The London Affair

Chapter Four: Robert and Peter

Chapter Four: Robert and Peter

London 1873: Residence of the Prime Minister:

"Charles," Peter called to his servant. Charles appeared, "yes Prime Minister!"

"Ready my carriage, we are going to Grey manor."

"Grey manor? Sir do you think that's wise given your history with his Lordship?"

"What history?"

"Your broken engagement with his daughter, she is marrying General Taylor today, do you know?"

"Yes I bloody know, that's why we're going, get the carriage ready!"

"Yes sir right away," declared Charles as he disappeared.

London 1873: Grey Manor:

As the Prime Minister's carriage was speeding towards Grey Manor, Maria lightly wrapped in Robert's arms began to remember when the good General proposed to her. They were walking hand in hand in the gardens of the Grey estate. "So how was the Queen my love?" Robert had just returned from a meeting with Queen Victoria. He was a royal favorite due to his service in the army and his great success in battles fought in the name of the crown.

"Very well actually, life changing," he said coyly as they continued to walk.

"Life changing, say more darling. Good God, Robbie sometimes you can be so tight lipped," teased Maria.

"She's granting me more land up north for my service to the crown!"

"Robert that's wonderful darling! I'm so happy for you! But what are you going to do with all that land?"

"Build another house!"

"Just for you, won't you be lonely?"

At this moment the blue eyed General locked eyes with the brunette beauty. The General had cropped sandy greyish hair, gentle sapphire blue eyes, a rough looking but handsome face. "No, you will be there of course and perhaps our children!"

"Our children?"

"Yes, three maybe, two boys and a girl, who will be the pearl of my world, only if you want that many."

"Robbie what are you proposing?"

"I am," said the good General as he fell to his knees. "Lady Victoria Maria Anne Grey will you marry me?"

"Robert but what about father have you asked his permission? "

"I was thinking we could ask together but Victoria, my love you haven't said yes!"

"Victoria, no one hardly calls me Victoria!"

"Then that makes me special! Darling you're scaring me, what do you say?"

"I say yes," cried Maria as she flew into his arms.

Lord Grey though hesitant at first since Robert was not nearly as rich as Peter , was actually pleased with the match due to Robert being a royal favorite. He gave his permission.

Meanwhile as the decaying façade of Grey Manor came into view as Peter's carriage sped towards it, Peter was reminded of the first time he came to Grey Manor. It was the day after he and Maria officially met. The rest of the afternoon the day he and Maria met, Peter and Maria read and talked poetry. It was the first time in a while that he felt as if he had connected with another soul.

London 1872: Grey Manor:

Maria was in the drawing room sewing, when Peter stormed in unannounced. By the end of the visit the day before, she found him tolerable but at this point she could not envision being married to him. Maria looked up and cried "Lord Thomas what do I owe the pleasure," she asked sarcastically?