“Then I shall be back later .”
It was a late September afternoon. The late morning and early afternoon had been warm but it was rapidly cooling down, so Diana wrapped a wool shawl around her shoulders and headed down the street to the end where there was a rank of hansom cabs. It was too far to Robert’s cottage to walk .
She hired a cab and, as she headed toward the riverside cottage, she began to think about Robert. After her conversation with the twins, she could not help but compare Adam to Robert. She tried to think about Adam, but all she could picture was Robert. The very thought of him sent a chill down her spine as she began to remember how his firm hands felt the few times he had touched her and how she had reacted. This was not an appropriate thought, and she pulled her shawl more tightly around her shoulders and shook off all thoughts of Robert except for the visit with him this afternoon .
The cab arrived at the cottage. She paid the cab fare and went to the cottage door and knocked .
Robert opened the door promptly. “Oh, I am so pleased you could make it, Diana. Please come in .”
He put his hand on her shoulder as he led her down the hallway toward the sitting-room, and she needed to calm her rush of feelings by moving away from him once they were in the room .
“Can I make you some tea ?”
“Thank you, no. I have just come from tea with the twins. It was our first visit since I got back from London .”
“And they are fine ?”
“Of course. Are they ever not?” She laughed .
“Please sit by the fire and let me get right to what I need to discuss with you. I do not want to keep you any longer than necessary as it is getting late .”
Diana made herself comfortable in the armchair and enjoyed the warmth of the fire .
Robert did not sit but began to pace as he spoke. He explained the whole situation with the Viscount—the blackmail—Amelia’s betrayal—and the fact that if his secret were to be revealed, it could ruin his reputation and all that he had worked for .
“As you can see, you are the only one I can speak to about these matters, as we are co-conspirators—so to speak .”
“Robert, that is troubling news. And I cannot believe Amelia would betray you like that. You must be devastated .”
“She has certainly hurt me, but I understand her motive. She wishes to marry, and, even though she plans to marry the Viscount, I am happy for her,” Robert said as he paused by the fireplace. “I love her dearly, and I know she has been deeply unhappy for some time .”
Diana thought for a moment, and then said, “Forgive me, Robert, but I am somewhat confused .”
“About?”
“I am not certain I understand your reluctance to sell the land for the canal. It seems to be a very worthy project that would benefit many in the county .”
Robert seemed to be surprised by her answer. “But it will divide my land and create chaos to my cattle and farming operations .”
“Is that really so? Or is it a form of feudal pride? Perhaps you, as the Earl of Donnelly, feel violated by the suggestion that you compromise your sacred lands ?”
Robert seemed genuinely surprised by her response. “Diana… you shock me .”
“I am sorry, but from everything you told me I would jump at the opportunity the Viscount has presented. It would be an enormous boon to the county—providing access to international trade, increased sales for manufacturers, new markets for farmers and cattle growers, like you, and ease the importing of needed goods and supplies.” Robert turned from the fireplace and began pacing, once again. “And you said the Viscount, and the delegation that came to see you offered very generous royalties on all shipping across your land. Plus they agreed to build several bridges across the canal that would connect your lands. How can you possibly refuse that offer? Not to mention, that if you agreed to the Viscount’s proposal, he would not reveal that you are the author of the book. Win, win, win, it seems to me .”
Robert started laughing and he turned to face her and looked shocked .
“Diana, you truly believe that ?”
“I do. Think about it for a moment. It benefits everyone .”
Robert began pacing again .
“And you believe I have been blinded by my own prejudice ?”
Diana nodded .
Robert stopped pacing and turned back to her .
“My dearest Diana, you are so perceptive. What a stubborn fool I have been. I can see now that my resistance was based more on my dislike of the Viscount than any genuine concern I might have about my property .”
“Then you have solved your problem, have you not ?”
“And all thanks to you .”
“Then you will accept the offer ?”
“I shall .”
“Stand. Come,” Robert instructed as he advanced toward Diana. “I am going to give you a kiss of appreciation. And your fiancé will just have to forgive me this liberty, as I am so very grateful to you for your wise assistance .”
Diana stood, and Robert took her into his arms and gave her the sweetest kiss she had ever had. She began to tremble as the kiss lasted longer than she expected. This was not a quick brush of lips but a full, passionate kiss that stopped her breath and forced her to back away .
“Robert…” She looked at him as she never had before. And he stood his ground and returned her stare—his eyes alight with passion and desire .
“Diana… my Diana …
She pulled herself together and said rapidly, “I must go. I am so happy you have solved your problem. And I wish you all the very best in your new venture. And please, give your sister my very best congratulations on her engagement .”
“I will take you home. However, I came on horseback so we must ride together .”
“Very well.” Diana was feeling shaken by the kiss and wanted to leave as soon as possible. “But the light is fading and I should like to get home before dark .”
“I understand. We can leave right now. I left the horse saddled. I will retrieve him and be right back .”
Diana followed Robert to the front door and waited inside for him to return with the horse. As she waited, she found she was still agitated by the kiss. She realized she was playing with fire each time she was alone with him and she promised herself that must stop .
“Are you ready to leave?” he asked, coming to fetch her .
“Yes, thank you .”
They went outside and Robert mounted the horse and then helped her up, to sit sideways behind him .
They started out after Diana had grabbed hold of Robert’s waist. As they rode forward there was a cool breeze and she leaned her head against Robert’s back. It was so very comforting and she relaxed into the ride .
But shortly they arrived back at her house, and she slipped off the horse and reached up and took Robert’s hand .
“Thank you for bringing me home .”