A Scandalous Portrait (The Rose Room Rogues #1) - Callie Hutton Page 0,22

pressing that I may change into?”

“Yes, my lady. Why don’t you wash up at the water bowl one of the maids just filled and I will find something for you.” The maid nodded at the milk glass bowl and pitcher on the dresser across from the bed.

Diana washed and with Marguerite’s help changed into a deep yellow mousselaine de soie gown that drew snug across her stomach and midriff with a lovely gathering at her lower back, not like the horsehair bustles of the past, but small ruffles and one large bow.

Diana loved that dress because her full-figured, muscular form from all her riding filled out her outfits quite well. Since she never wanted to be like everyone else, she relished in her body, different from the current waifs.

She was directed to the patio by one of the footmen. It was a pleasant day, with some sunshine, but combined with enough passing clouds to not require a parasol to protect her skin. She noticed most of the young ladies present did carry one with them. Diana always hated carrying reticules, parasols and other hinderances to free movement.

“Diana!” Miss April Connors called to her from a small table where she sat with her brother, Mr. Nelson Connors and their mother, Mrs. Edith Connors. Mr. Ernest Connors, the patriarch, was missing.

Diana made her way to the table, her insides twisting at the leering stare coming from the younger Mr. Connor’s eyes. They traveled up and down her body as if assessing a bit of horseflesh at Tattersalls. Apparently, her absence from England hadn’t been long enough for some young men to forget her stumble into disgrace. She’d never cared for any of the Connors, anyway.

Mr. Ernest Connors was a blustering, large man who used every opportunity to remind one and all that despite being a ‘mister’ he was the son of a viscount and only one step from inheriting, since his brother, the current viscount, had been married for several years and had still not produced an heir.

His wife was timid and meek, a trait Diana barely tolerated in a woman. Nelson had always regarded Diana with a combination of disdain and ungentlemanly interest and poor April had been betrothed to a young man who left for the continent on a trip and, after four years, had still not returned, leaving the girl a bit on the sour side.

Mr. Connors rose and pulled out a chair. “My lady, if you please.”

Diana took the seat across from Miss Connors and, unfortunately, next to Mr. Connors, who inched his chair ever so slightly so he was closer to her than she would have liked.

After his knee touched her thigh, she wished she had brought a parasol after all. She could stick him in the leg with it.

“I’m so glad to see you, Lady Diana. I hadn’t heard that you returned from your visit with your family in Italy.” Miss Connors offered a warm smile while her brother gave a low, but noticeable snort.

“Yes, I had a lovely time.” She nodded. “And I am glad to see all of you as well.”

A footman arrived at the table with a pot of tea and a tray of several small sandwiches, tarts, and biscuits.

The group made typical inane conversation about the roads and the weather while everyone fixed their tea and placed various offerings on their plate. Diana took a sip and, instantly, the hairs on the back of her neck rose.

He’s here.

9

Against his better judgment, but at the request of Sir Phillip DuBois-Gifford, Hunt had returned home from the meeting with Sir Phillip and immediately sent an acceptance missive to Lady Grafton. He managed to avoid Diana for the next few days by spending more time at his club and less at typical ton affairs.

It hadn’t helped one bit. He still dreamed of her and, whenever his mind was not fully occupied, his thoughts drifted to Diana and the portrait still sitting in the wardrobe. He really ought to burn it, but every time he seriously considered doing so, he found one reason or another to not.

Now he stood on the patio at the Grafton Estate staring at Diana’s back as she sat with the Connors family.

“My lord, I am so glad you have arrived!” Lady Eunice grabbed his arm, taking him by surprise, almost pitching him to the ground.

“My lady, how nice to see you.” He glanced in the direction of the Connors’ table. Diana turned and smirked at him. Either because he had said