As the next several weeks came and went, Anthony and Diana spent more and more time together. They attended several balls, afternoon tea, the opera, and took romantic walks through Hyde Park. It was quite clear to everyone that they had formed an attachment, their feelings were displayed all over their faces. However, those feelings had yet to be confessed to one another.
One lovely evening toward the middle of June, Anthony took Diana out onto the terrace of the Bath assembly rooms. He was wanting a few moments of privacy with her, and for the two of them to get some fresh air after dancing for three hours. The sun was just beginning to set across the horizon, bathing the sky with brilliant beams of gold, lavender, blue, and dusty pink.
Diana smiled as she watched the sunset. "This is magnificent."
Anthony came up beside her, placing his hand on top of hers which was resting on the railing overlooking the garden. "It certainly is. But it's nowhere near as beautiful as you."
Diana became bright pink. "Anthony, you flatter me."
Anthony turned so that he was spacing her. He took her other hand, squeezing both of them with his. His eyes remained fixed with hers. "I am not saying that to flatter you Diana. I am saying that because it's true. I must've tell you my feelings."
Diana. "Your feelings?"
Anthony nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, my feelings for you."
Diana felt her heart leap. "Oh, and what feelings are those?"
Anthony reached up and took her face between his hands, his eyes fixed with hers. "I love you."
Diana gasped, her eyes welling up with tears. Had she heard Anthony correctly? She shook her head. "Say it again your grace. I don't believe I heard you."
Anthony smiled, caressing her face tenderly. "I love you my darling. I love you with all of my heart and all of my soul. Quite frankly I have loved you since I was a boy. Your smile makes my heart fly with joy. Your laughter is quite infectious. You are beautiful, both physically and intellectually. I don't trust my heart to be kept with anyone else but you."
Diana smiled through the tears that had begun to cascade down her cheeks. "I love you too my dearest. I love you with every fiber of my being. Honestly, I have loved you since I was a girl. Your smile brings me peace and happiness. Your laughter sparkles like the stars. you are brilliant and very talented. I don't trust my heart to be kept with anyone but you."
Anthony gently wiped her tears away, his smile radiant. "May I kiss you?"
Diana beamed with pure elation. "You certainly may your grace."
Their eyes locked in a magnetic gaze of pure love, they lean forward, their lips coming together for their first sweet kiss. Their arms intertwined around one another, their tongues beginning a delicious waltz of passion. At Long last, they were finally together.
Anthony came away after a few minutes, his eyes shining. "I have a surprise for you."
Diana raised one eyebrow curiously. "What is that surprise?"
Anthony. "Close your eyes."
Diana stuck her tongue out at him playfully. "Do I not get to see it?"
Anthony chuckled. "Of course you do my love, but I don't want the surprise to be ruined."
Giggling, Diana closed her eyes. "Very well, I have done as you asked."
Smiling, Anthony took her left hand. Snapping his fingers, he watched as a magnificent ring materialized on her left ring finger. "All right, you can open your eyes now."
Opening her eyes, Diana looked down and gasped. "Anthony..."
The ring was exquisite. The band was gold, the gemstones comprised of a large diamond, two rubies, two sapphires, and two citrine. The gemstones sparkled brilliantly beneath the setting sun.
Anthony. "Do you like it?"
Diana was beaming. "I love it, it's perfect."
Anthony smiled radiantly before kneeling down in front of her on one knee. Still holding her hand, he looked adoringly up at her. "My sweet and darling Diana, I love you with all of my heart. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Diana smiled brightly, her eyes glistening with tears of joy. "Yes, yes I will."