When We Meet Again

Chapter 8 - The Library

Diana woke up the next day feeling rejuvenated and excited. She was very happy to be able to be able to do something she loved with someone she deeply cared about.

Molly helped her put on her dress, which was a deep shade of turquoise. She also helped Diana do her hair, and put it into a plaited bun.

Robert showed up right at ten o'clock, just like he said, and Diana quickly grabbed a black shawl and copper colored bonnet before walking the short distance to the city library. Her mother followed them, trailing a few feet behind them. She had to come along to be a chaperone, despite Diana's incessant complaining.

Once they were there, Diana was quickly in awe at the building's splendor. Even though she had been there many times before, she was always shocked at the library's beauty. The building was glowing from the inside, perhaps from the many crystal chandeliers and gold that was sprinkled inside. There were many tall rows of mahogany bookshelves, all filled to the brim with books. The walls were covered in a deep red wallpaper, and matching velvet chairs were placed around, as well as many intricately carved tables and desks. It was very easy to get lost in the place.

Diana quickly made her way to the bookshelves, bubbling with excitement, and Robert followed soon after, trying to catch up. Mrs. Lewis made sure to keep her distance yet still kept them in sight. She wished to give them some sense of privacy, but knew she would not be allowed to leave them by themselves.

Diana was instantly drawn into the books, flipping through them as if it was second nature to her. Robert watched, his own heart bubbling with happiness to see her so interested.

"This must be like a second home to you." Robert spoke, breaking Diana's concentration.

"It just might be." She smiled. "I am surprised you invited me here, since you have your own grand library at your house."

"Sometimes it's nice to find something new." Robert responded, picking a book and thumbing through it. "I'll have to invite you to mine sometime too."

Diana looked up from the book she was holding a smiled. "That would be nice, since it's been so long since I've been there."

Robert looked down at her with a smile, and observed her face. He always thought she was beautiful, but the golden glow from the chandeliers made her appear angelic. Just looking at her put butterflies in his stomach, and his face started to grow hot. He quickly snapped out of it and tried to find conversation. "Do you have anymore book recommendations for me?"

"Let me take a look." Diana said, quickly making her way to the "A" section in the bookshelves that was closest to them. She flipped through a couple books and then stopped at one that caught her eye.

"This one is Pride and Prejudice." Diana spoke. "I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I've read it a couple times. Not sure if you would like it though, since your a man and this book has lots of romance in it. But that doesn't mean you won't enjoy it."

"You must like to read lots of Jane Austin." Robert laughed.

"What do you mean by that?" Diana questioned. "I don't think I've recommended you lots of Jane Austin's books."

"Don't you remember when we first met?" Robert explained. "I walked in on you reading Sense and Sensibility in your attic. You nearly scared me to death!"

"Now that you say that, I do remember that." Diana responded. "And I was so embarrassed that you saw me in only my night clothes."

"Oh, we were only kids then, it was no big deal." Robert laughed.

"Try telling that to 13 year old me." Diana joined in laughing, before quieting down a bit. "Honestly, try telling 13 year old me anything that has happened to me in the past 5 days, and she'd probably go mad."