The sisters could not have been more unalike. Bridget was tall and thin with a pinched face and boney hands. Tabitha was short and stout with a red face and a crackling giggle, as she found almost everything amusing .
“And we are charmed to be here. It was so nice of you to think of inviting us,” Tabitha said. “Hardly anyone asks us out—two unmarried sisters are usually not on the top of everyone’s list of guests,” she added with a little laugh .
“Oh, there are the Booths,” Bridget said. “I have been meaning to have a word with Lady Booth about her dressmaker .”
“Ours up and died on us, can you imagine?” Tabitha giggled .
They waved to the Booths and proceeded to head toward them .
Amelia managed to pry Robert away from Sir Cecil and the Brownings and pulled him aside .
“I want to introduce you to Diana and her mother and father,” Robert said .
Amelia smiled. “Of course—but first, just one quick word .”
“Yes?”
She pulled him further aside. “It is very important that you and the Viscount have a word together later this evening. You see, I promised him that the three of us would meet briefly .”
“Is this about his damned canal ?”
Amelia was shocked at Robert’s language but did not allow it to dim her pleasant smile. “But Robert, this is a project that will benefit the entire county. Do you not believe it is worth a few moments of your time to hear his ambitious and exciting plans ?”
Robert glared at her. “Has he bribed you, or are you simply under his thrall ?”
Amelia lowered her eyes in mock hurt. “Robert, how could you accuse me of such deceit ?”
“Oh Amelia, my darling sister, I know you all too well. However, I shall save you concern for the rest of the evening by saying up front that I have other plans for after dinner. Sir Cecil and I will be arranging our agreement with Miss Browning for her to be my surrogate author .”
Now it was Amelia’s turn to scowl. “You are truly going through with this absurd conceit ?”
Robert patted her cheek. “Yes, dear sister, I am. And you may inform your co-conspirator that there will be no meeting with him this evening—or any evening it is about the canal. I shall not have my land cut in half by a public waterway .”
Then he took her arm and led her to meet Diana and the Brownings .
* * *
B efore directing the party to the dinner, Robert excused himself and went to the dining room to inspect the guests’ place cards. He had been placed at the head of the dinner table, as expected, and Amelia had placed Lady Wilton to his right and herself to his left. Robert knew that she was trying to control the dinner party so he switched a number of the place cards to make an arrangement to his satisfaction—placing Diana and her father to his left and right .
He instructed Sithens to call the guests to dinner and he stood at his place and watched the guests wander into the dining room and begin to search for their places at the table. Amelia, of course, went directly to where she expected to sit, only to find Diana had already found her place next to Robert. She took a step back and found her new place which was between Lord Booth and Bridget Simpson-Wright. And the Viscount was placed at the far end of the table with Diana’s mother to his left. However, he was across from Lady Hortense, and that seemed to please him .
Robert smiled as the guests were seated and saw Amelia furiously twisting her handkerchief and casting glances at the Viscount, trying to catch his eye. But he was hidden behind a flower arrangement and already engaging in conversation with Lady Hortense .
Robert ignored them and turned to Diana. “A most charming gown, Miss Diana. It would be the perfect selection if you ever have your portrait painted .”
Diana laughed. “Oh, I think that is highly unlikely—unless it is to scare the foxes from the chicken coop .”
George spoke up in her defense, “Daughter, you are as lovely as a sunset. And, of course, since we do not have a chicken coop, there shall be no terrified fleeing foxes ."
Robert turned to George and asked. “How many books have you published by now? I so enjoyed reading your critique of Marlow’s early works when I was an undergraduate at university. I believe it was considered ground-breaking at the time, was it not ?”
George blushed slightly, “Oh, my Lord, I do not know about ground-breaking, but it did cause a minor stir amongst the Marlow scholars back in its day .”
“Father has seventeen books published, is that not so?” Diana said, turning to her father for confirmation .
“Fifteen books and two pamphlets .”
“Remarkable accomplishment .”
The footmen began serving the wine and Robert noticed that Diana’s mother seemed to be chatting along happily with Lady Booth .
Diana had turned to speak with Lord Booth and Robert turned back to George .
“Professor, and how do you feel about having a daughter who has so successfully published ?”
“Most gratifying, indeed. Three books already and she is only twenty-four .”
“A substantial talent I would say,” Robert said, nodding .
“Sir Cecil is pleased with her accomplishments. But if I might say, I am not quite sure I understand what all of this hush hush is about with you wishing to publish under her name .”
Robert put his finger to his lips and leaned in to speak softly. “My publishing must remain anonymous, and I do not wish these other guests to know about my work. This information must stay between your family and myself if you please .”
George still did not seem to understand, and mumbled. “Most unusual… in my day …”
The footmen then began serving the soup course, as Bridget Simpson-Wright turned to Robert and asked, “My Lord, Tabitha tells me you were in London recently. Did you attend the theater or the opera? I understand there is the most shocking review at the Sadler’s Wells . Did you see it ?”
“That would be Sylvia’s Triumph and no I did not. I was there for a short visit on business, Miss Simpson-Wright .”
“What a pity. Everything is so dull in this neighborhood. The most we can hope to see are students dressing up as women and putting on Shakespeare’s plays in college .”
“Not bad some of that, I can tell you,” George spoke up. “The bard still entertains even after all these years .”
The Viscount turned to Bridget and said, “You like shocking reviews, do you Miss Simpson-Wright .”
Bridget blushed and giggled. “Oh, no. But I do enjoy a nice comedy or a panto now and then. But we rarely get up to London at Christmas time .”
“Then you are in for a treat for I understand that there is to be a traveling troop of players presenting a pantomime this very Christmas at one of the colleges—though I am not sure which one .”
Bridget clapped. “Which Panto is it to be ?”
“Aladdin, I believe,” Diana spoke up .
Bridget turned to Tabitha and said, “Oh, we must book our tickets early. I do love front row center .”
As the main course was being served, the guests began to speak individually amongst themselves. And Robert turned again to Diana .
“How is your new novel coming along?” he asked .
“Slowly, I am sad to say. All of this excitement over your proposal has disrupted my tranquil writing time and I am struggling somewhat .”
“I am sorry to be a distraction for you .”
Diana tilted her head. “It is not the first distraction. And now that I am engaged… well, I sometimes wonder if I shall ever get to finish my new book .”
Robert did not like to be reminded of Diana’s upcoming marriage. He had found himself unexpectedly attracted to this young woman and he was surprised that after all of Amelia’s efforts to introduce him to suitable young women, here was the one he could not have .
He looked over at Amelia and caught her apparently signaling to Lady Hortense to engage Robert in a conversation .
Robert turned his attention back to Diana. “I was speaking to Sir Cecil before you arrived this evening and he has an excellent plan for you to continue publishing your books under a new pen name. He will explain it all in our meeting after dinner .”
Diana looked up at him and smiled. “You are a very kind and thoughtful man. Thank you .”
* * *
A melia had been seething all evening. It was so obvious Robert had rearranged her seating plan and now Luddy was in deep conversation and giggles with Lady Hortense—who was supposed to be in deep conversation and giggles with Robert and not her Luddy .
Why did everything need to be so-o-o difficult ?
Amelia felt she must do something to rescue this evening from total disaster. And her first line of action was to somehow separate Lady Hortense from the Viscount .
She was just about to try distracting Lady Hortense with conversation when the Viscount stood at his place at the table .
“I think a toast is in order,” he announced, standing, but resting one hand on the table to steady himself. “To the Earl of Donnelly—a man eager to maintain the status quo at all costs. Hang the good of the community. Never mind the prosperity of the county …”
By now Amelia had jumped up and rushed around the end of the table and took Ludlow by the arm and tugged to get him out of the room .
“You are a terrible drunk,” she whispered as she dragged him, wine glass in hand, toward the dining room door. “I swear you have probably just sealed your fate. Now Robert will be more set against your project than ever. How can you be such a fool ?”
She led him to the Sterling parlor and sat him down and took the wine glass from his hand .
“And just what were you doing flirting with Lady Hortense all evening. You were making a mocking spectacle of yourself .”
“Give me my wine,” he gurgled .
She went to the sideboard and poured a glass of water and took it to Ludlow .
“There. That is what you need right now .”
He took a sip and spit it out in a violent spray. “Ugh, that is disgusting .”
“I am going to call for your carriage. You are unsuited for civilized company for the rest of this evening .”
“But I need to tell Robbie all about my canal .”
Amelia sighed in disgust. “Not this evening you won’t. And you will be lucky if he ever speaks to you again. And I would not blame him .”
* * *
R obert stood at the conclusion of the dinner party. Amelia had only just returned—without the Viscount .
“Ladies and Gentlemen,” he announced, “It is customary for the ladies to leave the gentlemen at table after such a fine meal for drinks and cigars. However, this evening I must beg you to forgo this custom, as I must meet privately with a few of you on a matter of business .
“Amelia, if you would be so kind as to escort the rest of our guests to the parlor where drinks and coffee will be awaiting you .”
Amelia nodded to Robert with a most contrite looking expression, and said, “If you will follow me, I have asked Lady Hortense to entertain us with a recital of her beautiful piano renditions, and after there will be cards for those who are so inclined .”
As Amelia and the guests left for the parlor, Robert led Sir Cecil and Diana to the library for their meeting. Diana’s parents went with Amelia and the other guests .
One of the footmen offered drinks and coffee to Robert’s guests as they came in. And once they had settled in the seating area by the fire, Sir Cecil stood and, holding his brandy snifter, said, “I have made all the arrangements for our deal to go forward—if both of you are in agreement.” He handed Diana and Robert copies of the contracts. “Robert, your manuscript is in the editing process and I hope to have galley proofs for you to examine within the next month or so .
“And Miss Diana I have set up an aggressive marketing campaign for your next novel when it is ready. You will find the details in your agreement. You will be published under the pen name of Jessica Dowling. And how soon do you think your next book will be ready ?”
Diana hesitated briefly. “I am not certain, but I would certainly hope to have it for you by the end of the summer .”
“We would very much like to have it available well before Christmas. Might you be able to aim for mid-summer?” Cecil asked .
“I will certainly try. In fact, the book will have a Christmas theme and it would be most appropriate to have it in the bookstores before Christmas. I will concentrate very hard to get it to you in time .”
“That is excellent news. Perhaps you might send me a sample chapter that I might use in your publicity campaign—Miss Dowling,” he said with a little laugh .
“I will do that as soon as possible .”
“And you will find in your agreements that Robert will be granting you fifty percent of all of the royalties he earns from publishing under your name and he will be issuing you his down payment cheque for one thousand guineas—not pounds—he informs me, once these agreements are signed by the both of you .”
“I shall write you the cheque this very evening to show my good faith,” Robert said .
“I assume you wish to have your solicitor review the documents?” Sir Cecil asked Diana .
Diana looked up at Sir Cecil. “I trust you, Sir Cecil. Your contract for my other novels passed the inspection of my solicitors, so I have no reason to think this would not as well.” She turned to Robert. “I am ready to sign if you are, Robert .”
Robert felt a welling up of deep affection for Diana. She looked radiant in the light of the fireplace. Her rosy cheeks and lips were heightened by the fire’s warmth. How pale and insubstantial seemed all the other ladies Amelia had sent his way compared to this most lovely woman .
“Of course, I will be happy to sign my contract and issue the cheque right away .”
“Excellent,” Cecil hailed. “Then it is not too early to start thinking about launching The Adventures of Hudson Harding in London and around the country sometime in the early autumn.” He turned to Diana. “You realize you will need to be the public face of the book, and you will be required to be in attendance at all promotional functions .”
“Oh, I did not think about that .”
“Of course, all of your expenses will be covered during these events .”
“It is not the expense. It is the time I must take away from my writing,” she said a little apprehensively .
“But it is for the good of the book. And, of course, for your portion of the royalties,” Robert reminded her .
Sir Cecil added, “And Robert, leading up to the public events, I suggest you and Miss Diana spend time together so that you can prepare her when it comes time to present your book to the public .”
Robert smiled at that thought. Any time spent with Diana would be a great treat indeed .
Chapter 10
T he next day after the dinner party, Diana realized she had a lot of work to do—not only on her book, but also with the wedding, getting the leasehold renewed, and working with Robert on the presentation of his book .
That morning at breakfast, Diana looked up from the breakfast table as her father came in and sat opposite her at the table. Mother came over with a soft-boiled egg in an egg cup and placed it before Father .
“There you are, my dear, just as you like it,” she said .
“Thank you, Mother .”
“Father, I forgot to give you the cheque for the advance last night .”
“You have that already?” he asked. “I thought you needed to submit the contract to our solicitor for review ?”
“I do not believe it is necessary. I trust both Sir Cecil and his Lordship. We signed the agreements last night and Robert gave me the check for the down payment. So, it is time for you to contact Mr. Hardy about the loan for the balance on the leasehold. It is important that you get that all arranged before the deadline .”
“When will you be seeing Adam again?” Father asked as he ta
pped on the top of his boiled egg to remove the shell .
“This afternoon. He is coming by at teatime .”
“Let me think. I believe I have a tutorial this afternoon about then. But I can rearrange it if you think it necessary for me to meet with Adam .”
“Not at all, Father. I can get all the information I need for you to proceed from Adam and I can pass it on to you later .”
“Very well .”
“But if you would, on your way to the college, please deposit the check in your account, then we should be ready to move once we are ready to sign the new leasehold .”
“What a thoughtful and capable daughter you are, my child. I sometimes get so caught up in my wooly head that I tend to let important things slip through my fingers .”
Diana placed her hand on top of her father’s, and then said gently, “Yes, I know .”
After finishing her breakfast, it was time to return Miriam’s borrowed dress. She wrapped it in tissue paper and folded it carefully and carried it to the Sinclair’s house .
Geoffrey answered the door .
“So you have not been shipped off to the army, I see,” Diana teased .
Geoffrey leaned in close and said softly, “Almost as bad. I am to be apprenticed as a shop assistant. Me—retail, can you imagine? And an apprentice… how difficult can it be to sell shirts, ties, and stiff collars? Why an apprenticeship? Now if I were selling expensive jewelry… then maybe. But undergarments and socks…? Please .”
Geoffrey noticed that Diana was carrying a parcel wrapped in tissue paper .
“It is for your sister. It is the dress she lent me for the dinner party .”
“Oh, the party. How did it go? Did the Earl sweep you off your feet and whisk you to some enchanted land ?”
“Geoffrey, stop being silly and tell me where your sister is .”
“She is out. Shopping for our supper I believe .”
“Then let me hang this up in her armoire .”
Diana pushed past Geoffrey and started up the stairs, but Geoffrey followed .
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