Diana swallowed the tears gathering in her throat. “I should like to see that.” She patted her hair, hoping it hadn’t become too disheveled. She wanted to cry but knew she didn’t dare. Showing up in a ballroom with red eyes and a red nose would get all the tongues to wagging.
Which just proved his point, curse him!
Geoffrey pulled her into his embrace. “If you really wish to share my bed, I will not say no. What man would? We could do it here. But we’ll have to come up with a way to meet that won’t attract notice.”
She sighed. “I’ll think on it. I’m sure I can figure out something.”
“If anyone can, it’s you.” He glanced at his watch. “You’d better go. I’ll need some time to . . . deal with my bulging breeches.”
That made her smile. “How exactly do you mean to—”
“Never you mind,” he grumbled. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
“Then I’ll see you at supper.”
“I’ve already had my supper,” he said in a husky voice, his eyes alight. “Quite a good one, actually.”
“Oh, dear, I know that look,” she said. “I’d best leave.”
Thankfully, she was able to slip out of the room, climb the stairs, and dash toward the retiring room before anyone saw her. But as she walked into the room to find it empty save for one dozing lady, she couldn’t help wondering why he still wouldn’t tell her the source of his reluctance to marry. It made no sense to her.
One thing at a time, Diana, she told herself. One thing at a time.