“Forgive me,” Athena murmured while everyone else stood. “It seems my eagerness to enjoy a hot beverage has made me forget my manners.”
Deciding it was best to remain silent, Robert simply inclined his head and watched her hasten away. The other ladies followed, until he was left alone with her father, her brothers, the Duke of Brunswick and the Marquess of Foxborough.
“I’ve never seen Athena so out of sorts before,” James said with a grin. “It’s refreshing.”
“Do you suppose she knows she’s in love yet?” Brunswick asked.
Everyone turned to stare at him. Robert’s heart slammed against his chest. “In love?”
The duke gave him a knowing smile. “She has not been herself since she returned from your home, but rather quiet and distant. According to what she told my wife, she felt unwell. Until you showed up at the assembly hall and she started to glow. If I were to hazard a guess, being apart from you caused her distress.”
“Then why was she so eager to leave his company moments ago?” Foxborough asked.
Charles snorted. “Because she doesn’t understand her feelings. Athena has always been a force to be reckoned with, only now, she has become the victim of something more powerful than herself. Her instinct will likely be to fight it, and when she discovers she can’t, she’ll finally surrender to the truth. Or at least, that is my theory.”
Robert wondered if his friend was right and if so, how long Athena’s surrender might take.
“Have you considered being direct with her?” William asked. “I’m thinking it might make everything a lot simpler.”
“Perhaps with someone besides Athena,” Robert said. “When it comes to her, instinct tells me she needs time to acquaint herself with the idea of having gained a man’s attention. From what I understand, she’s not used to it, so too strong an advance on my part might push her away.”
“Well, you have our support,” Lord Roxley said. “We are all of the opinion that you would be good for her.”
“Provided your intentions are as honorable as you claim,” Charles said.
A wave of anger rolled through Robert, pushing at his nerves. Of course, it made sense for Charles to still doubt him. All Robert could do was continue to offer assurance.
“I promise you they are.” Robert held Charles’s gaze for a moment before giving his attention to Viscount Roxley. “My lord, if you would please follow me to my study, I’ll show you my ledgers and whatever else you need to see in order to form an accurate opinion of my finances.”
Two hours later, Robert’s guests took their leave. He’d not had a chance to converse with Athena at greater length, but he had obtained her father’s approval along with permission to call on his daughter whenever he pleased.
“Watch the steps,” William said as he escorted his wife toward one of three awaiting carriages. “It’s a frosty night. There could be ice.”
The rest of the Townsbridges moved forward with care, the ladies allowing their husbands to offer support.
“Wait here a moment while I help your mother,” Lord Roxley told Athena. “It won’t take but a moment.”
“You need not worry over me, Papa,” Athena replied as she started to follow her parents. “I have excellent balance.”
“Athena,” Robert said, grabbing her arm before she was able to take one more step. “I know you’re sturdy on your feet, but there’s no sense in being reckless.”
“Of course not,” she quickly agreed. “I just—”
“Allow me to walk you to your conveyance.” He drew her nearer to his side and was pleased to feel her relax against his hold.
“Thank you, my lord.”
Robert answered her with a smile, then guided her down the stone steps, pausing here and there in order to test them for slippery spots.
They reached the carriage, but rather than hand her up, he turned her toward him. “If you will permit, I should like to call upon you in London.”
Her lips parted, but this time, instead of glancing away, her eyes held his with unblinking alertness. She sucked in a breath and for a moment she seemed to stand at the edge of a cliff, unsure of whether or not to jump. But then she raised her chin and something changed. Her expression softened, and a smile captured her lips as she said, “Nothing would please me more.”
Joy filled his heart to the point of bursting. Not caring if it was appropriate or not, he took a step closer and lowered his head, brushing her cheek with his lips. “I’m glad.”
She clasped his hand, squeezing it gently as if to convey her accord. Without saying anything further, he helped her up, unable to stop from grinning when she raised her hem and he caught a flash of brown buckskin leather. Even in her evening finery, Athena was every bit the hoyden he’d fallen in love with.
Keeping a firm hold of her niece’s and nephew’s hands, Athena helped them keep their balance while skating the length of the Serpentine. They were both improving. She wasn’t nearly as worried about them falling as she’d been last year when they’d tested their skates for the very first time.
“There’s a vendor over there selling roasted chestnuts,” she said. “Would you like some?”
“Oh yes,” Lilly exclaimed.
“Do you think he’s got mince pies too?” Lucas asked.
“I don’t know,” Athena told him. “We’ll have to see.”
They skated toward the embankment and took a seat on the benches to remove their skates. As it turned out, the vendor had not only mince pies and chestnuts, but squares of Christmas cake too. Deciding to ignore Charles’s warning about not spoiling the children’s appetites, Athena bought one of each item for them to share. Aware they needed to keep their hands free for eating, she grabbed their skates and started escorting them back toward Hyde Park Corner.
Keeping busy was the only way for her to retain her sanity these days. As soon as she stopped moving, her thoughts would return to every conversation she and Robert had shared. Especially the last one. Her heart raced when she recalled his words and the kiss he’d bestowed upon her cheek. Everything made sense now. She finally understood the misery she’d experienced after returning to Foxborough Hall and why her spirits had been renewed when she’d seen Robert again. She also knew why she’d felt so out of breath in his presence, why her skin had heated with prickly awareness, and why her stomach had tied itself into knots.
She longed for him, and yet his nearness had made her unspeakably nervous. Because she loved him, and for once in her life another person’s opinion – his opinion – mattered. She was terrified he might think her a fool, that she’d be her usual self and say something rash – something that would remind him she wasn’t suited to be a wife, never mind a marchioness.
And yet, the way he’d looked at her left no doubt in her mind. He genuinely liked her, just the way she was.
“Aunt Athena?” Lilly’s voice penetrated her thoughts. “My laces are undone. Can you please tie them?”
Athena blinked. “Of course.”
She crouched before her niece and proceeded with the task. As she finished tying the bow with a double knot for good measure, she heard footsteps approach. Glancing sideways, she spotted the gleam of expensive men’s boots, instinctively looked up, and froze. Every emotion she’d gone through during the course of the last month exploded inside her.
“Miss Townsbridge,” Robert murmured. “Your family butler said I would find you here.”
He held his hand toward her and as she took it and he helped her rise, she could have sworn she saw sparks fly between their fingers. It felt like the air had been squeezed from her lungs and as though her heart had taken flight. “Lord Darlington.”
“Robert,” he insisted, his eyes bright with a hint of mischief.
She swallowed and managed a quick polite curtsey. “My niece and nephew, Miss Lilly and Master Lucas.”
“Charles and Bethany’s children?”
“Indeed,” Athena said, suddenly apprehensive of the introducti
on.
If Robert harbored any lingering regrets, he showed no sign of it. Instead, he smiled at Lilly and Lucas. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintances.”
Lilly extended her hand. “Would you like a chestnut?”
“How kind of you to offer,” Robert told her with an indulgent grin. He selected a chestnut and quickly ate it. “These are excellent. The best I’ve ever had.”
Lilly beamed at him as if he were the sun and the stars. Lucas, who was that bit older than his sister, frowned. “What sort of lord are you?”
“I’m a marquess.”
“Hmm.” Lucas glanced at Athena, then back at Robert. “Do you wish to marry our aunt?”
Athena choked on the air she’d been breathing and instantly coughed. “Lucas!”
The boy, every bit as serious as his papa, merely shrugged. “As your only male relative here, I should know his intentions.”
“Quite right,” Robert chuckled. Amusement danced in his eyes. “And the answer is yes. If she’ll have me.”
Everything came to a standstill. Athena blinked. Had Robert just said what she thought he’d said? Surely not. She tried to breathe, tried to feel the ground beneath her feet. “That’s not a…I mean, you didn’t just…Robert, are you—”
“No.”
“No?”
“That was not a proposal, but rather an assurance to satisfy Master Lucas’s concerns.”
“I see.” Athena stared at him. She felt like she had been hung upside down. The world wasn’t quite as steady as it had been before Robert’s arrival.
Lilly took a massive bite from the mince pie. “I’m cold. Can we keep walking?”
“Of course,” Athena said.
“It’s good to see you again,” Robert said as he fell into step beside her.
Taking courage, Athena reached out and took his arm. “Likewise.”
They proceeded in silence for a while before Robert said, “I hope you know why I’m here.”
“Considering you’ve not been to Town in years, I’m guessing it must involve a matter of great importance.”
“Indeed it does.” His hand covered hers, the warmth there infusing her skin. “I am hoping we will have a chance to discuss it in private when we arrive at Townsbridge House.”
“I am sure that can be arranged,” she said, offering him the assurance she thought he might need. Beneath her hand, she felt his muscles flex, and when she looked up, she saw the strain in his features. This was not a man at ease but rather one strung tight with tension.
Her own stomach tightened in response, her pulse leaping with every step they took, until they reached their destination and stepped inside the house. The children quickly removed their outerwear garments and hurried through to the parlor so they could relate the details of their excursion to their grandparents.
Athena untied her bonnet and handed it to the butler before removing her cloak and gloves. Robert followed suit, dispensing with his greatcoat and hat.
“This way.” Athena grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the back of the house. She opened the door to the library, swept the space with her gaze, and stepped inside. “Here we are. The privacy you requested, my lord.”
He followed her into the room and shut the door.
Athena glanced at it, then at him. A fluttery feeling erupted within her breast. Never in her life had she been subjected to such unfeigned yearning. Good heavens, the man was looking at her as if he’d not eaten for years and intended her to be his next meal.
“Robert?” His name whispered across her lips.
He moved toward her. A nerve ticked at the edge of his jaw. Swallowing, he reached for her hand. “You wrecked everything for me six years ago, and yet, although you had no reason to believe I harbored anything else but anger toward you, you still sought me out in an effort to make amends. Athena, you are tempestuous, willful, and more than capable of testing my sanity, but you’re also spirited, strong, and utterly wonderful. And while I must confess I never imagined falling in love with you, I have. My heart is yours and I am hoping, praying, that yours is mine as well, for if it is not, then—”
“It is.” Tears of joy dampened her eyes as she spoke. She raised his hand to her lips and pressed a reverent kiss to his knuckles. “I am yours.”
“Then marry me. Be my wife, my marchioness. Allow me to guide you, to cherish your bright disposition, and to adore you.”
“I have a better idea.” When concern stole into his gaze she hastened to say, “Let us guide, cherish, and adore each other.”
A flare of intensity turning his eyes a bright shade of blue was her only warning before she was swept into his arms. His mouth found hers, and he kissed her with such searing passion she felt herself scorched. It was as if a lifelong attempt at restraint had been undone within a heartbeat. Gone was the gentleman he’d been as long as she’d known him, replaced by a would-be scoundrel intent on branding her with his kiss.
Athena gasped as she wound her arms around his neck and welcomed the deep caress. She’d never been subjected to such intense passion before, had never believed herself capable of instilling such powerful feeling in any man. She realized now that all it took was the right man. Robert. As unexpected and unlikely, he was her perfect match. And he loved her. Fiercely, if the ardor with which he kissed her was any indication.
His mouth stole over her cheek, then down the side of her neck. “My God. I am the luckiest man alive.”
She chuckled slightly in response. “I’m not sure other men would agree. From what I gather, I am an acquired taste.”
He raised his head, the look in his eyes so stormy she scarcely knew what to make of it. His hand cupped her cheek and then he told her sternly, “They’re fools. All of them. As far as I am concerned, I’ve snatched up the only diamond the world has to offer.”
Speechless, she welcomed the next kiss he gave her. It was more languid than the first – a promise made with the slow press of his lips against hers. “I love you. Don’t ever doubt that.”
“I won’t.”
He pulled her into a tight embrace and simply held her a moment. When he released her again, he looked calmer than she’d seen him since she’d stormed into his home and demanded he hear her out.
“Are you ready to announce our engagement?” he asked.
She nodded. “The sooner the better, so we can get on with planning the wedding.”
With a grin, he swept her back into his arms and kissed her again.
New Year’s Eve came and went in a blur of wedding preparations. As soon as everyone knew Athena and Robert intended to marry, Athena had no time to herself whatsoever. Every second of every day was filled with visits to various shops: florists, milliners, confectioners, modistes, haberdashers, and even goldsmiths. Never in her life had she imagined how much work went into becoming a wife. According to her mother, her sister, and her three sisters-in-law, she needed monogrammed bed sheets and towels, new day dresses and evening gowns. When Athena protested, they told her the clothes she currently owned wouldn’t do.
“You shall be a married woman,” Sarah said, “and as such, you will be permitted to wear brighter colors.”
Athena could only sigh while the whirlwind continued around her. There were silk chemises and velvet robes, embroidered stockings trimmed with Belgian lace and ribbon, stays crafted from slippery satin, and they’d not even started discussing her wedding gown. It was exhausting.
Drumming her fingers against a bolt of fabric while her mother informed the third dressmaker they’d seen in the space of a week of a riding habit that simply had to be ready within the next fortnight, Athena decided she’d had enough. This wasn’t her, and she was fairly certain Robert wouldn’t give two figs about seeing her trussed up in some feminine concoction fit for a courtesan. But she believed there might be something else he’d like.
So she stood and went to join her mother. She waited patiently for her to finish the description of all the frog closures she wanted t
o line the front of Athena’s jacket, how they had to match the trim and the black feather in the ridiculous hat she wanted to order, before telling the modiste, “Since my mother insists upon this order, you must make it, even if I have no intention of ever putting it on.”
“Athena,” her mother hissed.
“I do not ride sidesaddle, Mama, and what you’re describing would be incredibly impractical for anything else.”
“But—”
“All I want is a shirt.”
“A shirt?” her mother sputtered.
“Madame,” Athena said, addressing the modiste, “I have a penchant for wearing breeches. From what I have gathered, my future husband likes the way I look in them, so a shirt – something light and airy, cut in a masculine style but with a feminine touch meant to entice, would be splendid.”
The dressmaker gave her a sly smile. “A translucent white muslin shirt with stays to match would surely entice any man. Perhaps with a sleeveless gown worn over it. I trust your breeches are snug?”
“I have them on underneath my dress so I can easily show you,” Athena said with a grin while her mother groaned in horror. “If you think you can make a better pair, I’ll happily add it to my order.”
Two weeks later, Athena met Robert for a walk in the park. He’d visited Townsbridge House a number of times for dinner, but this was a chance for them to speak more freely, without her family hovering nearby. Instead, a maid followed at a respectable distance.
“I cannot wait for this precise hour the day after tomorrow,” she said, “because then you and I shall be married, and the hell I’ve been subjected to these past few weeks will be over.”
“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?”
The Townsbridge's Series Page 49