recovered from what he did. The guilt still dogs him.”
Only three days earlier, hearing as much would have given Robert great satisfaction. Now, he was simply tired of all the anger. He wanted to move on, start fresh, find happiness for himself. “Perhaps it is time for me to speak with him – to make an attempt at restoring our friendship.”
“You would do that?”
“Yes.”
Roxley raised his eyebrows and looked at him with pure consternation. “What on earth did Athena say to make you change your mind?”
So Roxley knew his son had made repeated attempts at patching things up over the years. Robert had only responded once – in a manner he wasn’t the least bit proud of.
“Nothing, in particular,” he said. “But spending time with her reminded me of what I truly lost that day six years ago – the welcoming warmth of this family. I was very fond of my summer visits to your estate in the Lake District, and I find that I’ve missed it – that I’ve missed you. All of you.”
“Well.” Roxley sank back against his seat with a startled breath. “I must say I’m surprised.”
“It would mean a great deal to me if you would be willing to join me for supper at my home on Saturday.”
“I’m afraid we have the dance at the assembly hall that evening, but Monday ought to work. If that suits you?”
“It does.” And now he knew about the dance as well. Perfect. He finished his sandwiches, then said, “I trust no one outside this house will learn of Athena’s overnight stay at my home.”
“Of course not,” Roxley said.
“And you will make no demands of either of us?”
“My intention has always been to offer my children support. Pushing any of them into an unwanted union would only make them miserable.”
“Good.” He’d been hoping her parents would not force her hand since he wanted to be her choice. Still, he felt compelled to say, “I would have done my duty if you’d asked me to.”
“Understood.” Roxley cleared his throat. “But no matter how you may feel about Athena, I love my daughter and mean for her to be happy. Besides, I cannot imagine you’d want to get yourself leg-shackled to the woman who broke up your wedding and damaged your reputation.”
“As I believe we’ve already established, opinions do change.”
Roxley gave him an uncertain look. “What are you saying?”
Steeling himself, Robert said, “I’d like your permission to court her.”
The viscount gaped at him for a full three seconds before laughter shook him. “You must be joking.”
“I can assure you I am not.”
“But...but...” Roxley waved his hands as if trying to catch the words that escaped him. “You cannot possibly want Athena.”
Bristling at the shock in Roxley’s voice, Robert said, “Why the hell wouldn’t I?”
“Well she’s...she’s—”
“I suggest you choose your words wisely, Roxley.”
Roxley blinked. “She’s my daughter and I adore her, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know she’s a handful. And then there’s the whole business of your past and... Good God. Is this your way of exacting revenge?”
“That’s a bloody insulting question to ask,” Robert growled. “Not only because of what you think me capable of but because you clearly can’t comprehend what I see in her.”
“Well,” Roxley said with great hesitation. “What do you see in her?”
“A woman with a lively spirit, someone who would challenge my mind while bringing joy to my life, the sort of person with whom I would never be bored but in whose company my view of the world would be improved. Athena is a delight. Feisty and brazen, yes. But I like that about her.”
“You do?”
“I cannot imagine why no one else would. She’s the red poppy in the field of white daisies, the flame that burns brighter than all the rest. She has energy and a will stronger than any other I’ve ever encountered.”
“A characteristic that tends to get her into trouble.”
“Which is why she ought to marry as quickly as possible, so she can get settled. Preferably with a man who will love her for who she is while offering guidance.”
“And you wish to be that man?”
“I do,” Robert said. “More than anything.”
Roxley gave him an odd look. “She matters to you. That much is clear. But how can you possibly guarantee love after only two days in her company?”
Robert wasn’t quite sure. He knew he harbored strong feelings for her, but he wasn’t yet ready to call it love. He cleared his throat and told her father, “Because I cannot stand