Calypso Magic (Magic Trilogy 2)

"Yes, but he had the good sense not to tell Diana that was his plan."

"She doesn't want a husband? A rich one? Come, Lucia, that notion is most difficult to knead into bread."

"If Charlotte knew how much influence her actions had on you, my boy, I fancy she would be most surprised. Probably very pleased that she could bring Lord Saint Leven to this pass. You have become a cynic, Lyonel. It is not at all flattering."

Lyon yawned.

"You need to have your ears cuffed, my boy."

Anything but my manhood, Lyonel started to say. He grinned at her. "Dear Lucia, forgive me. You were saying?"

"I was wondering what Diana wants to do with her life. She is truly not at all interested in marriage. If I bring it up, she quickly finds something to do or some other subject to talk about." That wasn't exactly true, but she wanted to see Lyonel's reaction.

"Perhaps she is just young for her age." Not physically young, though. "Very well, what is she interested in, Lucia?"

"I am not certain. Knowledge, experiencesI believe she views marriage as lacking in both those elements. Sort of the end rather than a beginning. A ride to the guillotine in a tumbrel, perhaps."

"That is immense foolishness. Why, I ---"

"I know, my boy. You wanted a wife, a home, children. I believe that you could teach her that a marriage based on love and respect is the most incredible experience a human being can have. Life is so deuced short. When one is young, it seems it will go on forever. Ah, well, I suppose you will do as you please."

"Leave her be. Leave me be."

"I received a letter from Lucien Savarol this morning."

"So?"

"I am not so certain I should tell Diana of it just yet. It might upset her."

"More of your damned plots? Oh, very well, why should the chit be upset?"

"Lucien has remarried. A widow from St. Thomas. She has a grown son. No, I shan't tell her."

"If she isn't a selfish brat, she will be pleased that her father has found someone else."

"Her father suggests --- and I well imagine that it is his new wife's idea --- that Diana remain here a while longer. He asks me directly about her matrimonial prospects."

"As you have said, she isn't at all interested, which is a relief, since she appears to attract all the wrong sort. Take Plummer, for example. Good Lord, what an Idiot! Then there is Mortimer Fortesque, I shudder to think of him and that fool cousin of his ---"

"You don't have to recite all their names, my boy. Just look about at all the posies. Lord Brackenridge has roses sent from his hothouse in Surrey each day."

"Brackenridge! Surely you will discourage that poseur. He wants nothing more than a mother for his four children, a housekeeper, and someone to warm his bed. Why, he would treat her like a damned brood mare."

"But he already has four children, as you said."

"He wouldn't be able to keep his hands off Diana. You know as well as I that once he got her in bed, he would ---" He broke off, furious with himself.

"Perhaps," said Lucia, studying this reaction with great interest. "But he is most assiduous in his attentions."

"Diana isn't a fool. For her sake, keep the man away, Lucia."

"If she returns home, I wonder what will happen to her?"

"Surely there are appropriate gentlemen, even there, if the chit ever decides to test the waters. Now, Lucia, I am off. Diana is sleeping. I will be back this afternoon to see her."

"Where are you off to?"

He gave her a nasty grin, wanting to poke a hole in her blasted confidence. "I think I shall pay a visit to my mistress. I have not been overly assiduous lately in my, er, attentions."