Robert went to a globe standing on a library table. He spun it and stopped it suddenly with his finger which landed on the continent ofAfrica.
“I saw father do this often. His imagination was fired by the prospects of adventure as was our mother. They had a true marriage of deep mutual interest and hunger. And I want nothing less for myself. Can you understand that? Marriage for me is not about bloodlines and social status. Or weekend parties, balls, or being seen at the races. It is about explosive hunger and thirst for life. It is about the quest for exploring the unknown—digging deeply into other cultures, regions, andpeoples.”
“And I very much doubt that the bloodless, washed-out maidens you are presenting to me will be able to rise to the occasion when it comes to marching through swamps, scaling a tree to see the far horizon, or eating sheep’s eyes at a Berber feast while sitting cross-legged on the floor of a tent. And unless you can find me such a lady, then I suggest you save your time and energy, for I shall never consent to marry the feeble specimens you have been presenting tome.”
Amelia stood with her mouthagape.
“Am I making myself perfectlyclear?”
“Yes,Robert.”
“But it will not keep you from trying, will it?” He asked,amused.
“Probably not,” she responded, equallyamused.
“Then you must excuse me, for I must write about the Old Sow whirlpool I saw swallow up a small boat off Moose Island near the coast of Eastport, Maine during my trip to theAmericas.”
* * *
Robert wanderedthrough the gallery of statues that ran across the axis of the house. There was a vaulted glass ceiling that lit the gallery and the marvelous collection of statuary that his family had collected over many generations. He particularly liked the late period Greek statues with their realistic poses of action caught in time—a javelin thrower, a couple of wrestlers in combat, and his particular favorite, a youth looking over his shoulder as heran.
Robert was so accustomed to his home he rarely stopped and appreciated what fine treasures the house possessed. But after his conversation with his sister about his passions, he realized that he was neglecting the very things at home that he raved about wanting to exploreabroad.
Balfourwas considered one of the great houses of England. It was situated at the end of a narrow valley, nestled up against a series of low hills. The valley opened up like welcoming arms as it progressed away from the house. Of course, the lake was the central feature of the valley with many statues, pergolas, and follies punctuating the woodlands and hills. A large Roman temple was at the far end of the lake, and in summertime, it was used to host champagne and bathing parties for those guests who liked to swim or paddle in thelake.
The ground floor of the house contained the formal entertaining rooms while the first and second floors were reserved for the family and their houseguests. Across a section at the back of the house stretched a long and elegant conservatory where many tropical plants grew andthrived.
This is where Robert was headed when he stopped to admire the statues in thegallery.
He had been patient for two days, but now it was time to visit Miss Diana once again, and he thought it would be unexpected to take her an orchid from his vast collection. Orchids were his particular favorites and he used to spend many hours cultivating, breeding, and trading orchids with otherenthusiasts.
Robert continued on his way to the conservatory. He entered from his favorite sitting-room and went to admire hiscollection.
“Good morning, Milord,” his gardener, who tended to the orchids,greeted.
“Stanson, how nice to see you again. I am afraid I have been negligent of my beauties lately. How are the fine ladies doing?” Robertasked.
“They are doing well. But I would be lyin’ if I said they did not missyou.”
Robert laughed and gave Stanson a pat on theshoulder.
“I need a gift for a special lady. What have you got for me to fit thatbill?”
“Aye, sir. We got a very fine and elegant epidendrum just coming into bloom that might do just thetrick.”
Stanson led Robert to a table with several fine blooming plants with small sprays of orange, gold and yellowblooms.
“And very fine specimens they are,” Robert said. “I think that one would be just perfect. Will you prepare it so that I might carry it onhorseback?”
“Certainly,Milord.”
While Stanson prepared the orchid for travel, Robert stood admiring his fine collection. He realized that since his travels and writing, he had neglected his hobby, but wanted to reconnect with his passion and promised himself to take an afternoon, as soon as possible, to study and work with these beautiful plantsagain.
