Bristling at the shock in Roxley’s voice, Robert said, “Why the hell wouldn’t I?”
“Well she’s...she’s—”
“I suggest you choose your words wisely, Roxley.”
Roxley blinked. “She’s my daughter and I adore her, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know she’s a handful. And then there’s the whole business of your past and... Good God. Is this your way of exacting revenge?”
“That’s a bloody insulting question to ask,” Robert growled. “Not only because of what you think me capable of but because you clearly can’t comprehend what I see in her.”
“Well,” Roxley said with great hesitation. “Whatdoyou see in her?”
“A woman with a lively spirit, someone who would challenge my mind while bringing joy to my life, the sort of person with whom I would never be bored but in whose company my view of the world would be improved. Athena is a delight. Feisty and brazen, yes. But I like that about her.”
“You do?”
“I cannot imagine why no one else would. She’s the red poppy in the field of white daisies, the flame that burns brighter than all the rest. She has energy and a will stronger than any other I’ve ever encountered.”
“A characteristic that tends to get her into trouble.”
“Which is why she ought to marry as quickly as possible, so she can get settled. Preferably with a man who will love her for who she is while offering guidance.”
“And you wish to be that man?”
“I do,” Robert said. “More than anything.”
Roxley gave him an odd look. “She matters to you. That much is clear. But how can you possibly guarantee love after only two days in her company?”
Robert wasn’t quite sure. He knew he harbored strong feelings for her, but he wasn’t yet ready to call it love. He cleared his throat and told her father, “Because I cannot stand the idea of being apart from her for one moment – of having to leave her here and not see her for several days, of not being able to hear her voice and sense her presence, of having to dine without her while wondering what she’s up to – if she is getting herself into trouble – of wishing she’d simply be there to favor me with a smile.”
His breath caught. Good God. He loved her already. It was the only explanation for how he felt. Not that he understood it one bit. He’d have thought it took longer to develop such deep emotion and yet, perhaps because they had known each other for as long as they had, she’d only had to grow up in order for him to lose his heart to her completely.
Baffled, Robert gave his head a shake.
Roxley drank some coffee and set his cup aside. “I must confess I’m shocked. But I suppose if your intentions are as pure as you profess, it could work. As long as she is willing.”
When the viscount raised one eyebrow in question, Robert said, “I think she could be, in time. As it is right now, I’m not sure she knows how she feels about me.”
“I see. So what you’re requesting is a chance to meet with her – to further your acquaintance with her, so to speak, in the hope that she might come around to your way of thinking?”
“Exactly.”
“Hmm... I’ll need to know the state of your finances, Darlington. Not that I would let money or the lack thereof stand in the way of a happy union. We’d find a way around that if necessary. But I hate surprises, and I would like to make sure you’re not simply after her dowry.”
Every muscle inside Robert clamped tight like a vice. He clenched his fists, but there was no getting around this. “My father left a substantial debt. I’ve managed to clear most of it over the course of the last year.”
“By selling off property and art?”
“You’ve been following my activities, I see.”
Roxley snorted. “It was in the papers.”
“My own personal income has taken time to secure. It’s not as large as I’m hoping it will be in a couple of years from now, but it is enough to provide a comfortable life for Athena without touching her dowry.”
“How much are we talking, exactly?”
“Two thousand pounds per annum.”
“Not an impressive sum, I’ll grant you that, but not a terrible one either. Returns on an investment?”
