“Thank you, no. I have just come from tea with the twins. It was our first visit since I got back fromLondon.”
“And they arefine?”
“Of course. Are they ever not?” Shelaughed.
“Please sit by the fire and let me get right to what I need to discuss with you. I do not want to keep you any longer than necessary as it is gettinglate.”
Diana made herself comfortable in the armchair and enjoyed the warmth of thefire.
Robert did not sit but began to pace as he spoke. He explained the whole situation with the Viscount—the blackmail—Amelia’s betrayal—and the fact that if his secret were to be revealed, it could ruin his reputation and all that he had workedfor.
“As you can see, you are the only one I can speak to about these matters, as we are co-conspirators—so tospeak.”
“Robert, that is troubling news. And I cannot believe Amelia would betray you like that. You must bedevastated.”
“She has certainly hurt me, but I understand her motive. She wishes to marry, and, even though she plans to marry the Viscount, I am happy for her,” Robert said as he paused by the fireplace. “I love her dearly, and I know she has been deeply unhappy for sometime.”
Diana thought for a moment, and then said, “Forgive me, Robert, but I am somewhatconfused.”
“About?”
“I am not certain I understand your reluctance to sell the land for the canal. It seems to be a very worthy project that would benefit many in thecounty.”
Robert seemed to be surprised by her answer. “But it will divide my land and create chaos to my cattle and farmingoperations.”
“Is that really so? Or is it a form of feudal pride? Perhaps you, as the Earl of Donnelly, feel violated by the suggestion that you compromise your sacredlands?”
Robert seemed genuinely surprised by her response. “Diana… you shockme.”
“I am sorry, but from everything you told me I would jump at the opportunity the Viscount has presented. It would be an enormous boon to the county—providing access to international trade, increased sales for manufacturers, new markets for farmers and cattle growers, like you, and ease the importing of needed goods and supplies.” Robert turned from the fireplace and began pacing, once again. “And you said the Viscount, and the delegation that came to see you offered very generous royalties on all shipping across your land. Plus they agreed to build several bridges across the canal that would connect your lands. How can you possibly refuse that offer? Not to mention, that if you agreed to the Viscount’s proposal, he would not reveal that you are the author of the book. Win, win, win, it seems tome.”
Robert started laughing and he turned to face her and lookedshocked.
“Diana, you truly believethat?”
“I do. Think about it for a moment. It benefitseveryone.”
Robert began pacingagain.
“And you believe I have been blinded by my ownprejudice?”
Diananodded.
Robert stopped pacing and turned back toher.
“My dearest Diana, you are so perceptive. What a stubborn fool I have been. I can see now that my resistance was based more on my dislike of the Viscount than any genuine concern I might have about myproperty.”
“Then you have solved your problem, have younot?”
“And all thanks toyou.”
“Then you will accept theoffer?”
“Ishall.”
“Stand. Come,” Robert instructed as he advanced toward Diana. “I am going to give you a kiss of appreciation. And your fiancé will just have to forgive me this liberty, as I am so very grateful to you for your wiseassistance.”
Diana stood, and Robert took her into his arms and gave her the sweetest kiss she had ever had. She began to tremble as the kiss lasted longer than she expected. This was not a quick brush of lips but a full, passionate kiss that stopped her breath and forced her to backaway.
