December 1816
Abandoning ladylike decorum, Diana leaned forward in the carriage so she could stare out the window at the streets of London, still familiar after all these years. “We’ll be at Rory’s house soon, Panda. I can’t wait to see her and meet her intrepid sea captain. I do hope they’re in town. If not, on to Lawrence House in hopes that my brother and his wife are there, not yet gone to the country. And if family fails, it will be a hotel.”
“Mrowp?”
“Of course a hotel will allow you to stay with me, Panda. I am the eccentric Lady Diana Lawrence, daughter and sister of earls.” Her gaze moved to the spacious and well-padded carrying cage where Panda’s annoyed black and white face could be seen behind a latticed window. “And you will be free to roam again. You’re a very good traveler, but the less time you spend in your carrier, the happier you are.”
“Mroof!” he replied emphatically.
The carriage rumbled to a stop in front of a grand town house. Diana guessed that it was double width, twice the size of the usual London home. As Rory said, there would be space for her and the Panda, and the knocker was up, so the family was in town—yes!
Too excited to wait, she tumbled out of the carriage and followed the guard to the front door. The crisp December air was exhilarating. The guard solemnly knocked, the boom of the knocker echoing faintly inside.
Diana had to control herself so she wouldn’t be jumping up and down. Even though Rory was in town, she could easily be out and about.
But no, a dignified butler opened the door and Diana could see over his shoulder that a familiar golden blonde was racing toward the door. “Aunt Diana! I had a feeling!” She hurled herself into her aunt’s arms.
Laughing and crying, Diana hugged her back. “I’m so glad to see you!”
“It’s been far too long,” Rory agreed. “Egan, please have Her Ladyship’s baggage brought in.”
“A moment, Rory, I’ll bring the Panda in myself.”
“Oh, splendid! I’m so glad you brought him. You can take him into the small drawing room over there while I order refreshments.” Rory enveloped her in another swift hug before turning to give more orders.
The drawing room was warmed by a cozy fire. As soon as Diana was inside, she released the cat from his cage. The Panda marched out like a king returning from exile and gave her a reproachful look from his huge green eyes.
She scratched his head, thinking what a handsome cat he was. Mostly black, he had a white muzzle, chest, and paws, like a gentleman dressed for a formal occasion. “I’m sorry for the discomfort, my darling puss, but now we’re home.”
Rory entered the drawing room followed by a footman pushing a well-stocked tea cart. Seeing the cat, she bent over and rubbed her fingers together enticingly. “Panda, do you remember me? You were only half-grown when I met you in India, but look at you now! What a fine, substantial cat you’ve become. In fact, you might have a touch of elephant in your ancestry.”
He loftily turned his back on her, so she took a cheese puff from a platter on the tea cart and offered it. He immediately came to her and took the morsel daintily from her fingers. It disappeared instantly, after which the Panda politely indicated that another cheese puff would be welcomed by a cat who had just traveled halfway around the world. Rory obliged and rubbed his head affectionately as she set a second puff on the floor. “That’s my Panda! Always willing to be bribed.”
As Diana laughed, the Panda set off to explore the room and the women settled onto the wing chairs by the fire. As she poured tea, Rory asked, “I hope you’re home for good?”
“I think so. We’ll see.” Diana sipped her tea and ate little sandwiches and cheese puffs as they caught up on each other’s news. After finishing her repast with two deliciously spicy apple tarts, Diana leaned back in her chair with a happy smile. “But let me look at you!”
Her niece was glowing; there was no other word for it. Clearly no longer pregnant, she was a little rounder, a little softer, and had an expression of serene happiness. “I’m guessing motherhood suits you?”
“Marriage and motherhood both.” Rory agreed. “Who would have believed it? Gabriel is out now, but he should be home soon. I can’t wait for you to meet him. Or to meet the newest Diana.”
Suppressing her pang of envy, Diana exclaimed, “A girl! Oh, I do hope she’s a madcap like you and me!”
“Gabriel took one look at her after she was born and declared that she would be.” Rory grinned. “He claims another dashing Lawrence female is exactly what he wanted. She’s sleeping now, so I’ll wait to introduce you to each other.”
“I shall give her a globe of her own when she’s old enough,” Diana promised.
“Now that you’re home we can have the christening, and then the holiday celebrations.”
“A proper Christmas with cold weather,” Diana said nostalgically. “Gathering greens and roasting chestnuts and, with luck, being snowed in with my favorite people.”
“Don’t forget icy winds, rutted roads, and being trapped inside for days until you want to scream with restlessness,” her niece said wryly. “Especially if you’re snowed in with people who drive you mad!”
“I’d like to be snowed in with you so we could practice our Hindu dancing. I missed that when you and Constance left. I wonder how much I remember?” Diana rose and began humming Indian dance music to accompany herself as she cupped her hands in front of her and bent her knees, sinking into the first steps.
Rory rose to her feet and began mirroring Diana’s movements. “I’ve missed the dancing, too. It’s easier when wearing Hindu clothing rather than European, though.”
“Luckily we both hadsalwar kameezesmade,” Diana said, referring to the loose trouser-like garments and tunics that made movement easy. She increased the tempo of her humming and tried to remember the intricate footwork. “Next time we can wear them.”
