“To be happy, I suppose.”
“And what would happiness entail?”
“I don’t know. I’d like to be respected by my peers, not to be gawked at or whispered about whenever I enter a room.”
“What about courtship, marriage, and children?”
She cast him a startled look. “I, um...” Turning her gaze back toward the road, she swallowed deeply, then said, “I would like to have a family of my own one day – a large one, I should think, with plenty of children and an adoring husband to love.”
Warmth seeped through Robert’s veins. “Do you have a particular gentleman in mind yet?”
“No. As I’ve mentioned, none of the well-respected gentleman I’ve met wants to risk his reputation on me, but I am hoping that will change if we’re seen together. Your public acceptance of me, as the man I once wronged, would help a great deal, I’m sure.”
“Let us hope so,” he murmured.
So she’d not set her cap for anyone in particular. This was good to know since it increased his chances and eased his mind. All he had to do now was open her eyes to what he already knew to be true – that they could have a passionate union filled with many more joyful moments and interesting conversation. Within the confines of his heart he could feel his own emotions shifting, from the almost brotherly affection he’d harbored for her as a boy, to the fierce adoration and want she instilled in him as a man. It was more than purely physical. It was an innate need to protect her, to walk by her side and offer guidance, to bask in the beauty of her sparkling eyes and bathe in the warmth of her smiles.
A shaky breath rose from his lungs. They had arrived.
After dismounting, Robert went to help Athena down. He knew she didn’t require help, but he wanted to give it nonetheless, to take this last bit of closeness for himself. His hands circled her waist and she slid easily into his arms. No words passed between them, but he could see understanding bloom in the depth of her gaze. Her lips parted, but no sound escaped her. Instead, she just gazed at him in bewildered silence.
Robert’s hold on her tightened, ever so briefly – just enough to convey there was more between them than friendship on his part – and then he took a step back and turned for the door.
“Robert?”
Her voice, breathy with uncertainty, prompted him to swing back toward her. She was staring at him as if seeing him for the very first time. Apparently, the intimate moments they’d shared these past two days and the manner in which she’d responded to him were beginning to click into place. He smiled, offered a soft nod to tell her she wasn’t alone, and proceeded up the front steps.
The door opened on the third knock. A servant – clearly the butler – appeared, but the man barely managed to get a single word out before several women crowded together behind him. One was Athena’s mother, Lady Roxley, another was Athena’s older sister, Sarah. Then there was Lady Foxborough and a couple of women he did not recognize.
“What’s all the fuss?” The voice belonged to Athena’s father, Viscount Roxley.
“My lord and lady,” Robert said when the butler moved aside. “I have come to return your daughter to your care.”
“Darlington?” Lady Roxley gave him a shocked stare before brushing past him so she could embrace her daughter. “Goodness, Athena. We’ve been ever so worried.”
“I’m sorry, Mama. The weather wouldn’t permit me to return until now.”
“Well.” Her mother gave a tight smile. “Let’s get you inside. I’m sure you’d appreciate a hot cup of tea while you tell us what happened.”
Robert watched her go. The rest of the women followed. Robert met Lord Roxley’s gaze. “I am hoping you will permit me to have a moment of your time, my lord.”
Roxley gave him a solemn nod. “Of course.”
“I shall make sure the horses are cared for until you are ready to leave,” the butler said.
Thanking him, Robert entered the house and removed his greatcoat, hat, and gloves. He handed them all to a nearby footman and followed Roxley toward a door to the right. The earl gave the room a swift look before he entered and beckoned for Robert to join him. Robert stepped inside what appeared to be the music room.
“My entire family is here at the moment so finding privacy can be a chore,” Roxley explained. “Would you like refreshment?”
“I wouldn’t say no to a hot cup of coffee and something to eat. If it’s not any trouble.”
“Not at all.” Roxley rang for a maid and put in the order, then turned to Robert. “Please have a seat.”
Robert claimed a spot on a wide sofa upholstered in green and gold-striped silk. Roxley chose the adjacent armchair. “Your daughter came to see me with the best of intentions. She wished to apologize for her part in breaking things off between me and Bethany six years ago – or rather, for the manner in which she went about it.”
“I see.” Roxley stared straight back at him with unyielding eyes.
Robert steeled himself against the intimidating expression. “When the snow began, we tried to return, but the weather worsened and it became too hazardous for us to proceed.” He decided to omit the part about her fall. “So we returned to Darlington House and waited for the blizzard to stop.”
