His Lordship's Desire. Joan Wolf

Peninsula had a lot to do with Napoleon’s downfall.”

      It sounded to Diana as if Alex had not been as thrilled with life as a soldier as he had expected to be. Perversely, this made her glad.

      “I expect being in a battle wasn’t much fun,” she said.

      “No.” His voice was clipped.

      They walked in silence for a while. Then Alex turned to her. “Dee, is it really too late for us? Can’t we start over again? I know you have a right to be angry with me. But I love you. I have always loved you. I don’t want you to marry another man, I want you to marry me. Will you at least consider that?”

      She returned his look, her brown eyes grave in her exquisite face. “It’s too late,” she said. “The feelings I had for you are gone.”

      His mouth set in a grim line. “I don’t believe that. I can’t believe it.”

      A bird flew close to Monty’s head and he sidled a little. “It’s true,” she lied. “Something in me died when you left, Alex. For a long time I was very angry with you, but now that you’re back even my anger is gone. We’re finished. That’s all there is to it. I’m sorry.”

      He said, “Get off that horse and kiss me, Dee, and then tell me you have no feelings left for me.”

      She raised her chin and stared ahead. “I have no intention of kissing you! You lost your rights to my kisses a long time ago.” She fought to compose herself. “We might start to trot. The horses have caught their breath.”

      She started Monty going briskly forward, eager to end their conversation. After a moment, Alex followed.