Let the conversation begin!

For quite awhile, the clock's ticking and quiet clatter of tea cups were the only sounds heard in the large drawing room of Cavenham. Dickie handed Isobel a cup of tea which she thanked him for. But that was the last word she had spoken for the past five minutes.

After he had dismissed the footman, Dickie worried whether or not he should start the conversation with something light, unrelated to their recent engagement. Or would it be better to come out with it, tell her all about what happened with Larry and see how she reacted?

"It was good of you to come," he began quietly, setting his cup aside and looking over at her. He knew she was avoiding his gaze, but he would not give up on her so easily. He was determined to make this work.

"It was good of you to invite me," she answered.

"How have you been?" he asked.

"Well…and you?" she responded, her eyes finally moving from her cup to his face.

This was it…she had opened the door, though she probably did not mean to. But now, he knew he must step through.

"To be quite honest, everything has been out of sorts lately. I'm sure you've read about it."

She blinked twice before nodding, not sure how she should answer or what she was to say. Did he want her to be enthusiastic that Larry was no longer his heir? Or was she to be sympathetic that one of his sons was now…apparently…out of his life?

"Only what was in the paper earlier in the week," she replied slowly.

"Indeed. I wouldn't expect you to know more than that. I tried to keep it quiet; though, I'm not sure why I did. God knows Larry does not deserve such decency."

He looked away from her, out the window, trying to reign in his emotions. It wouldn't do to frighten her away by allowing his frustrations to play out over their tea.

"Lord Merton…did you ask me here because…well because you disinherited Larry? Or was it for some other reason?" Isobel asked softly. He was hurt that she had reverted to using his title, rather than his first name. But, could he blame her? Their engagement was broken after all.

"In part because of Larry's antics," he replied, turning back to face her. "I wanted to tell you the whole story, rather than allow you to read it in the papers."

"That was kind of you," she said.

"You see, Isobel…might I call you that?" he asked, suddenly aware that if she was using his title, it might be improper to call her by her Christian name.

She nodded, allowing him a small sigh of relief.

"Isobel…after we last met…I was so angry…so hurt…so utterly upset by Larry's dreadful letter that I knew something had to be done. I was frustrated that my sons never considered why I felt we should marry; they only cared about themselves and their inheritance."

He stood and moved to the window, choosing to face away from her to make telling the tale a bit easier.

"When I told them of your decision not to marry me…Larry was…well, he was happy to say the least. He carried on boasting about his latest schemes and the women he romanced away from their husbands…and that I would see to the police's inquiries when they came looking for him. I knew he needed to be stopped."

With that, he turned to face her, finding her expression quite serious and a bit confused.

"Isobel, I told you before I shielded the boys from the horrid relationship their mother and I had. Not only that, I shielded them from taking responsibility for their actions. I was a fool when it came to fatherhood…I thought making one's children happy was what mattered…not teaching them right from wrong."

He moved over to the table once more, heavily sitting in the seat beside Isobel and wiping his hand over his eyes.

"I never realized that my actions when the boys were young would create the selfish men they are today. A regret I will live with for the rest of my life…"

Isobel's eyes softened, knowing how difficult it must be for him to reveal all of this personal information to her. "I'm sure it was not all your fault. Children are privy to many other tempting influences."

He smiled, grateful she still cared enough to try and comfort him. "Perhaps. But, in the end, I gave Larry a choice; to either own up to his actions or to leave my house completely."

Isobel's eyes widened, shocked that such an ultimatum had been given. Throwing all caution to the wind, Dickie reached over and took one of Isobel's hands.

"Isobel…Larry is moving out of the country, away from his innumerable scandals. I have agreed to remain silent of what I know if he allows his brother to become heir to the estate. Which brings me to the other reason I asked you to come…"

He took a deep breath and squeezed her hand gently.

"Timothy and I have spoken at length. He feels his initial meeting with you was influenced by Larry's misgivings, and he is sorry for it. If you agree, he would like to meet you properly over dinner."

"But I…"

Dickie stood again, holding tightly to her hand.

"Isobel, I was wrong before. I thought simply words could influence Larry and Timothy to change their minds about our marrying. But I have found that actions are much better suited to these circumstances."

He took a step closer to her, placing his free hand over her fingers nestled in his large palm. "I asked you once before if there was something other than the boys that would prevent you from marrying me."

"I remember," she said softly, looking away from his piercing gaze. Was this really happening?

"Is that still true Isobel? Because Larry is gone…and Timothy would like to get to know more about you…and I desperately want you to become my wife…if you will still have me."

Tears threatened to fall but she blinked quickly, urging them back. She looked up and saw his eyes were also glistening, signaling how true his feelings were for her.

"Lord Merton…"

"Please…" he responded as his eyes and smile turned downward. She placed her handbag on the table and nervously stood in front of him.

"Right…Dickie…" she answered, seeing his face brighten immediately, "…I'm not sure what to say. This is all very sudden."

He gripped her hand, relishing the fact that he was able to touch her once more. "I know…and I don't mean to bully you. I just…"

He broke away and turned back to the window, both hands coming to rest on his hips. How was he ever going to make her believe this could work?

"I just need to know that you have not given up on us. I need to know that if Timothy comes 'round…you will truly marry me."

He turned back to find her facing away from him, arms crossed while her shoulders slightly shook when she took in a breath. Concerned, he took a few steps forward, mere inches away from her quivering form.

"Isobel…Isobel, what is it?" he asked softly, one hand coming to rest ever so gently on her shoulder.

The quivering stopped, and her body tensed at his touch. What was she doing…allowing herself to be so vulnerable in his presence? Wasn't this what she was trying to avoid…hadn't she decided against letting her emotions show?

She felt herself being turned around, both of his hands now resting on her shoulders as he gazed down at her. She dared not look up for fear she would crumble. She could not let this happen again…could not dare to love….

For if she lost love again…she would never survive.
~*~*~*~