“I understand,” Robert answered .
Ann stood by, not wanting to leave Robert alone .
“Good afternoon,” Diana said as she came into the room. “Mother says you wished to see me ?”
“Yes. I am Robert Donnelly,” he said offering his hand .
“The Earl of Donnelly?” Diana asked .
“Yes.”
Diana curtsied briefly. “Please have a seat. Might you enjoy some tea ?”
“Not for me, just yet. Thank you .”
Diana turned to her mother. “Thank you, Mother .”
Ann left and Diana went to sit opposite Robert .
“And how may I assist you, my Lord?” she asked .
“Let me first ask, is George Browning of St. John’s related to you in any way ?”
“Yes. He is my father. Do you know him ?”
“I attended some of his lectures when I was a student at the university .”
“I shall ask him if he remembers you .”
“Please give him my best regards .”
“I shall .”
“Now then, down to business. I have come with a proposition for you .”
As Robert explained his offer to Diana he could not help but admire her gentle and attractive demeanor. Her delicate yet determined features appealed to him and he was surprised at how easy he found it was conversing with her. How different from that dreadful family he left behind at Balfour .
When he was finished outlining his proposal he paused to give her time to consider his offer .
Diana then said, “That is a most interesting situation in which you find yourself. I can completely understand the ambiguity of your position. And I agree, it does seem to be a ridiculous constraint that you cannot publish under your own name .”
“But alas, it is not just my problem. It seems Hancock and Puntley would also suffer if they published my book with my name on it .”
Diana laughed. “You are in the House of Lords, why cannot you put through a bill or something to outlaw such an egregious unfairness ?”
Robert followed her laugh with his. “Well, firstly the Lords does not originate bills. That is done in the Commons. All the Lords can do is offer a yea or a nay after a vigorous debate. So, it is quite unlikely that my dilemma will disappear any time soon .”
“Such is the way of the world .”
“And what do you think about my offer? Is it something you can consider ?”
“I am thinking about it. But why choose me? Have you read my books? Do you think we are a good fit ?”
“I have not, but I should like to. Actually, it was Sir Cecil who suggested I contact you .”
“I see. But do you not think it important that your work match mine in some manner? After all, my readers would be wildly suspicious if your writing was too different from mine .”
“I have considered that, and might propose a forward in my book suggesting you had decided to go in a new direction with your writing .”
“Yes, that might work .”
“Then you will agree to the proposal ?”
“Perhaps. I certainly do need the additional income. And you assure me I could continue with my work—but under a different name ?”
“Sir Cecil assures me you can do that and he will make a concerted effort to make it a successful transition .”
“And that being said, may I offer you some tea now? Or would you rather go for a walk? There is a quite lovely meadow nearby .”
“How about a walk and then some tea? I should like to know more about your books .”
“By all means let us walk. I find that writing all day, I need to get out and stretch my legs most afternoons.” They both stood. “Then just let me fetch my shawl and I shall be right with you .”
* * *
H aving crossed over the stile into the meadow, Robert turned and offered his hand to Diana who deftly climbed up and then down the steps .
She looked up directly into Robert’s eyes and felt a shiver go down her spine. This man was so dashingly handsome. She felt a catch in her breath and a tingle along her arm as he let go of her hand as they were now ready to walk .
Robert turned and examined the meadow. “I used to come here often to walk when I was a student at St. John’s . However, I entered from the other end which was closer to the college .”
Diana smiled shyly and said, “Then we already have something in common .”
“We do indeed,” he answered smiling .
He offered Diana his arm, which she took .
“Now, then tell me about your books,” he said. “All Sir Cecil would tell me was that they were romances. But that is such a general term, it is difficult to get much understanding from that term alone .”
The grass was wet from an earlier shower and with her free hand, Diana lifted her skirts slightly to avoid them getting soaked .
“Yes, romance is a very general term. My stories are character based with the individuals who are faced with impediments to their union but with some humor and, of course, a happy ending once the obstacles are overcome. Not very exciting to a gentleman, perhaps, but my readers seem to enjoy my modest tales .”
Robert nodded. “My book is also a romance, but it is interwoven with a tale of travel and adventure—more pleasing to men than to women, perhaps .”
Diana took exception to his observation. “Not at all. Ladies enjoy a good adventurous story as well as men—if it is well told, of course—and perhaps not too violent .”
“And I believe my story is well told and pleasing to the average reader. But what about your readers?” Do you think they might enjoy such a tale ?”
“It might surprise them at first, but I believe they would .”
“My goal is to expand beyond your current readership and build a larger following with the wider scope of my story .”
“Yes. I understand .”
They walked on in silence until they came to the far side of the meadow .
“Shall we return?” Robert asked .
“I think that wise. My shoes are getting a little wet .”
“Oh, I am sorry,” he said with some concern. “You should have warned me. We could have returned sooner .”
“No, it is fine. I get wet feet all the time. I walk so often I am quite accustomed to it .”
They turned and began walking back .
“Please enlighten me a little more about the exact arrangement you wish to make with me,” Diana said .
“Oh, I have not been clear, have I ?”
“You sketched out what you wanted, but you have not been specific on what you are offering .”
“How negligent of me. Only thinking about myself again, I am afraid. I am scolded about my self-centeredness from my sister incessantly .”
“I shall forgive you,” Diana said looking at Robert and smiling .
“I was thinking of offering you one thousand pounds up front and fifty percent of my share of the royalties on the sales of the book thereafter. Does that sound equitable ?”
Diana was shocked. It was a large sum that might go a long way toward solving the family’s financial problem. And fifty percent of the royalties seemed very generous. That would be in addition to her own royalties—however, she would still need to reach her readers under a different name. But Robert assured her Sir Cecil would be able to help with that .
She realized that even with a thousand pounds up front, it would not be enough to purchase the leasehold. And there was no way to know if Robert’s book would be successful or not. It would take time before his book was published and the royalties would be coming in .
She felt uncomfortable asking Robert for more money and answered, “It does sound fair .”
“Then will you agree? I should so like for Sir Cecil to be able to move forward with publishing my book as soon as possible .”
“I would like a few days to think about it—if you do not mind. It is a big decision and I would like to discuss it with my parents
and my friend, Adam .”
“Adam? Is he a friend or a suitor?” Robert asked with a hint of hesitation .
Diana prevaricated, then said, “Well, to be honest, the relationship is not clear cut. I would have to honestly answer by saying—he is a little bit of both .”
“I see,” he said contemplatively, as he looked at her with what she thought was a look of disappointment .
Chapter 6
T hey reached the stile and after they crossed over, they were headed back to Diana’s house when, as they were passing the Sinclair residence, Miriam and Geffrey ran out of the house and ran up to Diana, accosting her as Miriam shouted, “Come in for tea !”
“We saw you heading to the meadow earlier,” Geoffrey added .
“Oh, hello …”
“we are the Sinclair twins …”
She pointed to her brother and said, “Geoffrey …”
And he pointed to her, “and Mariam .”
“Robert Donnelly,” Diana introduced, as Robert offered his hand to shake .
“Are you …”
“a professor at the college ?”
“No, I am an author, like your friend, Diana,” Robert said, but not introducing himself as the Earl of Donnelly .
“Then come inside for tea …”
“Robert, the author .”
Miriam grabbed hold of Robert’s hand as Geoffrey grabbed hold of Diana’s and led them inside, Robert laughing at the sudden turn of events .
* * *
D iana was amused as she watched Robert interact with her two bizarre friends. But he seemed to be enjoying himself all through the brief tea .
Finally, when they left, Diana took hold of Robert’s arm again and said, “I hope you didn’t mind having tea with my crazy friends. I was going to offer you a much more sedate tea time, but we were kidnapped and taken hostage .”
“Just like an episode out of my Amazon travels,” Robert said laughing .
When they reached the house, Diana offered Robert the opportunity to come inside, but he declined as they stood at her doorstep .
“What if I stop by again in two or three days? Might you have your answer for me by then?” he asked .
Diana smiled as she shook Robert’s hand. “I expect I shall. And I do look forward to seeing you again then .”
Robert raised her hand and kissed it. “Until we meet again,” he said and walked briskly away from the house toward the inn where he’d stabled his horse .
Diana found she was agitated as she watched him walk away. Not uncomfortably so, but feeling a mixture of anticipation, attraction, and concern. It was a strange combination of feelings, so she went inside and sat at the kitchen table where the quiet of the kitchen and comfort of the heat from the stove calmed and settled her .
She was suddenly taken with the need to tell Miriam and Geoffrey about the Earl’s offer. The subject had never come up at tea and she wanted to hear what they thought about this new opportunity, so she put on a sweater, as it was getting colder outside, and she headed to the Sinclair’s house .
“You are back,” Miriam squealed as she opened the door. “Oh, do come in. Are you going to tell us all about that enchanting man, Robert ?”
“Well, I do have some news about that .”
“Who is that?” Geoffrey called out .”
“It is Diana with news,” she shouted back .”
“But did she not tell us all the news she had just minutes ago? What could possibly have happened since then?” he asked as he appeared in the entrance way .
“Ask her yourself, then,” Miriam scolded .
“Tell, tell. Is it about the divine Mr. Robert?” Geoffrey asked .
“More or less,” Diana said, “Come… sit with me so I can tell you. I need to know what you think .”
They headed to the sitting-room where the tea service was still sitting cold on the table .
“Now what I have to tell you must be in the strictest of confidence. Do you understand ?”
They both nodded vigorously .
“Now, I mean it. Do not tell a soul or the literary furies will swoop down and peck out both of your eyes. Understand. Seriously .”
“Oh, come on and tell us. You are being so dramatic,” Miriam insisted .
Diana laid out the entirety of Robert’s offer then asked, “What do you think ?”
“But who is he ?”
“Have you read anything he has written ?”
“He may be a serial killer for all you know,” the twins said all at once, overlapping each other .
“Now. Now. I know he is not a serial killer. He is the Earl of Donnelly to answer your first question .”
“He is?” they said in unison .
“Our Earl of Donnelly?” Geoffrey asked .
“Yes. And no, I have not read anything he has written .”
“But what if it is dreadful and it alienates all your readers ?”
“I am sure it is not dreadful,” Diana insisted, “otherwise my publisher would not publish him and go to all the trouble of trying to find a surrogate author for him .”
“Now, that is an excellent point,” Miriam said. Then she added, “and he certainly is romantic himself, is he not ?”
“He seemed very attentive to you,” Geoffrey said .
“Was he? I had not noticed,” Diana replied, but not so sure that what she said was true .
“Now you are getting away from the crux of my problem. Do you think it is a good idea for me to let him use my name to publish under? After all, my reputation is at stake, and if something goes wrong I could lose all my readers and what little income I have from my writing .”
“But what if he finds you wildly attractive and falls madly in love with you, then you would become Lady Donnelly,” Miriam rhapsodized .
“Do not get carried away. You are far too flighty. Come down to earth. This is strictly about a business agreement between the two of us,” Diana insisted .
“I would not be too certain that is all that is involved here,” Geoffrey hinted .
“You two are evil and wicked. I come to you for sound, practical advice and you ply me with your romantic fantasies .”
“But it could happen,” Miriam insisted. “He is like a white knight out of a dream. And you would be so perfect together. Both writers. Both so lovely looking. I imagine your babies would be dream babies too .”
Diana stood up. “Now you are not only ridiculous but also silly, and I am going to leave .”
“Take the offer,” Geoffrey said, matter-of-factly. “It’s a lovely down payment and if the book is successful you will make additional money. How can you lose ?”
* * *
B ack home, after fleeing the exhausting session with her friends, she calmed herself down by picking up a book and settling in by the fire to read. And after a few moments, she began to feel a little more relaxed when there was a knock again at the front door .
Her first thought was that Robert had something else he wanted to tell her and she went to answer. But it was not Robert, it was Adam .
“Oh, hello, Adam. Please, come in .”
He smiled broadly. “Thank you.” He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “Do you have your answer for me today, as you promised?” he asked, jumping right in with a bright expectation .
It took Diana a moment to realize what he was asking—about his marriage proposal. She had given it thought previously and had come to the conclusion that marrying Adam was her best hope for securing her family’s security. But with the excitement of this new opportunity from Robert, she had not yet had time to consider if this change might free her from the need of accepting Adam’s proposal .
“Come into the sitting-room, Adam. There is a nice fire and we can talk .”
“Talk? Is there a need for talk?” he asked. “Is your answer to my proposal a yes or a no ?”
Diana took his hand and led him to the chairs by the fire, and directed him to sit .
She began
by briefly outlining the offer from Robert and what it might mean for her future .
“Are you going to accept?” Adam asked .
“I am leaning toward acceptance. Yes .”
“And how might that affect my proposal?” Adam asked a little concerned that she might be shying away from his offer .
Diana lowered her head and was quiet for a moment. Then she looked up at Adam and said, “Adam, I am going to be blunt with you. If I accept your proposal will you ask your father to guarantee whatever funds we will need to secure the new leasehold ?”
Adam seemed a little agitated. “So your acceptance is dependent on a successful financial transaction ?”
“Yes, Adam, it is .”
“And your feelings for me? Are they nothing ?”
“No Adam,” she said with sympathy, “you know that is not my only motive. You know I care for you a great deal. We share many common interests and tender feelings. But the situation is such that the fate of my family is in my hands and I need to make sure my parents’ future is secure in this house. Please try and understand .”
Adam hung his head. “I do. Believe me, I do. But I want to be sure that you are marrying me for me and not just for what I can do for you financially .”
Diana stood and opened her arms to Adam. He responded by standing and taking her in his arms and kissing her cheek .
“Then your answer is a yes?” He asked, standing back to look into her eyes .”
“Yes, Adam, it is .”
“Then I will do everything within my power to help you with the loan,” he said with a big smile. “We are engaged. Think of that,” He said, throwing his arms up in the air. “We need to celebrate. Let us go and tell your mother .”
“Very well,” Diana said shyly .
Adam took her hand, kissed her on the cheek again and led her out the front door and over to the gallery .
Her mother was hanging a painting on a spot on the wall that was empty from the sale of a painting earlier that morning .
“Oh, hello, you two,” Mother said, still distracted by hanging the painting .
“We have an announcement,” Adam blurted out .
Mother turned to look at them. “And what might that be?” she asked as she stepped down from her small ladder .
Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke_A Historical Regency Romance Novel Page 5