Page 16 of Rakes & Reticules
“No,” she said as she shook her head. “I didn’t run because of this. I hadn’t even read it before I decided to leave. There was an incident in the park and it made me afraid.” She tapped the journal. “The first is delayed by fear. That is me. Though I suppose it could be Isla, too. Fear is delaying her from finding happiness, but then again, so is heartbreak.” Athena shrugged. “I do know one thing. I will not let anyone scare me into rejecting happiness. I’m going to take my mother’s advice and believe in our love and remain true to who I am. I won’t apologize to anyone for something that is beyond my control.”
“And you shouldn’t have to,” he agreed. “Let’s get you home and then I’ll go to London to speak with your father.”
“Yes,” she said. “It’s time.”
They went outside. Athena stored the journal in her saddlebag and pulled her into the saddle. Their night together was at an end, but someday soon she’d be his wife and they would never be separated again.
* * *
Roman stayedby Athena’s side as they made their way back to Harwood Hall. The manor was impressive, though not nearly as massive as the Duke of Thornridge’s estate. That was to be expected, he supposed, considering Harwood was an earl and Thornridge was a higher rank. Athena led him to the stables and dismounted from her beast of a horse, then handed the reins over to a stable hand.
“Be careful when you’re removing his saddle. He’s a little ornerier than usual because he was tied to a post all night. I would brush him, but I’m sore myself.”
“He’ll be all right, my lady. Hades and I have become friends. You’re still his favorite, but he’ll accept me if you are not available.”
“Good,” Athena said. She pet Hades’ mane. “I will come see you later. I promise.” She turned toward Roman. He’d dismounted from his own horse and left him with another stable hand.
“I’ll see you inside before I leave,” he told her.
“That’s unnecessary. I know my way home. It isn’t even that far from here.” She winked at him, and Roman grinned.
“I’ll feel better. Humor me.”
“In that case,” she began. “I would be happy to have you walking with me back to the manor.”
She looped her arm with his and they strolled leisurely toward her home. He couldn’t wait to make her his wife and have her in his home. They went inside and they both froze in the foyer. Her father was there and neither of them had expected that.
“Thank goodness,” the earl said. “I arrived a half hour ago and the butler just informed me you were not here. Where have you been?” Her father glared at Roman. “Why are you together?”
Roman stared at Athena’s father, uncertain what to say. Sorry, my lord, I compromised your daughter. That wouldn’t go over well. The last thing he wanted to do was offend the man. Especially when he wanted to marry Athena.
“Father,” Athena said. “Why are you here? I thought you would stay in London. Maeve is still participating in the season, isn’t she?”
The Earl of Harwood glanced at his daughter. “The estate manager needed me here for some business. I’ll return in a few days.” He narrowed his gaze. “You were riding. Did you go with him without a chaperone?”
“Of course not,” she said, then snorted. “We crossed paths. I had a small fall off of Hades and the Earl of Kendal assisted me.”
The concern on the Earl of Harwood’s face made something inside Roman ache. He clearly adored his daughter. “Are you all right,” he asked Athena. “Do you need me to send for a physician?”
“It’s nothing,” she reassured her father. “It hurt my pride more than anything.” She glanced at Roman. “The earl was kind enough to see me home safe.”
He should say something now, shouldn’t he? This was as good a time as any. “My lord,” he started. “If you have a moment, I’d like to speak with you.”
“Of course,” Harwood said. “Come with me to my study. We can speak there. I can thank you properly for assisting my daughter.”
Roman glanced at Athena and smiled. “There’s no need for that. I would do anything for her.”
He followed the earl to his study. “It’s early,” the Harwood began. “But I still feel like I need a drink. Would you like some brandy?”
“Yes,” he answered. He needed it. Roman had never needed it more in his life.
The earl handed Roman a snifter of brandy. “What did you wish to discuss?”
Roman took a drink of the brandy. It burned as it traveled down his throat, but he welcomed it. He swirled the amber liquid in the glass and stared into it as if it held all the answers he needed. He glanced up at Harwood. “I would like to ask you for permission to marry your daughter.”
Harwood grinned. “I assume you mean Athena, as I have three daughters.”
A lump formed in Roman’s throat. “Yes, my lord. I wish to marry Athena.
