Calypso Magic (Magic Trilogy 2)

"So you no longer believe him to be too pale and unhealthy-looking?"

"Perhaps not entirely," Diana said, thinking back to the evening when he lifted her into his arms out of the carriage. She had felt his strength. It still made her feel mildly alarmed.

"You promised your father that you would remain six weeks, my dear."

"I know, and there are still three more to go."

"I did not realize that you were still so very unhappy."

Diana caught herself, realizing that she had inflicted hurt where none was intended. It was all Lyonel's fault, damn him. She jumped from her chair at the dining table and rushed to Lucia's side, easing down to her knees. "Please do not mind me, or my stupid tongue. You know that you are my favorite person in all of London. Indeed, my very favorite female relative."

"I am the only one, you pert-mouthed chit!" But she laughed and gently patted Diana's head. "You are a good girl and you have been most patient with all my old woman's vagaries. Now, get back to your dinner."

"As Lyonel w

ould doubtless say in his sardonic manner, 'Don't let your charms waste away.'"

"Yes, that is exactly what he would say." Lucia toyed with a bite of well-sauced chicken. "I have decided that Lyonel will escort you home."

"He will refuse."

"No, he won't. I see that you have already considered that possibility."

"NoWell, perhaps. It is a long voyage, Aunt, at least six weeks. Can you imagine the two of us copped up for that period of time?"

"You will either kill each other or ---"

"Or what?"

Lucia shrugged. "Well, you will just have to see, won't you? In terms of a chaperone, I am endeavoring to find a family who also plan to return to the West Indies. It will all work out, my dear, you will see."

"Ha!"

Lucia's expression was as bland as her vegetables. "Lyonel promised me he would come this evening to provide you with more dancing lessons."

"Lucky me."

Lucia merely smiled to herself, noting how Diana's hand immediately and unconsciously went to her hair to straighten any errant strands. She blurted out suddenly, "Aunt, he really doesn't like me, not a bit!"

"Bosh."

"He has a mistress and he sees more of her in one evening than he's ever seen us."

"I would imagine that he does," Lucia said, her voice dry.

"I didn't mean see precisely, I meantOh, drat the man, he is impossible! He will go to her as soon as he leaves us."

"I imagine you are right about that."

"I don't like him, Aunt, and as for him, he can barely tolerate my company."

"My lord Saint Leven," Didier said from the doorway.

"Good evening, ladies. Still dining?"

"As you see, Lyonel," said Diana.

"I shall enjoy your conversation, then. Perhaps I shall even improve upon it. Don't mind me at all."