For several days she was kept busy attending to her wardrobe for George’s wedding, and assisting Alonna with her preparations. She was seldom at home and each day found cards from Alma and usually from Harry. Finally George took matters in hand and invited Alma to dine with him a week after Diana’s arrival. His sister and Alonna were the only other members of the party.
Alma arrived before George returned with his fiancée and he seated himself beside Diana on a sofa. “I have been sorry to miss you so often, Diana.”
“Yes, it has been a busy week.”
“I imagine things are fairly well organized for the wedding now,” he said hopefully.
“Yes, I plan to take some time for myself these next few days,” she offered encouragingly.
“Perhaps we could ride together in the morning.”
“I would like that.”
George and Alonna entered to interrupt their mundane conversation and discussion became general for the next two hours. When they had sung several pieces together George announced that he wished to ask Alonna’s advice on redecorating the breakfast parlor, and the two of them departed.
Diana had remained at the harpsichord and in her nervousness picked out the melancholy air she had composed at the Park. When Alma said he did not believe he knew the song she replied, “It is one of mine.”
“I thought you only composed happy songs, Diana.”
“Usually I do.”
“Will you come and sit with me?”
She nodded but found it difficult to rise from the bench. He smiled encouragingly at her and held out his hand where he stood above her. She allowed him to draw her to her feet and immediately released her grip. The sofa was not long, but she managed to sit as far from him as possible.
“Diana, I know we have not always had an easy time together,” he began, his intent eyes holding hers, “and I know that it has usually been my fault. I can think of no reason why you should return my regard; I can merely hope that you do. I have only recently realized that I love you and that I want more than anything to marry you.”
He watched her countenance soften from the anxious look it had worn. “If you find that seeing Mr. Lewis again has revived the emotions you felt for him once, I can understand. Or if you do not care for me, of course.”
He paused but she did not speak, so he hastened on. “Perhaps you would like some time to get to know Mr. Lewis again, but I would like a chance to show you that I am not always short-tempered and surly, too.”
Diana gave a gurgle of laughter and stretched out her hand to him. He took it firmly, his eyes questioning. “Oh, Alma, it is no wonder I did not realize I loved you, when I think of those weeks you spent at the Park. I should have known, though, when you kissed me,” she said shyly.
“Yes, and so should I. When you suggested that we bet on the outcome of the chariot race the first thing that came to my mind was to wager you a kiss, and I could not understand where the idea came from.”
“Alma?”
“Yes, love?”
“Will you ... continue to see that pretty girl?”
“No, Diana. I have not seen her for a month now, since I decided I wanted to marry you.”
“Really?” Her eyes sparkled. “I would never have asked it of you. George explained to me how it is with men.”
“That was thoughtful of him,” Alma drawled, “and highly improper.”
“Oh, he did not explain it recently,” Diana hastened to add.
His hand which still held hers drew her to him. “If you will recall that George and Alonna are but a few doors away, I will kiss you,” he mocked her.
“I am pleased that you reminded me, Alma,” she replied pertly as she surrendered to his embrace. The fire which had touched her before recurred and she drew away breathlessly. “I do not think we should be alone much before we’re married,” she said with a grin.
“I’m sure sufficient of your time will be consumed in studying the materials I have gathered for you on water distribution in London that you will have little enough time for me,” he retorted. “I assure you that I am perfectly trustworthy,” he continued staidly, but his eyes gleamed in the candlelight and he pulled her into his arms again.
When George and Alonna returned to the room they regarded the embracing couple complacently. George turned to Alonna and murmured, “I think they have finally sorted it out. Would you like to see the solarium?”
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The Aim Of A Lady Page 19