Free The Aim of a Lady by Laura Matthews Page B

possibility that I might have changed my mind, it no longer exists, and you may tell my father so,” she added with an outthrust chin.
    “But your father says you must marry me!”
    “I doubt my father said any such thing,” she asserted. His expression became mocking and she went on, “And even if he had, it would make no difference. He cannot force me to marry you. I shall come of age in a year and during that period of time I may remain with my sister if he does not wish to abide by my decision. That is all I have to say to you, Lord Vallert, except that if I do not have a copy of the retraction in my hands within the week I will take it upon myself to have one printed, and you can be sure that the manner in which I shall do so will not leave your reputation undamaged.”
    Alonna rose from her chair and proceeded to the door, intent on ignoring his angry, red face and blustering words. The last thing she heard before closing the door behind her was. “You would not dare!”
    Alonna sighed as she mounted the stairs to her sister’s room. In her attempt to be firm she had merely aggravated the young man’s hot temper further. Heaven knew what he would do now. Obviously she was far too inexperienced for such a man as George Savile; she could not even manage one obstreperous suitor.
     

Chapter Eight
     
    Diana had been in no mood to encounter Lord Alma after her afternoon drive with Frank, and she was relieved that he took his meal in his room. His attendance in the music room would have been welcome, but she contented herself with the amusing thought that he was no doubt studying the plant life of Cambridgeshire in his room. Mrs. Lewis provided pleasant if unstimulating companionship and Diana found it wise to suggest an early retiring hour when her companion began to nod over her embroidery.
    In the morning Jenkins assured his mistress that her project would be complete by midday. He still shook his head disapprovingly, but Diana was convinced that it was the only solution to Alma’s entertainment. She did, however, send a message up to him inviting him to go fishing with her that morning, or alone if he preferred, for George’s equipment would be put at his disposal.
    When the message reached him Alma was dressed, and his mood had swung once more toward friendship with his “younger brother,” so he joined Diana in the breakfast parlor where she was sipping at the last of her morning chocolate.
    “Does fishing appeal to you?” she asked, looking up.
    “Yes, I’ve always enjoyed it. You don’t chatter while you’re fishing, do you?”
    “Never,” she replied, her eyes twinkling.
    “Good. Then let’s go together.”
    She led him to her favorite spot along the river where the mossy bank was warmed by the sun the whole of the morning. Without the least embarrassment he spread the rug she had carried and lay down on it, offering her a pole as he did so. They stayed there companionably silent for several hours, occasionally exchanging languid, low-voiced remarks on the wildlife which wandered by, or compliments on each other’s catch.
    “Let’s take ourselves off now and have our fish for luncheon,” Diana suggested when the sun was overhead.
    Alma agreed and asked as they packed away their supplies, “Did you think about more things to study?”
    “No,” she replied with a puzzled frown. “I did not really think much at all this morning. I just...felt good.”
    He smiled at her. “Is that something new?”
    “Well, I seem to spend a lot of my time planning what I am to do next, thinking about what I will enjoy most, or I am doing something, you know, and then I am only thinking about that. Perhaps I don’t spend enough time just sitting still and being happy.”
    “That’s what I enjoy,” he admitted, “and fishing is such a marvelous excuse for it.” Alma was amused that she seemed truly surprised by her unprecedented behavior.
    “Will you have luncheon with Mrs. Lewis and me today, so