When We Meet Again

Chapter 7 - An Understanding

"May I speak with Miss Diana Lewis?" Asked Robert, standing in the doorway.

Just then Mrs. Lewis walked down the staircase and greeted him. "Oh, Robert, good to see you, please come in. I'm pretty sure she's in the parlor right now, I'll go ahead and lead you there."

Victoria and Emily gave Diana an excited look and squeezed her.

"We'll make our way out," Victoria whispered to her, "We wouldn't want to be a distraction."

Diana gave them a desperate look, not wanting their comforting presence to leave. Her heart was beating fast, while her brain was quickly trying to figure out why he was here, and what he might say.

They started to leave, and walked past Robert and Diana's mother, who just entered the parlor.

Robert and Diana's eyes instantly met, both looking deeply at each other as though they had not seen each other in 100 years.

"Thanks for visiting!" Mrs. Lewis spoke as the two girls walked by.

"It was a pleasure." They replied.

Robert tipped his head to them as they walked past. "It is good to see you two."

"And you as well Robert." Victoria smiled.

"Yes, good to see you too." Emily replied excitedly, pausing and turning back to him, before glancing back at Diana and giving an encouraging grin. Victoria had to pull on her to remind her that they were leaving.

"Well, I am so happy you came to visit Robert!" Mrs. Lewis spoke. "And I'm sure Diana is as well."

Diana's cheek's reddened, and she looked down.

"I must admit, but I am about to be a bad chaperone, please don't tell your mother." Mrs Lewis joked, "I have some work to do in the room right next to this one, so if you need anything, just let me know!"

"Yes, of course Mrs. Lewis." Robert smiled.

She walked out, and then Robert turned back to Diana. "How have you been, Diana."

"As good as I can." She replied softly.

"May I sit?" He asked politely

"Yes, of course." Diana responded.

Molly came in with another tray of tea and desserts to replace the old one, and handed a cup to Diana and Robert.

"Thank you." Robert spoke, giving Molly a gentle smile.

"Of course, sir." She replied, before leaving the room.

Robert took and sip of the tea, and then spoke. "This tea is quite good. What a nice flavor it has."

"Yes, indeed." Diana replied with a slightly dry tone.

Robert could tell that something was not sitting right with her, and then remembered that he had not called yesterday like he should've. He knew he had to explain himself.

"I was really hoping that I could have payed you a visit yesterday." He spoke.

"Yes, I was hoping you would visit me as well." Diana replied, looking down at her tea and stirring it.

Robert could tell that she was annoyed at his late visit, and she also seemed disappointed as well. He grew nervous, and hoped his explanation would be enough.

"I'm afraid I got quite sick, though." He quickly spoke.

Diana looked up and gave him a look that puzzled him. He couldn't tell if she looking at him as though he had just told the biggest lie in the world and thought she'd be stupid enough to fall for it, or if she was deeply concerned for his well being. He quickly made sure to explain himself even more so she wouldn't be mad at him.