled toward the bridge of his nose. “I’m getting older,” he began, and Simon suspected where this conversation was going. “I expect I’d like to retire in the next year or two. It might be wise to bring someone on this year so that I may train them for the position.”

Simon leaned back in his chair and blew out a breath. “I should have seen this coming. Indeed, I should have talked with you about it. I’m afraid I’ve been too preoccupied with my own troubles.”

Nevis nodded sympathetically. “Which is more than understandable. I’ve known you all your life—any man would buckle under the strain. Not that you’ve buckled. Indeed, you’ve shown far more aplomb than most. Mrs. Nevis and I pray for you nightly.”

Simon appreciated the man’s kindness more than he could say. “Thank you. And please thank Mrs. Nevis. You and she must join us for dinner tomorrow so she can meet the Duchess.”

“That would be wonderful. Thank you, sir.” Nevis rose and straightened his coat.

“Have you given any thought to your successor?”

Nevis cocked his head to the side. “I’ve actually considered Lowell. Though he’s not formally educated, he’s been studying math and reading about estate management. He knows Lyndhurst, and he’s certainly dedicated to you and the estate.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Simon said. Lowell was his next appointment, so perhaps he’d speak to him about it.

Nevis nodded. “Thank you, sir.” He departed the study, and Simon turned his head to look out the window at the front drive.

A moment later, Simon saw Lowell approach the threshold from the corner of his eye. He gave the butler his attention and beckoned him forward. “Come in, Lowell. Was there anything specific you wished to discuss today, or did you just want to deliver a report?”

Lowell looked down at Simon from his vast height with a somewhat tense expression. “I did have a particular matter to discuss, but I’m happy to provide a report first.”

Simon suspected it was the “particular matter” that was causing Lowell’s discomfort. It was probably best to get that out of the way. “Why don’t you sit so we can discuss your ‘particular matter.’” Simon indicated the chair Nevis had vacated.

The butler lowered himself slowly, perching on the edge of the chair as if he were afraid he might break it. Or as if he were ready to flee. “Thank you, Your Grace.” He cleared his throat, and his shoulders twitched. “May I start by saying how glad we are to have you back at Lyndhurst and with a new bride? Her Grace is already making quite an impression.”

“A positive one, I hope.”

Lowell looked slightly alarmed. “Most definitely. The care she took to meet everyone yesterday was most appreciated.”

“She’s a singular woman,” Simon said softly. His admiration for her only continued to grow.

“It seems that marriage agrees with you.” The butler’s neck reddened. “I beg your pardon, sir. I didn’t mean to speak out of turn.”

Simon shifted in his chair. Of course his staff would notice if he were happy or not. Particularly since he usually was not. This had to be quite a change. It was for him too. “You’re not out of line. Now, what’s your point of discussion?”

“Yes, of course. I mentioned marriage because I hope to enter that estate myself soon. Mrs. Marley and I would like to wed, and I humbly ask your permission to do so.”

“You want to marry the housekeeper?” Simon blinked, thinking he’d misheard. Given Lowell’s demeanor, Simon had been expecting a much more dire issue—such as someone had been caught thieving or that someone was ill. He laughed. “What a joyous occasion. Why do you seem as if you’re marching to the gallows?”

The red in Lowell’s neck crept up into his face. “I’m not sure, sir.”

“Are you certain you wish to marry?” Simon asked.

“Absolutely. I am in love with Edith—Mrs. Marley, I mean.”

Simon felt a rush of kinship with the man. He knew what it was like to be in love. In fact, he had to wonder if he was currently in the throes of that emotion. It had been scarcely an hour, maybe two, since he’d seen Diana, and he missed her something fierce. All he could think was that he was desperate to see her smile, hear her laugh, touch her softness.

Love?

“Sir?” Lowell’s hesitant query drew Simon back to their conversation.

He gave the butler a half smile. “My apologies for woolgathering. Of course you have my permission. Would you like to marry here in the chapel?”

Lowell’s eyes widened briefly. “That’s very generous of you, sir. Is that possible?”

“I’m sure I can arrange it with the vicar.”

“We are humbled by your generosity, sir.” Lowell bowed his head briefly. “Mrs. Marley will be thrilled.”

“I’m pleased to have a happy occasion to celebrate here.” It would be good for everyone. He’d talk to Diana about arranging a nice breakfast for the newlyweds. He’d also need to talk to Nevis about living arrangements for the couple. “Your chamber is out near the kitchen, is it not?” Simon asked.

“It is, sir.”

“I can’t imagine it’s large enough for you and a wife. I’ll speak with Nevis about finding new accommodation. Do you have a date for the wedding yet?”

“We don’t, sir. I wanted to secure your permission first.”

Of course. “Well, let’s not dally. See that the banns are read this Sunday, and the Duchess and I will work on the other arrangements.” Yes, this was a welcome distraction from the depression that hung over the house. He was eager to share it with Diana. He had every expectation she would ensure Lowell and Marley had a wedding they would all remember.

Lowell appeared a bit confounded. “Thank you, sir. Mrs. Marley will be overcome.”

Just as Nevis had lingered and seemed to have something else to say, Lowell behaved in the same manner. Simon folded his hands on the top of his desk. “Will you be delivering a report now, or is there another matter?”

“There is one other matter.” It didn’t seem possible, but Lowell managed to look even more uncomfortable than he had a few minutes ago. Good heavens, but the man perhaps needed to work on his confidence. Which made no sense, because from everything Simon knew, Lowell managed the household in an adept and assured manner.

“Go on,” Simon prodded gently.

“I know Mr. Nevis will retire at some point, and I wanted you to know that I’ve been studying estate management in the hope that I may qualify to replace him.”

Perhaps confidence wasn’t Lowell’s issue, but humility. It took courage to come out and ask for a position that was above your education. And it seemed Lowell knew that, hence his reticence. “Mr. Nevis told me of your aptitude and your intelligence. He seems to think you may be up to the task.”

The flush came back to Lowell’s face for a brief flash. “That’s exceedingly complimentary, sir. I do endeavor to work hard.”

“I appreciate you speaking with me about this. It demonstrates your determination and commitment. I would urge you to continue your studies.”

Lowell stood. “Thank you, sir. I will. And thank you again for the wedding. I will talk to Mrs. Marley later this evening.”

Simon rolled his eyes. “Oh bollocks—sorry. Go and speak with her now. If you aren’t beside yourself to do so, then you may want to rethink the whole thing.”

Lowell’s mouth split into a wide smile that was completely at odds with his austere demeanor. “I’ll do that, sir.” He bowed and took his leave.

Simon realized he was feeling precisely the same—he wanted to see his wife. He got up and rounded his desk just as she appeared in the doorway. He smiled, absurdly pleased to see her. She was stunning in a new day gown they’d purchased in Oxford. It was the color of fresh cream with dainty flowers of gold and crimson. A gold sash encircled her rib cage, and he suddenly wanted his hands to do the same.

“I was just coming to find you, wife.”

“Were you? I’m not interrupting, am I?” she asked, stepping over the threshold and looking around his study.

“Not at all. I just finished with Lowell, and he had the most extraordinary news.”

“He wishes to marry Mrs. Marley.”

Simon’s shoulders drooped slightly. “You already know.”

She went to the fireplace and looked at the miniatures of his parents that sat atop the mantelpiece. “Mrs. Dodd told me. She is a veritable fount of information.”

Simon followed her, wanting to increase their proximity. “Is she?”

Diana turned and just a foot or so separated them. “Yes—and don’t be angry—she told me about what happened two years ago. The ‘Incident.’”

“The ‘Incident’?” They had a fucking name for it? Fury curled in his gut. “It wasn’t an ‘Incident,’ it was a bloody tragedy.”

She winced. “Of course it was. I shouldn’t have used that word.”

“It wasn’t your word, was it? That’s what they call it?” Of course the staff talked about it. The event had been a massive scandal—one that followed him to this day and likely always would. As it should. Not because it was a scandal, but because it was a goddamn tragedy.

“Simon, I asked you not to get angry.”

He turned from her and walked to the windows facing the drive. “Forgive me if I can’t help myself.”

The room fell quiet for a few moments, during which he regained his equilibrium. He shouldn’t get angry. Servants would talk, and they meant him no harm. They’d all stayed here despite the potential damage to their reputations, hadn’t they?

Before he could apologize, Diana said, “I wanted to ask you why you allowed Mrs. Marley to stay after what she said.”

Simon turned. Diana was watching him warily but with empathy in the depths of her gaze. “What was I to do, cast out a loyal retainer for telling the truth?”

“No, but no one would blame you for not wanting her here. She’s a reminder of what happened.”

He lifted his hands and dropped them sharply to his sides. “All of it is a reminder of what happened.” He put his hand on the back of his neck, anxiously massaging the flesh as emotion raged within him. “But I can’t turn someone out because they told the truth. Especially not when they demonstrated extreme remorse. Did you know she offered to leave, out of guilt, but Nevis convinced her to stay?” Simon had learned that about a year ago.

Diana came toward him and took his hands. “Simon, if it’s too much, we can leave. Why don’t we just go to London?”

God, her understanding and compassion nearly undid him. “I told Nevis we’d stay at least a week. I haven’t toured the estate in…” He shook his head. “I don’t know how long.”

“But I can’t stand watching you tortured.”

“Why are you so forgiving?” They were all so forgiving—the staff who’d remained and demonstrated fierce loyalty, Nick who never failed to bolster his spirits, and now Diana, who stood by him even in the face of his inability to forgive himself. “Did Mrs. Dodd tell you exactly what happened, the specifics?”

She nodded slowly. “Yes.”

“Tell me.” To hear Diana recite his crimes was like putting himself on the rack, but he deserved nothing less.

Diana swallowed. Her eyes were dark and unflinching. “She said you and...the duchess argued, that you grabbed her. Marley turned then and didn’t see exactly what transpired.”

Though she held his hands, he felt cold. “So you see how it happened. How it was my fault.”

“I’ve decided fault doesn’t matter. As you said, it was a tragedy. Whatever happened to cause it, the damage can’t be undone.”

His throat tightened, and he clasped her hands as if she could save him from drowning in the sea of his emotion. He would never know what he’d done to deserve her. “I will thank God every day for you.”

She smiled and let go of one of his hands to touch his cheek before pressing her lips against his. Her kiss was soft and sweet and gave him the strength to let the pain go—at least for now. “It seems we are a gift to each other, just when we needed it most.”

He kissed her again, slipping his tongue into her mouth. She speared her fingers into the hair at his nape and held him tight, kissing him back with a heat that made him weak.

When she pulled back, her lips were still smiling. “Now about this wedding. When is it to take place?”

Grateful for the distraction—no, he was grateful for her—he launched into the plans he’d discussed with Lowell. As expected, she was quite thrilled to take part.

Then he realized they should be here for the nuptials. And since they needed three consecutive Sundays for the banns to be read, that meant staying here for a month.

He wasn’t sure he could do it. The week he’d promised stretched long and harrowing before him. But perhaps with Diana at his side, he could muster the strength to put the past where it belonged: in the past.

If not, he’d do what he did best. He’d flee.