“In other words, you and Athena have been living together for the last two days, she without a chaperone and you...” Roxley tilted his head. “Did anything untoward happen between you?”
“No.”
Roxley held his gaze for a long moment until the maid bringing coffee and sandwiches served as a welcome interruption. Robert let out a sigh of relief. When the maid was gone, Roxley said, “I always liked you, Darlington. I’m extremely sorry for the manner in which you were treated. Athena’s actions were inexcusable.”
“I thought so too. At the time.”
“Oh?”
Robert poured them each a cup of coffee and added milk to his own. He took a sip, then prepared a plate for himself with a couple of sandwiches. Leaning back, he took a couple of bites before saying, “Bethany is better off with Charles. They love each other, so from that point of view everything is as it should be.”
“Nevertheless, your reputation suffered. And that is without considering Charles’s betrayal. He was your friend.”
“I’m very much aware.”
“He hasn’t recovered from what he did. The guilt still dogs him.”
Only three days earlier, hearing as much would have given Robert great satisfaction. Now, he was simply tired of all the anger. He wanted to move on, start fresh, find happiness for himself. “Perhaps it is time for me to speak with him – to make an attempt at restoring our friendship.”
“You would do that?”
“Yes.”
Roxley raised his eyebrows and looked at him with pure consternation. “What on earth did Athena say to make you change your mind?”
So Roxley knew his son had made repeated attempts at patching things up over the years. Robert had only responded once – in a manner he wasn’t the least bit proud of.
“Nothing, in particular,” he said. “But spending time with her reminded me of what I truly lost that day six years ago – the welcoming warmth of this family. I was very fond of my summer visits to your estate in the Lake District, and I find that I’ve missed it – that I’ve missed you. All of you.”
“Well.” Roxley sank back against his seat with a startled breath. “I must say I’m surprised.”
“It would mean a great deal to me if you would be willing to join me for supper at my home on Saturday.”
“I’m afraid we have the dance at the assembly hall that evening, but Monday ought to work. If that suits you?”
“It does.” And now he knew about the dance as well. Perfect. He finished his sandwiches, then said, “I trust no one outside this house will learn of Athena’s overnight stay at my home.”
“Of course not,” Roxley said.
“And you will make no demands of either of us?”
“My intention has always been to offer my children support. Pushing any of them into an unwanted union would only make them miserable.”
“Good.” He’d been hoping her parents would not force her hand since he wanted to be her choice. Still, he felt compelled to say, “I would have done my duty if you’d asked me to.”
“Understood.” Roxley cleared his throat. “But no matter how you may feel about Athena, I love my daughter and mean for her to be happy. Besides, I cannot imagine you’d want to get yourself leg-shackled to the woman who broke up your wedding and damaged your reputation.”
“As I believe we’ve already established, opinions do change.”
Roxley gave him an uncertain look. “What are you saying?”
Steeling himself, Robert said, “I’d like your permission to court her.”
The viscount gaped at him for a full three seconds before laughter shook him. “You must be joking.”
“I can assure you I am not.”
“But...but...” Roxley waved his hands as if trying to catch the words that escaped him. “You cannot possibly want Athena.”
