The Earl's Design of Love: The Stenwick Siblings by Kirsten Osbourne, Morganna Mayfair Read Free Book Online Page B

front of the mirror and gazed at herself.  “Yes, that’s perfect.”  She turned to her maid and confidante.  “Thank you, Anna!”  She threw her arm around the other woman and hugged her tightly.  “I get to see him tonight!”
    Anna laughed.  “I know. I can see how happy that makes you.  He must be a good man.”
    “Oh, he is!”  Diana put her slippers on and opened the door to go downstairs where she knew her parents would be waiting, and most likely, Lady Stenwick and Percy as well.
    She walked down the stairs slowly, determined to make a good entrance in case he had already arrived.  As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she saw his eyes fill with warmth as he watched her.  She walked close to him and made a slight curtsey as she’d been taught.  “My lord.”
    He took her hand and smiled down at her, raising her hand to his lips to receive his kiss.  “You look absolutely stunning this evening.”  His eyes traveled up and down her body, coming to rest on her cleavage.  “One more week.”  He lowered his voice as he said those words, so she would know they were meant just for her.
    “I’m so happy you could make it into town for our engagement party.  I know how busy you are.”  The words were formal, but the look she gave him let him know that she was thinking only of him.
    “Let’s take a turn around the ballroom.”  He put her hand to the crook of his arm and walked with her slowly through the still mostly empty ballroom.  “I was worried that when I saw you again I would wonder what it was that had made me ask you to marry me, but the second I saw you, it all came rushing back.  I simply can’t imagine what my life would be without you now.”
    Diana smiled, her head resting on his shoulder for a moment as they walked.  She knew it was improper, but they were to be married in a week. If someone felt the need to gossip about her for it, they could just go ahead and do it. Charlotte was off in the corner of the room with a group of young ladies, and she kept giving Diana glaring looks.  Lucy was beside her, as always, but her looks were more inquisitive than glaring.  She seemed to be waiting to form an opinion of her future sister-in-law.
    Percy walked her over to the group of women, and introduced her to his two sisters, both of whom she’d known for some time, but only superficially.  “Charlotte, Lucy, this is my fiancée, Diana.  Diana?  My two sisters, Charlotte and Lucy.”
    Charlotte wrinkled her nose slightly in distaste, but knowing her brother supported her said, “Welcome to the family.”   She quickly turned back to her friends, effectively dismissing Diana.
    Diana was well aware of how Charlotte felt about her, and smiled gratefully that she didn’t act badly upon meeting her.  “Thank you.  It’s very nice to meet you, Charlotte.”
    Lucy held her hand out and gripped Diana’s warmly.  “I think you’re just what Percy needs to teach him to act like a gentleman again.”
    Diana grinned, immediately liking his younger sister.  She had no real friends among the young ladies of the ton, both because her father was in trade and because her powers frightened people.  They didn’t really know what went on with her, but everyone knew there was something odd, which left them feeling unsettled.  “Thank you.  It’s good to finally have sisters.” 
    Lucy grinned, leaning forward to whisper into Diana’s ear.  “It’ll be nice to have a sister I’m not in competition over the gentlemen with.”
    Diana laughed softly.  “I think we’re going to get along very well.”
    Percy watched the two heads bent together and thought Diana would fit in splendidly with his family.  One more week.  Just one more week.
    Percy led her back to her mother and his, who were standing with their heads together, as usual, watching the two of them.  When they reached them, her mother smiled.  “I’m going to go let the orchestra know to play the first