“And what is that? Your perfect little solution? Extortion?” she asked between clenched teeth.
“Such an unpalatable word. I would rather call it a discreet and amicable arrangement. But if DeVere does not wish to come to such an agreement, he can pay much more dearly in the courts of law. If I recall correctly, Lord Grosvenor received compensation to the tune of ten thousand pounds when Lady Grosvenor bestowed her favors on the Duke of Cumberland. By my calculation,” Reggie continued nonchalantly, “your betrayal should be worth at least that much, mayhap even twenty thousand.”
“You have no proof of anything.”
“But there you are wrong. I have sworn statements from two witnesses who have seen you alone with DeVere. That is all the proof I need for a court of law. You may as well go back to his bed, Diana, for I swear you will both pay dearly for it either way. As for his possession of the deed, if you still don’t believe me, just ask DeVere yourself.” He gave her a blithe shrug and pulled out his timepiece. “Although your little tête-a-tête may need to wait until a more opportune time. The races begin in less than two hours. I must say I am much relieved to know my fate no longer rests on the horserace. Damned unpredictable, those animals can be.”
Reggie rang for the maid. “You really must do something about your appearance, Diana.” His face devoid of expression, he reached a hand to her neck tracing the evidence of DeVere’s passion with his fingertip. “Might I suggest you wear your hair down today?”
“Shut up, Reggie! Just shut up!” Diana jerked away with a look of abhorrence. “Leave me now,” she commanded. “We have nothing more to say.”
“For the moment,” he agreed. His laughter rang with a hellish echo as he departed through the connecting door.
Diana was trembling, shaken to the depths of her being. She bathed and dressed in a speechless daze, myriad questions searing her brain. How did DeVere come by the deed to Palmerston Hall and why? Was he confederated with O’Kelly all along to ruin Reggie? But why, when they were barely acquainted with one another? If he had acquired the deed, what did he intend to do with it? Was it for the stud, as Reggie suggested? Their horses were the only thing she could think of that might hold the slightest appeal to DeVere, the stud being the only thing of value.
Unless? Diana recalled their very first meeting but immediately shook the notion away. It was outrageously vain to think he might have intended to use the deed to get her into his bed. If that was his intent, would he not have mentioned it when she first sought his help?
Now Reggie thought to turn the tables. Although he believed he had the upper hand, his avarice would surely be his undoing. Diana knew DeVere would never submit to blackmail, yet there was nothing she could do to prevent a legal action. A judgment could help her secure a separation and thus freedom from the travesty of her marriage…but at what cost?
She descended to breakfast with a feeling of dread at the thought of meeting DeVere so soon after sharing his bed. Although only knowing each other a matter of days, they had parted that morning on terms of intimacy she had never experienced with anyone. It was both breathtaking and terrifying. They had become lovers, but then Reggie’s revelations had followed. Diana still wasn’t sure what to think or how to react.
As it turned out, there was no opportunity at all to speak of the concerns that plagued her or to warn him about Reggie. DeVere and Hew had broken their fast early and left almost directly afterward. In the few minutes they might have had to talk, Edward and Annalee had been present.
DeVere’s reaction upon seeing her, however, the secret smile he bestowed, melted her insides and promised more of what they had shared the night before. It also told her he knew nothing of Reggie’s blackmail. She was partly relieved. If only she could find a way to speak with him first.
***
A crowd of hundreds were gathered along the racecourse when Diana, Ned and Annalee arrived on the down. They took their places apart from the rabble upon the raised dais erected for the owners and aristocrats. Her spine stiffened when the Duchess of Beauclerc joined them on the arm of the Earl of March.
Edward bowed to them both. “Duchess. And so good to see you, my Lord March,” he addressed the earl and then introduced Annalee and Diana, both of whom dipped in a brief show of obeisance. “Have you a horse in the running?” Edward asked the noted turf man.
“Aye,” said the earl. “A fine mare in the second race.”
“Is that so?” said Diana. “Then I promise you a great challenge as I also have a horse in the running.”