Page 110 of Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke

“Robert…” She looked at him as she never had before. And he stood his ground and returned her stare—his eyes alight with passion anddesire.

“Diana… myDiana…

She pulled herself together and said rapidly, “I must go. I am so happy you have solved your problem. And I wish you all the very best in your new venture. And please, give your sister my very best congratulations on herengagement.”

“I will take you home. However, I came on horseback so we must ridetogether.”

“Very well.” Diana was feeling shaken by the kiss and wanted to leave as soon as possible. “But the light is fading and I should like to get home beforedark.”

“I understand. We can leave right now. I left the horse saddled. I will retrieve him and be rightback.”

Diana followed Robert to the front door and waited inside for him to return with the horse. As she waited, she found she was still agitated by the kiss. She realized she was playing with fire each time she was alone with him and she promised herself that muststop.

“Are you ready to leave?” he asked, coming to fetchher.

“Yes, thankyou.”

They went outside and Robert mounted the horse and then helped her up, to sit sideways behindhim.

They started out after Diana had grabbed hold of Robert’s waist. As they rode forward there was a cool breeze and she leaned her head against Robert’s back. It was so very comforting and she relaxed into theride.

But shortly they arrived back at her house, and she slipped off the horse and reached up and took Robert’shand.

“Thank you for bringing mehome.”

“And thank you for your wise council.” He squeezed her hand before letting go. “All the very best with your writing now that you are back home. I wish I could write, but it looks like I shall be busy for some time dealing with the canal. And again, thankyou.”

“Good-bye, for now, Robert.” And she watched him rideaway.