Chapter 9
The Hunter has a New Name
Serena sat at the small vanity in her room fuming. That man would be the end of her. She sat staring at her reflection in the mirror. What was Darien talking about? There was a knock at the door after a few minutes.
"Yes?" She answered sharply.
"I forgot to tell you that we are expecting guests tonight." Darien said briskly and then she heard footsteps down the hall.
She sighed to the mirror. The hairstyle she was trying to preserve since Padma did it up this morning was now in disarray. Surly she could pick out her own clothes and shoes. 'As long as they were pressed.' She thought annoyed with herself. There were so many other things she could do yet taking care of herself in a shallow way was not one of those things. She had been taught to be self reliant and protect herself and yet it was laughable now that she could not even do her own hair. Anna should have taught her more.
She went to the closet and found that Nalini had pressed everything in her trunk. She let out the breath she was holding.
An hour later she was about to lose her mind. Her hair was a mess. She had tried and failed. Tried again and failed again.
The back was not elegant at all. It was very messy and un-even all over the place. She placed a beaded headband in to pull back the mess she had made in the front.
Well. That helped some, she thought.
Someone knocked at the door and she heard Nalni say, "Mrs. Shields the guests have arrived."
"Oh… okay." She squeaked.
She had forgotten to ask who these mystery guests were as she placed a long necklace around her neck.
One last look in the mirror at her hair and she almost faked sickness. Then she realized. What did it matter what she looked like? Her husband didn't care for her. She was already married and had no one to impress.
She sighed, but she had to uphold her family's name and title. If word went back home that Serena Kingsley was anything less than perfect she would embarrass her parents whom she loved dearly.
"Nalini…" She hissed down the hall. "Nalini…"
"Yes, Ma'am?" She answered before heading down the stairs.
"Please, I really need your help." The plea in her eyes could not be hidden.
Nalini took one look at Mrs. Shields she couldn't help but to say, "yes, you do."
"I am not quite sure what is taking her so long." Darien said to his guests. "Please, enjoy the wine. This was just imported from France. I dear say I am glad it is not from Britain or it may have gone up in smoke."
The women laughed politely and the men chucked.
"Should we go up and fetch her." Amy said grabbing Lita's hand.
"No need." Serena said, coming down the stairs.
The room went silent. Lita clapped her hands. "Oh, Sere!" She exclaimed.
Serena was looking quite stunning in a black beaded dinner dress. Her hair was held back with a matching beaded headband a few curls framed her face. Her new wardrobe was not the childish clothing she wore in England. She was married now and her mother was more than happy to provide her with the latest fashion. Her long golden mane looked like it was roped together and intricately looped. She wore it over her shoulder showing off the fine detail.
"I am so sorry I was late. I ran in to a few… issues and Nalini was more than helpful." She laughed off in only a way someone from an elite family could.
Serena was more pleased to see Lita and Amy and she greeted them with full on enthusiasm glad she was not alone with Darien after their spat earlier.
"Serena, I must confess I was very surprised when Nathan told me that we were to join you for dinner tonight. You have only been married little over a night." Lita stated showing concern in her eyes.
"You ladies are already such a breath of fresh air." Serena smiled looking over her shoulder where she saw Nathan and Zack chatting. It clearly was about the house and she could see them comparing similarities most likely to their own. Beyond them were Beryl and who Serena thought was her date from the wedding. She really didn't pay much attention to have recognized him one hundred percent. Her eyebrow rose curiously, so Darien wanted to play games as he had yet again allowed Beryl Westbanks in to their life. It was somewhat disappointing and yet she was not surprised. Darien leaned casually against a wall speaking with both of them and drink in his hand. She was annoyed when she realized again how handsome he was. She saw him look at her and wink. He truly was a horrific man.
Veeral came and handed her a glass of wine and she smiled over at Darien giving him a small toast. In her head she thought, 'Have your redhead, as soon as I have confirmation I will head home to England happily.' She smiled her radiant smile that took him off guard. His smile faltered and she looked away. Yes, she wanted to or she would take an extended vacation away from him. She would start planning it as soon as possible.
"Ladies, I am so glad you are here. I didn't know I would get to see you both so soon." Serena gushed to her friends.
"Sere, we only live a few houses down from you in each direction. Darien set this all up so we could give you a few pointers on some things." Amy explained.
"Then what of Lady Beryl's presence?" Serena nodded to the red head that was now laughing at something Darien had said.
"We have not a clue." Amy hissed. "She is just…"
"The most un-agreeable person we have ever come in contact with." Lita finished.
"Well I can not disagree. However, I assure you that nothing you ladies do to help me I will be able to do. I watched my ladies maid for years do my hair and if it wasn't for sweet Nalina my family reputation would have surly been dishonored." Serena laughed.
"It could not have been that bad." Amy retorted.
"Nalini?" Serena called across the room. Nalini turned and walked over to her.
"Please, tell these ladies the truth about what happened upstairs." Serena smiled at her.
Nalina stood taken aback but Serena smiled and nodded at her to speak.
"This poor child has no talent in styling her hair. A bird may have tried to nest in it if I didn't come to aid her."
Serena, Lita, and Amy burst out laughing.
"I told you!" Serena laughed. "It would have been dishonor on the whole house of Kingsley's I dare say."
Darien watched as his wife laughed with her friends. She looked so carefree and radiant. Possibly the most beautiful he had ever seen her. He looked up to answer something that Beryl had asked when he noticed that Diamond was looking at his wife in a way that made his hand clench in to a fist. Diamonds gaze on Serena was not just one of lust or appreciation. It was one of possession.
Diamond looked over and caught himself in Darien's sight. A smile came across his lips. "Lt. Shields, I realized that I had not been introduced to your wife at the wedding. I had to leave suddenly and was not given the honor." He stated dismissing Darien's glare.
"Allow me to introduce you." Darien forced a smile back, leading the way.
Darien strode to where Serena was chatting with her friends.
"Lady Shields." He said loudly. Serena rolled her eyes before turning to her husband. For this was her stage name. He was calling her to play her part. She turned around with a dazzling smile only to find that Darien was not alone. He was accompanied by a man with hair so light, it was practically white. She may have, for a brief moment, considered him handsome, but she had seen that look in many mans eyes before before her father or Andrew would whisk her away.
"Lady Shields, may I introduce you to Davidson Diamond, Lady Westbanks intended." Darien wrapped an arm around her waist as Diamond took her hand and kissed it. Darien's touch was sending a shiver of hidden pleasure through her body. She hoped Darien took the movement as dislike. She gave an awkward smile at both gestures.
"Pleasure to meet your acquaintance." She lied smoothly. Her perfect breeding covering for her.
"Am I to understand that you have been betrothed to Lt. Shields here since you were merely a child." He asked mirth in his eyes. Beryl came up and joined in to the circle while Nathan and Zack joined their wives.
"That is correct." She smiled. "If you asked me to guess the age I couldn't tell you." The ladies laughed.
"How are you finding India?" Diamond asked, gaze intent on her face.
"Hot." Serena said instantly. Everyone laughed again. She laughed again un nerved by the look he was giving her. She wished Darien would move her out of his glare like her protective family would have.
"My word. I do say that your name quite rings a bell." Diamond said in a puzzling tone taking a sip of wine.
"Is that so?" Serena said with a small smile. Her eyebrow rose.
"Diamond." Beryl smiled. "Of course it does, she is Commander Edward Kingsley's only daughter. I am sure that I mentioned it to you prior to the wedding." She laughed drawing attention to herself. It seemed that Beryl's breeding was almost as impeccable… almost.
"That part may have slipped my mind, my dear." He took Beryl's hand and gave it a small squeeze. "Would this news make you little, Rini?" He laughed looking at her. Eyes never leaving hers. Her smile faded with the mention of the name.
She unintentionally stepped back in to Darien's embrace now. His arm tightened around her instantly. Beryl didn't miss the gesture either but Darien was looking confused at the situation between his wife and a man that he loathed. He was also trying to push aside the feelings he was having as she was so close. Touching her was going to make him insane.
"How would you know that? Only my father calls me that." She said quietly, suspicion lacing her tone.
"Yes, how would you know such a thing?" Darien asked confused. Diamond had always been a snake, but to know his wife's childhood nickname had him concerned.
"Well, I was quite confused at the wedding when you were married as Serena Kingsley. I thought, hell, she couldn't be the same girl. The girl that lived beyond the hill from me growing up was named Serenity Anne." He forced a laugh.
"Sere, you never told me you had such an elegant name." Lita said intrigued now.
"Sir, I assure you I knew everyone who lived near me. I would have remembered the name Lord Diamond for sure." Serena said dismissing her god given name.
"The only family that lived behind me was the surname of…" She seemed to recollect something.
"Surname of Black?" He asked with a huge smile on his lips.
"Black… David… Black." She asked slowly trying to control her facial expression.
"Ah, so you do remember me." His eyes softened at her as if they were sharing a secret. A moment of understanding but Serenity gave nothing away.
"Not well, sir." Serena stated forcefully.
Darien now looked at Beryl but she was just as confused.
"Diamond, dear. This doesn't explain a thing." Beryl prodded him.
"My name was Davidson Black, Davidson Diamond is my birthright. My cousin died when I was fifteen making me the heir to the Estate of Diamond. My title changed to Lord Davidson Diamond. As a title less child, I went by the name of David Black."
Serena moved her hand and placed it on Darien's hand that was secured around her waist. She gripped his hand the only sign that showed she was nervous and quite possibly scared. Darien did not miss that something was not right. Serena was uneasy and his intention of unhinging her by inviting Beryl had come in the most unexpected way.
"Well, I am glad to have you in our home. It has been a very long time." She gave a small smile being as polite as possible. She was digging deep in to her elegant ways only allowing Darien to feel her tension as she used him to feel safe. He was now all she had. Her father and brother were not here.
"Too long." Diamond stated now taking a long drink of the wine eyeing her.
"Did your father, Lord Kingsley, ever speak of me?" Diamond asked and underlining meaning hidden within the words.
Serena pretended to think for a second. "Aside from you breaking a window once at the house as a child… no never."
Diamond had a look of irritation on his face, "Is that all?" He stated.
"Aside from me almost being blamed for it, nothing else. I think that dinner is ready." She smiled and Veeral came to usher the guests in to the dining room.
When her guests had turned she still stood still holding Darien to her side. Darien looked down at her and he watched as she grew pale letting her facade fade. Her legs felt weak but she was not raised to be a simpering child. She would not let her fear of this man get to her. She knew better. She was trained better.
After a second she released his hand took a deep breath and pinched her cheeks until color came back in to them. She started toward the dining room. Darien stunned at her ability to regain the mask. He came up behind her and grabbed her upper arm, leaned down whispering in her ear. "We will talk about this later."
Darien led her toward her chair and pulled it out for her. She sat to his right. Beryl sat to his left. Leaving Diamond almost directly across from Serena.
Veeral began to bring out the food and serve them. Due to only having one staff member, wine had already been poured.
"I will have to say that this is my first time ever being invited to dine in such a humble establishment." Diamond commented.
"I am glad it is to your liking, Lord Diamond." Darien said ignoring the jab. "I have to admit it has a much more feeling of home than my Bombay house." He smiled at Serena. He could play his part as well.
"I have to agree." Nathan stated. "It is not as small as the Lieutenant housing but it gives all the charm of an English country home."
"What becomes of your wives if the military is engaged with this whole debacle that has arouse with India wanting separation from the Empire?" Diamond asked curiously sneaking a peek at Serena.
Darien didn't miss the glance nor the odd question.
Zack answered, "We are the Kings Military not the British Indian Army. We are here to over see the Indian Army with training. Our wives would be in no danger of having to move to cover ground. We would still all be stationed here to protect Bombay. These are only temporary assignments."
"Or they would be sent back to England if something changed." Nathan said looking at Lita seriously. She let out a huff.
"If you are intending to marry Lady Westbanks what would your intentions be once your business is finished here?" Darien asked him trying to point out that he was to wed her.
Serena noticed that Beryl went a shade of pink and she fluttered her eyelashes at Darien. She resisted an eye roll and the pang of jealousy that Darien would care what becomes of Beryl.
"I am only here to check on my investments. She would be required to come back to England with me." He stated as if there was no other answer.
"You do understand she has lived here her whole life? It would be quite a change for her." Darien said as casually as possible. He was thinking about her free will. Her dancing in her sari, her loves for incense and the heat.
"As you have forced Serenity to change her lifestyle I am sure Beryl will adapt. Won't you dear." He gave a look to the red head whom now looked puzzled. As if this conclusion had not occurred to her. Move to England?
Serena actually, for a small moment, felt pity for her. She knew how difficult it was to be ripped from her homeland. She appraised Beryl for a moment to see her colorful clothing, the way she had flowers in her hair, and the colorful jewelry that screamed India.
"Lady Shields." Darien corrected.
"My apologies. Lady Shields, why did you come here as Serena and not Serenity Anne?" Diamond now questioned her.
This was a question that had intrigued everyone earlier but thought it rude to ask.
Only Mina knew the answer. It was personal indeed.
"Personal reasons, but I do prefer Serena to such a given name as Serenity Anne." She smiled and took a small sip of wine.
Diamond gave her a glare that spoke so loudly that Serena grabbed Darien's leg under the table. He jumped a bit at the contact. The electric shock stunning him again when they made contact. The jump made Diamond take his eyes off Serena and everyone at table looked at Darien.
"I… I dare say that this chair may have just electrified me." He joked. "Please, lets enjoy the wonderful food." If she didn't remove her hand soon he would be excusing the whole table and taking his wife to bed. This child was quite ignorant of what her touches do to a man.
After dinner Darien quickly stood.
"Veeral, please we will take after dinner drinks in the sitting room."
Serena had removed the grip on his leg earlier but as he stood he grabbed her hand tightly beckoning her to stand with him. Serena felt protected even if she hated her husband. She had never been so unprepared. Davidson Black, though she never met him since she was a child was a threat to her. Her parents were very aware of this as well.
"Serena, dear, why don't you show Lita and Amy to our room and maybe they can possibly assist you in what we discussed this morning."
'And leave Beryl with you?' Serena thought.
"There is no need, dear. I have hired a ladies maid as of this afternoon. I will be interviewing for a new cook and housekeeper later this week." Serena smiled now at him.
Zack had to turn his face away to hide the grin on his face. He warned Darien that this would happen.
Darien went slightly red. He now gave her a slight glare.
"Dear, please do not worry about the cost. I am more than able to pay for it."
He squeezed her hand tighter. Maybe now was not the right time to goad him.
"That is a good decision, then. I am glad that is settled, but what's yours is mine, darling." She squeezed his back to release the grip he had on her.
"Serena. What are your plans for tomorrow? Lita and I planned on going in to Bombay." Amy stated, excitement in her tone.
"You have what plans?" Zack asked quickly. His curious wife was going to get in to trouble.
Amy just waved her hand at him. "Would you like to join us? And you as well Lady Westbanks." She tacked on quickly.
"Thank you for the invite dear, but I believe that I have plans." Beryl stated politely.
"I think that would be wonderful. I could stop and see Luna. See how she is getting on." Serena answered.
"How is it you plan on getting to Bombay?" Zack asked quickly.
"Serena could drive us." Lita stated. "Her driver taught her how."
Darien spit his drink back in to his glass at this news. "You know how to drive? A woman?" He retorted.
Serena had also had this reaction before. "Of course I can drive. many women have learned due to the war. I daresay I loved the freedom while at home. Father is quite a fan and he had a beautiful red roaster made for me. Quite a fun drive." However, this was not the true reason she was learned. The reason was sitting across from her.
Darien could not believe that this small girl, child, woman. His mind was a clatter. Could be curious enough to learn to drive. She was starting to surprise him more and more. If Malcolm were here, he would never hear the end of it.
"I have to say, I am impressed indeed." Darien commented with a grin but when he looked at Zack's face he said, "But I shall phone the house in the morning and have Sunil come and take you in town. I am sure that Raye and Lady Wentworth would hate to miss such a moment."
Darien watched as Zack relaxed back in to the sofa.
"Well, we do have to drive back in to town. I think I should be heading home. Diamond." Beryl said standing up and gesturing for Diamond as well.
"I do think we should call it a night as well. We have drills in the morning." Nathan said, Lita at his side. "Thank you for a lovely evening."
"We as well." Zack said. "I look forward to your call in the morning."
Everyone exchanged their goodbyes until only Darien and Serena were left alone.
Serena yawed, "Well, goodnight." She said quickly and headed up the stairs. She needed to think, alone.
"Not so fast." Darien exclaimed. "You have much to fill me in on, Serenity." It was not that he was unaware of her name but honestly he had forgotten. Serena was the only name he remembered from the letters.
Serena flinched at the name and eyes fell to the floor. He should already know what it is that bothered her. "It is late. It has been a long day, Lt. Shields. Let us talk tomorrow."
It had been a long day. Darien conceded. "Okay. Tomorrow. I will meet you at the Bombay house for dinner."
Serena nodded and headed up the stairs.
"Oh, Lt.. Shields… Thank you." She told him before she quickly disappeared beyond the stairs to her room.
India had more surprises than she was counting on but when she reached her room she pulled out her gun and placed it under her pillow. She would sleep better this way.
Rei could not believe the nerve of her cousin some days. Rei and Mina were enjoying breakfast together when Sunil informed her that she had a phone call from Mr. Shields.
"Good Morning, Darien." She chirped excited to hear anything she could of Serena's first day alone with her cousin.
"Rei, please send Sunil to fetch Mrs. Shields around eleven." He demanded.
"Did you change your mind, then!" She said excitedly. " Will Serena be coming to live here?"
"NO! I did not change my mind!" He yelled at her.
Rei moved the phone from her ear. "What was that, I could not hear you over the monkey that took over the phone." She retorted.
She heard him sigh, "Lady Shields, Mrs. Bennett, and Mrs. Adams are to be ready at eleven for Sunil to pick them up. Please, have yourself and Lady Wentworth join them for an afternoon in Bombay."
"You are lucky that I am free." She sniffed.
"Even if you weren't you would have cleared your schedule. Also, Serena and I will dine at the house tonight. If we do stay please have things arranged."
"I will inform, Punjab to let the staff know. Anything else?" Rei chirped excited to have her family at the house.
"Do not let anything happen to my wife, understand?" He stated.
"Does this mean you might care for your wife, Dare?" She inquired happily.
"It means that you are still nosey as ever, and my career is in her hands. So please, don't let her run in to trouble."
Rei huffed at his remark. He was still as power hungry as ever. "I will see you for dinner, dear cousin." And Rei hung up.
Rei wished she could confide in someone about Darien's agreement to stay in the betrothal due to rank advancement. She wished she could explain about Beryl and her pretend claim to be different than other women. She wished she could explain the feeling in her gut that Darien was going to fall for Serena. Of coursed she had voiced this to James over and over.
James used most of Rei's thoughts to get under Darien's skin for they were more than close. Practically real brothers. Which is why sometimes James took up for Darien. Okay, he almost ways came with an excuse as to why Darien acts the way he does.
Rei could never understand why Darien chose to stay in the military. He was ungodly wealthy. He should have left after the war but he chose to stay. Now, he was working like a dog to manage the business and his career.
Of course, as Darien pointed out, he was not the only Englishman to have achieved both military power as well as land power. Serena's father managed to do both, but what Rei understood of the Commander was he was a gentle man. Darien was anything of the sort. Of course, his attributes outweighed this ten fold, Rei could still not get over Darien using Serena this way.
She wanted to tell Mina, who of which was now her confident. If word every made it back to Serena that Darien only kept to their betrothal was to use her for advancement, it would kill her. So she kept her mouth shut
Rei also had to keep Darien's secrets because he was her only family and business partner. Serena was now family too, as well as Mina.
She wanted to pull her hair out thinking of all of Darien's ignorant decisions as of lately. Serena was better than Beryl. She had to admit that this is the only thing good coming out of Darien's lies was Beryl being pushed to the wayside.
"Rei?" Mina walked in to the sitting area
"We are going to head in to town this afternoon with Serena, Amy and Lita." She said brightly changing her mood.
"Really! Oh this is wonderful. I can not wait to hear how Serena and Lucifer… I mean Darien are coming along." Mina asked smirking at her comment.
"Oh, Darien isn't always Lucifer." Rei commented back. "He does have his moments though… quite a few more than I am willing to admit at the moment. However, let us get ready for the day."
Everyone I love your reviews! I soooo appreciate when you find my mistakes so I can fix them. I re-read these stories all the time and I end up skipping things because I know how it should read.
I have so many guest reviews that it's hard to respond to all of them. Guest reviewers you should totally get a log in and mark your favorite stories! When you review I always look at profiles to find new amazing fanfics! It is what I did before I decided to start writing. Which is why... I have SOOOOO many favs!
The last reviews I have had is why I am posting again so soon! Truthfully I am trying to finish all works before I start posting so they can become more fluid. I have quite a bit of stories in the works right now.
Finishing Yakuza and Diamond in the Rough will be completed before then... I am starting to think that Diamond in the Rough will have a sequel with the way it may or may not end... we shall see.
ZS