“Wait until you see her, then you can decide. She is truly lovely and it would be good for you to take a break from your constant responsibilities, don’t you think?” She ran her hand along Robert’s arm. “And you work so hard. You must take care of yourself .”
Robert took hold of Amelia’s shoulders with both his hands and said, “My darling sister, do you ever think about our parents ?”
Amelia seemed surprised by his question. “Occasionally .”
“I remember their exuberant passions. They shared so much and had such extensive appetites and passions for exploring life. Of course, it was tragic that they met their ends so early, but they died following their mutual love of adventure .”
Robert went to a globe standing on a library table. He spun it and stopped it suddenly with his finger which landed on the continent of Africa .
“I saw father do this often. His imagination was fired by the prospects of adventure as was our mother. They had a true marriage of deep mutual interest and hunger. And I want nothing less for myself. Can you understand that? Marriage for me is not about bloodlines and social status. Or weekend parties, balls, or being seen at the races. It is about explosive hunger and thirst for life. It is about the quest for exploring the unknown—digging deeply into other cultures, regions, and peoples .”
“And I very much doubt that the bloodless, washed-out maidens you are presenting to me will be able to rise to the occasion when it comes to marching through swamps, scaling a tree to see the far horizon, or eating sheep’s eyes at a Berber feast while sitting cross-legged on the floor of a tent. And unless you can find me such a lady, then I suggest you save your time and energy, for I shall never consent to marry the feeble specimens you have been presenting to me .”
Amelia stood with her mouth agape .
“Am I making myself perfectly clear ?”
“Yes, Robert .”
“But it will not keep you from trying, will it?” He asked, amused .
“Probably not,” she responded, equally amused .
“Then you must excuse me, for I must write about the Old Sow whirlpool I saw swallow up a small boat off Moose Island near the coast of Eastport, Maine during my trip to the Americas .”
*
R obert wandered through the gallery of statues that ran across the axis of the house. There was a vaulted glass ceiling that lit the gallery and the marvelous collection of statuary that his family had collected over many generations. He particularly liked the late period Greek statues with their realistic poses of action caught in time—a javelin thrower, a couple of wrestlers in combat, and his particular favorite, a youth looking over his shoulder as he ran .
Robert was so accustomed to his home he rarely stopped and appreciated what fine treasures the house possessed. But after his conversation with his sister about his passions, he realized that he was neglecting the very things at home that he raved about wanting to explore abroad .
Balfour was considered one of the great houses of England. It was situated at the end of a narrow valley, nestled up against a series of low hills. The valley opened up like welcoming arms as it progressed away from the house. Of course, the lake was the central feature of the valley with many statues, pergolas, and follies punctuating the woodlands and hills. A large Roman temple was at the far end of the lake, and in summertime, it was used to host champagne and bathing parties for those guests who liked to swim or paddle in the lake .
The ground floor of the house contained the formal entertaining rooms while the first and second floors were reserved for the family and their houseguests. Across a section at the back of the house stretched a long and elegant conservatory where many tropical plants grew and thrived .
This is where Robert was headed when he stopped to admire the statues in the gallery .
He had been patient for two days, but now it was time to visit Miss Diana once again, and he thought it would be unexpected to take her an orchid from his vast collection. Orchids were his particular favorites and he used to spend many hours cultivating, breeding, and trading orchids with other enthusiasts .
Robert continued on his way to the conservatory. He entered from his favorite sitting-room and went to admire his collection .
“Good morning, Milord,” his gardener, who tended to the orchids, greeted .
“Stanson, how nice to see you again. I am afraid I have been negligent of my beauties lately. How are the fine ladies doing?” Robert asked .
“They are doing well. But I would be lyin’ if I said they did not miss you .”
Robert laughed and gave Stanson a pat on the shoulder .
“I need a gift for a special lady. What have you got for me to fit that bill ?”
“Aye, sir. We got a very fine and elegant epidendrum just coming into bloom that might do just the trick .”
Stanson led Robert to a table with several fine blooming plants with small sprays of orange, gold and yellow blooms .
“And very fine specimens they are,” Robert said. “I think that one would be just perfect. Will you prepare it so that I might carry it on horseback ?”
“Certainly, Milord .”
While Stanson prepared the orchid for travel, Robert stood admiring his fine collection. He realized that since his travels and writing, he had neglected his hobby, but wanted to reconnect with his passion and promised himself to take an afternoon, as soon as possible, to study and work with these beautiful plants again .
Chapter 8
D iana was helping her mother sweep, dust, and wash the windows in the gallery. They tried to find one day each week to keep the gallery looking its best .
“I think I should go to London to meet with Mrs. Hardy to discuss the wedding, don’t you?” Mother asked as she wiped the picture frames with a dust cloth .
“That would be nice. But should we not go together? And what about Father? Might it not be a good idea for the two families to meet all together ?”
“We should certainly do that, but for practical wedding planning it is best for just the two mothers to meet with the prospective bride .”
“Whatever you think is best,” Diana said listlessly .
Mother stopped and looked at Diana. “Are you certain you want this marriage? You do not seem to be very enthusiastic about the wedding planning .”
“Yes, Mother, I want the marriage. And you know why it must be,” Diana said with a discreet nod .
Mother sighed. “I certainly hope you know what you are doing. Now, Adam is a very fine lad, and I know he has prospects, but this marriage does not seem to excite you like it should .”
Diana stopped sweeping and looked at her mother. “I am very fond of Adam. And while I must admit to a lack of burning passion, I know we are well suited for one another and I can foresee a happy and successful marriage …”
“Eventually,” her mother added. “But not right away. Is that what you mean to say ?”
“Something like that,” Diana said as she resumed her sweeping .
The small bell rang as the gallery door opened and Robert walked in carrying a most beautiful potted orchid .
“Good day, Milord,” Mother greeted. “Are you here to see my daughter ?”