Carlton House Terrace, Thursday Night
Robert came to see me at twelve, and he brought me the loveliest, splendid diamond and emerald ring, and I danced about like a child with delight over it. He has the most exquisite sentiment, Robert—every little trifle has some delicate meaning, and he makes me feel and feel.
Each hour we spend together we seem to discover some new bit of us which is just what the other wants. And he is so deliciously jealous and masterful and—oh, I love him—so there it is!
I am learning a lot of things, and I am sure there are lots to learn still.
At half-past one Lady Merrenden came and fetched us in the barouche, and off we went to Vavasour House, with what different feelings to last evening!
The pompous servants received us in state, and we all three walked on to the duke’s room.
There he was, still huddled in his chair, but he got up—he is better to-day.
Lady Merrenden went over and kissed him.
“Dear Torquilstone,” she said.
“Morning, Robert,” he mumbled, after he had greeted his aunt. “Introduce me to your fiancée.”
And Robert did, with great ceremony.
“Now, I won’t call you names any more,” I said, and I laughed in his face. He bent down and kissed my forehead.
“You are a beautiful tiger-cat,” he said; “but even a year of you would be well worth while.”
Upon which Robert glared, and I laughed again, and we all went in to lunch.
He is not so bad, the duke, after all.