“Has it really been so bad?” he asked.
She gave him a dry look. “We ought to trade places and then revisit that question.”
He grinned. “Just wait until my mother arrives tomorrow. I’m sure she’ll want to take you out too. In fact, she writes that she’s very excited to see you again.”
Athena winced. She’d not seen the dowager marchioness since being ushered out of her home with several heartfelt apologies spoken from Athena’s father. “Do you truly think so?”
His arm wound around her and pulled her close in a show of affection that wasn’t the least bit proper in public. Certainly not by an unmarried couple. “With Papa gone, her greatest wish is for me to be happy.”
“Will she be staying at Mivart’s as well?” Athena asked in reference to the hotel. Since Robert had let the London mansion he’d been bequeathed as part of his inheritance, he’d chosen to rent a room for the duration of his stay in London.
“No. She prefers to visit with her sister instead.”
“You do not wish to join her?”
“As fond as I am of my aunt, she would only want to dictate every hour of my day. Staying at Mivart’s allows me to retain my independence. And privacy.”
“Ah,” Athena sighed. “How I envy the privilege of being a man.”
“And how delighted I am by the fact that you’re not one.” He chuckled. Threading his fingers between hers he raised her hand, pushed back her glove, and placed a heated kiss against her wrist. “Lord help me but I can scarcely wait for us to be wed.”
Happier than she’d ever been, Athena served him her brightest smile just as a plump drop of water splattered against her cheek. “Oh!”
“Hmm... Looks like it’s starting to rain. We should probably head back toward the carriage.”
No sooner had he made the suggestion then the clouds opened and water pelted down in a torrent. Something large and heavy landed across Athena’s shoulders. Robert had shucked his greatcoat, grabbed her hand, and was marching her along while she did her best to keep up. A swift glance over her shoulder assured her that her maid was not far behind.
Huddled beneath the much-too-large garment while water fell over the brim of her bonnet, Athena pressed closer to Robert as they hurried toward the park entrance. Townsbridge House wasn’t far from there, but caught in the middle of a torrential downpour, it might as well have been miles away. By the time they arrived, they were all soaked through, although Athena was slightly dryer thanks to Robert’s chivalrousness.
“Dear me,” Athena’s mother said when she met them in the foyer. “We need to get you warmed up and dried off right away. Lord Darlington, I can have the maids prepare a hot bath for you while we send for a change of clothes.”
“Thank you, my lady, for your generosity, but it would be easier for me to return directly to Mivart’s and dry off there, without imposing upon your servants.” He swung his sopping wet greatcoat over his shoulders and looked to Athena. “A pleasure as always, my love. When we meet again it will be in front of the vicar.”
“I can scarcely wait.”
“Neither can I.” He placed a damp palm against her cheek.
“You’re freezing,” Athena gasped. “Are you sure you don’t want to accept Mama’s offer?”
“Like you, I’ve a great deal to see to before the wedding. I must be off.” He held her gaze for a moment, then turned back toward her mother and gave her his thanks once more before striding out into the storm.
