My Visit With Mr. Roberts

I was walking in the fields, just wandering about in order to get some fresh air, when it started raining. I was two miles from home, and if I walked much further, I would soon be lost.

"Miss!" came a shout. A tall figure moved towards me.

"Miss, you must get out of this rain! My house is only a couple seconds away." His voice sounded familiar.

"Thank you," I answered, taking his arm. By now, my teeth were chattering.

I entered a mansion, and, in the light, I found who my rescuer was.

"Mr. Roberts?" I asked, looking at him closer.

"Hello Miss Morgans," replied Rupert Roberts, making a gallant bow.

I was too shocked to curtsy, so I stood there, my eyes wide.

"Oh, don't look at me like that, Miss Morgans," said Mr. Roberts.

His hair was grey and long, tied back in a ponytail. His eyes--which were green--were sad and worn.

"Miss Morgans, you know who I am, so there is no reason for you to look at me in such a manner. I have a terrible reputation here for being a brute."

"Mr. Roberts, how do you know me?"

"I am related to your fiance. He talks about you a lot when he comes to visit me." Mr. Roberts looked down at me, his eyes very intent on my features. "Same hair and eyes..." he whispered, almost to himself.

"John comes and visits you?"

"Oh yes, he is my favorite. I would love if he would bring Lily more often, but Mary doesn't approve."

"That must be due to your unseemly behavior since Hilda's death..." my voice trailed off.

"She's dead," he said, looking even more sad then ever.

"I am sorry," I said.

"Never mind, Miss Morgans. The rain seems to have stopped. You will allow me to escort you home?"

"Oh no, that won't be necessary," I said quickly. "It's only just over the hill. Thank you so much for your hospitality, Mr. Roberts."

I left the sad mansion quickly, my brain churning. I had certainly experienced a new side of the ferocious Rupert Roberts!