Voices Deep Inside (Book 1)

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Four

Midnight in the Atrium

Talia rushed down into the atrium, and there he was standing, waiting for her. Her heart was beating a mile a minute as she stopped like a servant girl on an errand. She froze. Then slowly Talia Henderson Huntley glided toward him like a lady.

"Hello," said Roman in his deep baritone voice. "I am so glad you chose to meet me."

His voice resonated in her heart, and she felt speechless as she moved closer to him.

"It is so nice to see you," said Talia as she stared into his eyes.

He reached for her hand and pulled her close.

"You saved my life and for that I am eternally grateful," said Roman.

Then he pulled her into his arms and hugged her close. Talia closed her eyes and felt his strength in his arms. She opened her eyes and pulled away in modesty.

"You are too kind, sir," said Talia.

"We have a lot of catching up to do, Miss Talia," said Roman.

Roman took hold of her hand and led her to the love seat where they sat down.

"First, before you start," said Talia. "I want to give this back to you."

Talia held out his ring with the crown of laurel crest on it.

"But, why?" asked Roman.

"Excuse me, I hope I'm not interrupting," said Prissy as she walked into the atrium.

Roman stood as she entered the room.

"As a matter of fact, you are," said Roman sternly as he glared at her. "This is a private conversation, Miss Garland."

"I just felt it was my duty as a lady to inform Talia on account that she was recently a servant girl that young ladies do not leave in the middle of the night to meet young gentlemen," announced Prissy.

"Thank you for your concern," said Roman.

Roman saw Myrna standing in the wings of the doorway.

"But I assure you Miss Talia is safe. In fact, she has her personal maid watching out for her. Are you meeting someone this evening, Miss Garland?"

"Why no, of course not," exclaimed Prissy.

"Is your personal maid with you?"

"No, she isn't."

"Then, I suggest you return to your chambers and allow us some privacy."

His stern tone shocked Prissy, and then she looked at Talia and saw the ring on her hand. She gasped at the very idea. She turned in embarrassment and ran up the stairs to the bedroom chambers.

Talia covered mouth as she suppressed her laughter.

"I loved how you handled her," said Talia.

"She has pursued me for three seasons, and she will not take no for an answer. Now, where were we? What is this nonsense about giving back my ring?"

"You gave this ring to me for protection and to keep me safe when I traveled."

"Are you saying you no longer need my protection?"

"No, I don't mean that. I pressured you to promise to marry me, but now our situations have changed. You are free and alive. You should be allowed to choose whom you want to marry. I don't want you to feel as if this is just another entrapment to marriage."