“A Cambridge student, newly graduated, and joining his father’s publishing firm, I believe .”
“Oh, Robert… An Earl versus a publisher’s clerk? Really? I never thought you would be so timid .”
“But she cares for him and they are engaged .”
Amelia went over to Robert and took his arm. “Robert, you may not have noticed, but I have. The way she looks at you, it borders on adoration. If you have any feelings for the woman at all, you must at least ask for her hand in marriage. The worst she could do would be to say no .”
Robert grabbed his sister and gave her an enormous hug. “Sister, sometimes you do surprise me.” He gave her a kiss on the forehead and bounded out of the room .
After he left, Amelia smiled and thought, Did I really, just do that ?
*
I t was already late afternoon, but Robert was not about to wait until tomorrow morning. He raced to the stables, saddled his horse, and lit out for Cambridge as fast as his horse would carry him. It was late afternoon by the time he reached the Browning’s cottage. He did not bother to stable his horse but tied it to the front fence and ran to the door and knocked loudly .
The door was answered by George. “My Lord, what a surprise. Were we expecting you? My memory is not what it was and it is possible I forgot all about your coming. Are you here for tea ?”
“Your daughter. I must speak with her.” He looked past George to see if she might be in the kitchen .
George seemed uncertain. “Oh, Diana… let me think. I do not believe she would be at her writing this late in the afternoon, but I can go check if you like .”
“No, thank you, I will ask her mother. She might know .”
“Splendid idea, I believe she must be in the gallery .”
“Yes, I know,” Robert said, already retreating and heading out the front gate .
He burst into the gallery. “Good day, Mrs. Browning… Diana, do you know where I might find her ?”
Ann thought for a moment. “Yes, I believe she either went to visit the twins or she went for a walk in the meadow. However, it is a bit chilly …”
But Robert had already left and was racing down the street toward the Sinclair’s. He stopped and knocked rapidly at their door. Miriam answered .
“Oh, hello, Robert. How lovely to see you .”
“Diana, is she with you ?”
“Ah, no, but …”
Again Robert was already racing away. He scaled the stile and began looking for Diana across the meadow. Then he saw her far ahead walking with the Goodwin sisters .
“Damn. Another delay,” he said to himself. But he raced forward and was out of breath by the time he reached them .
“Good afternoon, ladies .”
Diana turned to him, surprised to see him. “Robert. What a surprise. We did not have an appointment scheduled, did we ?”
“No. However, I should very much like to speak with you… privately,” he said, tipping his hat to the sisters. “Ladies, it is a pleasure to see you again .”
“And you, Milord,” Kitty replied .
Robert took hold of Diana’s arm and pulled her aside and whispered, “Might I have a moment alone with you ?”
Diana seemed to be slightly flustered by his insistent demand .
“Yes, you may, but I am with the sisters and I cannot abandon them out in the meadow. Can it wait until we reach home ?”
Robert had to constrain himself, but he said, “Of course. I shall be happy to accompany you three back to your houses .”
Diana smiled. “Excellent.” She turned to the sisters. “Would you mind us returning home now? The Earl has an urgent matter he needs to discuss .”
“Oh, we can take ourselves home. That is not a problem at all. You go ahead and walk together and we will make our own way home .”
“Are you certain that is fine with you?” Diana asked .
“Of course, dear. We are accustomed to walking out here frequently. And thank you for accompanying us this far.” They turned and began walking back, turning their heads and giving a little wave .
As the sisters retreated, Robert and Diana fell into step beside each other. Then Diana said, “The leaves are turning nicely. It is an early autumn this year, do you not think ?”
Robert did not reply, but took her hand, almost without her noticing .
“Miss Diana, I have just come from the most momentous morning .”
“Oh?”
“I have agreed to accept the Viscount’s proposal, as you suggested .”
“Oh, Robert. I know you will ultimately be happy with that decision. I am very proud of you.” She gave Robert’s hand a squeeze .
“And I must tell you that Amelia and the Viscount are now engaged to be married .”
“That is good news, as well,” Diana said with a smile .
“And, she has given me the most pleasing suggestion .”
“Yes?” she asked, glancing up at him .
“My sister is many things. She can be thoughtless, mean-spirited, and even cruel, but she made the most astonishing observation about me that rang so true, it literally took my breath away .
“You are being very mysterious, Robert .”
“I am finding my courage to say what I must .”
Diana stopped and turned to him. “Robert, why ever would you need courage to ask me anything ?”
He turned and looked her directly in the eyes. “Because she recognized what I had not been able to recognize myself. She fully realized that I loved you and she bade me act upon my feelings .”
Diana caught her breath and held her hand to her breast. “Robert, I do not understand. You know I am to be married .”
“Of course, I do, but I can no longer repress my deep love and abundant longing for you. And even if I am rejected, I must speak. I must ask—will you marry me and become the Countess of Donnelly ?
Diana was speechless and began to visibly shake. She put both of her hands to her mouth and stared at Robert .
“I… I… Oh, Robert… I do not know what to say .”
“I have sensed that you might have feelings for me. Tell me truly, could you love me ?”
“Robert, I am already engaged .”
“Then break off the engagement. What can he possibly offer you that I cannot ?”
“Nothing. However…” She faltered .
“What? Tell me what the impediment is .”
She bowed her head and said softly, “Adam arranged a loan to my father so that we might secure our leasehold and not lose the house. Adam made it clear that the loan was contingent on our being married .”
“But disregarding that fact, do you love Adam ?”
She hesitated, but said, “I care for him. I do .”
“But do you love him, Diana?” Robert asked, determined to force the issue .”
Diana looked Robert directly in the eyes, “No, I do not love Adam Hardy. I love you, Robert, Earl of Donnelly .”
Robert’s heart leapt and he took Diana in his arms and held her tightly to him. And then releasing her he stepped back .
“I love you too, Diana Browning. And I think I might have the solution to your concern. Might we go back and speak to your parents ?”
She nodded and took his arm and they headed back toward the cottage both so filled with emotion neither could speak .
Chapter 28