Diana smiled. “Perhaps .”
Robert tipped his hat. “Thank you for your time this morning and our conversation .”
“Thank you.” She nodded .
“And I will work on a preface for the book and we can compare them when you have finished yours .”
He turned and left and she watched him walk down the street until he disappeared around a corner. She recognized the warm glow she always felt in his presence, and could not stop thinking of how much she enjoyed his company .
She looked down at the flowers in her hand and she went first to the gallery .
“Mother, I picked these for you in the meadow. It is so lovely just now. You and Father should take a stroll there .”
“Oh, thank you, dear. They are lovely. If you would… put them in a jar and I will place them on my desk .”
Diana did that and then decided the second bunch should go to the Goodwin sisters. She hoped they had sufficiently forgiven her for her rude outburst as she headed toward their cottage .
* * *
A fter her unexpected morning break, Diana was back at her desk once again. She reread what she had previously written and continued .
Tommy fought to keep awake until he heard Mrs. Cartwright leaving for the bakery, then he got up and dressed as quietly as he could .
He found a few spoonsful of soup in the pot from last night’s supper and had that for his breakfast before slipping out the door .
He ran all the way to the butcher’s shop as he wanted to be early to earn the butcher’s respect. And he was early—too early. And, as he had no coat, he nearly froze waiting for his boss to arrive .
“Ah, lad. Good on ya for being early. Come inside. Ya look like you be ‘bout ta freeze solid as a pole .”
They went inside and the butcher set him to working right away. All day long he worked. With only a crust of bread and a slice of cheese from the Misses, at noontime .
Tommy was so exhausted that evening he flopped onto the bed and fell asleep right away. Doris had to wake him and make him eat some supper that his mother had put together from scavenging the market stalls at the end of the day .
The next morning Tommy and Mother were already gone when Doris got up and dressed, tying a ribbon to hold back her hair, taking a slice of bread for breakfast, putting on her thin coat, and heading out the door .
She was afraid she might be a little late as she ran toward the flower market. Once the flower sellers were done, an army of men with brooms descend on the market floor and begin sweeping up all the discarded flowers and trash .
But Doris arrived in time and began picking through the debris on the floor looking for flowers she could use for her little bouquets .
She always had a selection of ribbons in her coat pocket and she sat on a bench and made her small arrangements .
Diana put down her pen when she noticed her mother coming along the garden path toward the house. Diana had worked right through lunch to make up for the time she had spent with Robert. It was now tea time .
She went into the kitchen just as Mother was putting on the kettle and taking down the box of tea .
“I just saw Adam heading our way,” Mother said. “He should be here any moment now .”
And then there was a knock at the door which Diana answered .
Adam leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Hello, darling Diana, I have excellent news !”
“You passed your exam?” she asked .
“Not yet. But we are going to Greece on our honeymoon and I booked us on a boat that will stop at Genoa on the way home so we can spend a little time in Italy as well .”
“That sounds splendid,” Diana said, taking Adam’s arm and leading him to the kitchen .
“Hello, Mrs. Browning,” Adam said as they entered .
“Oh, Adam, you can call me Mother now that you are about to be my son-in-law .”
“Mother…” he said with a big grin .
“Just fixing tea. You will have some, will you not ?”
“I will, but I am embarrassed to say I did not bring anything from the bakery this time .”
“I believe we still have some muffins from breakfast. Diana, will you get out the butter and jam ?”
“Yes, Mother.” She put them on the table and sat down next to Adam .
“How are your exams coming?” Mother asked Adam .
“Almost done. But my dissertation is still a pain in the neck .”
“I imagine you will be very happy when you graduate. Are you going directly into your father’s firm?” she asked .
“Not directly. I want to help organize the wedding and prepare for our honeymoon,” Adam said as he placed his hand on top of Diana’s, then taking her hand in his. But Diana found a way to extricate her hand by standing up and heating the tea pot with hot water from the kettle .
“Are you planning to publish any of Diana’s books?” Mother asked as she spooned the tea into the pot .
“No, Mother. I already told you. I am very happy with Sir Cecil as my publisher .
“But soon the Earl will be publishing under your name. Would it not make more sense to have another publisher for your new work ?”
“No, Mother. Everything has been arranged, and I like the arrangement as it is .”
“Well, what do I know…?” Mother grumbled .
“Oh, I brought you some travel books on Greece,” Adam said, reaching into his bag and pulling out two books. “I thought you might like to read them before we plan our itinerary .”
Diana spoke up, “Can we not just—go? Why do we have to plan everything? It leaves out the joys of spontaneity .”
“But then we might miss a boat or not find room in a hotel. That would be disastrous .”
“Would it Adam? Really? Half the fun of traveling is the thrill of discovery. If everything is all planned out in advance there is no adventure, only the checking off of another destination on the list .”
Adam frowned as Mother poured the tea .
“Listen to you two, already squabbling as though you have been married half your lives .”
Diana turned to Adam. “So sorry, I shall read your books and then we can plan our trip together. How does that sound ?”
Adam smiled. “Very sensible .”
Chapter 16
I t was a charming June afternoon and Diana was kneeling at the flower bed in front of the cottage planting the annuals. She had a watering can at her side and made sure each set of plants had a healthy drink before she moved to the next section .
She was surprised to hear a carriage pull up in front of the house and she stood and shaded her eyes with her hand to see if the carriage had stopped at their house for a reason .
A footman got down from the back of the carriage, opened the door and Amelia descended .
Diana went through the front gate and, brushing the dirt off her hands, went over to Robert’s sister .
“Good afternoon, Amelia,” Diana said. “Did you come with a message from Robert ?”
Amelia gave a generous smile and said, “Not at all. It is I who came to see you. I was in the area and I thought it might be nice if we had some tea. I would love to take you to Smith and Harlow’s . They do a lovely cream tea.” She looked Diana up and down. “But I am sure you will want to change first .”
Diana was, indeed, surprised by the invitation and not completely sure what this might be about. But from the hints Robert had dropped before, she was not sure that Amelia was here for just a polite social call .
“You are free, are you not?” Amelia said delicately removing her gloves .
“I shall be just a moment. If you would like to come inside, I shall change quickly .”
Amelia looked around and seeing the gallery, said, “I think I shall take a look at this quaint little gallery. You will find me there when you return .”
“Very well. It is my mother’s gallery and she will be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding the artwork .”
Tea at Smith and Harlow’s was always a treat as it was considered the high-end tea shop in Cambridge. She would dress in one of her nicer dresses. Amelia was dressed elegantly and Diana did not want to seem shabby in comparison .
After changing, Diana went to the gallery where Mother was holding up a watercolor for Amelia who was holding a lorgnette to examine it closely .
“Most charming,” Amelia said as she closed the lorgnette and returned it to her reticule .
“Miss Amelia, I am quite ready now,” Diana said .
“Ah, excellent. I am quite parched.” She turned to Mother. “Charming little side business. It is so nice to keep occupied. Is that not so ?”
As she was leaving, she spied Robert’s orchid and went over and touched one of its delicate blooms. “Robert plays with these from time to time. He calls it his hobby .”
As Amelia turned away, Diana had to stifle a smile as she saw her Mother stick out her tongue at Amelia’s back. Apparently, that was her reaction to Amelia’s condescending visit .
Amelia directed the carriage to the tea shop. After arriving, they entered and were finally shown to a table Amelia could tolerate after rejecting several suggestions .
The tea shop was most elegant. Its high vaulted ceilings, large windows, and lightweight, cream-colored draperies gave it a distinguished air. The tables had white tablecloths, napkins shaped like swans, and a staff in formal wear .
“No need for a menu,” Amelia said to the waitress while removing her gloves once again. “We will have the cream tea with salmon paste and cucumber sandwiches and your best assortment of tea cakes.” She cast her gaze to Diana. “India or China?” she inquired .
Diana knew she was asking what kind of tea and replied. “Indian for me, please .”
“Yes, make that two,” Amelia said, and waved her hand, dismissing the waitress .
Amelia placed her elbows on the table, clasped her hands, rested her chin on her hands and said, “Now, then. Is this not fun ?”
Diana smiled. “Yes, indeed it is. And is there an occasion for this tea ?”
“Oh, my, no. It is just an opportunity for us to get to know one another. That rather unfortunate dinner party gave us no time to visit together—just you and me. And how cozy is this?” she said with an exaggerated shiver to show how enthusiastic she was .
“Then let me ask…” Diana started but was interrupted .
“Robert tells me you and a couple of your friends are to be honorees at the Donnelly fete in a few weeks .
Diana laughed. “Oh, no, he was just joking. He just wanted us to be there. We might judge some baked goods, but nothing more .”
“And just who are these friends of yours? Are they people I should know ?”
Diana laughed again. “Nothing like it. The twins—Miriam and Geoffrey, and I grew up together. We laugh and giggle a great deal and mostly just get into mischief .”
Amelia did not appear to support that sort of carrying on and simply said, “Oh …”
“Totally inconsequential .”
“Oh, I thought they might be of the blood. People I might know .”
“Just folks—like me and my family .”
“I see. Then why are you honorees at the fete ?”
Diana thought Amelia was belaboring the issue and answered, “Because we are all so handsome and beautiful, Robert thought we might lend some class to the event.” She could hardly keep herself from laughing. “But maybe you should ask him .”
The waitress brought a tiered tray with the cakes and sandwiches and set it on the table before them. Then she returned and poured their tea and left the pot behind, covered in a frilly tea cozy .
The two ladies then added their cream and sugar and stirred before reengaging in conversation .
“Are you a reader, Miss Amelia?” Diana asked, as she took two finger sandwiches and a teacake .
“I browse a few periodicals from time to time, but I am far too engaged in important issues to distract myself with novels or other forms of frivolous fiction .”
“That must disappoint your brother since he is a novelist .”
“We do not see eye to eye on his writing endeavors .”
“But certainly that is his prerogative, is it not? After all, he is the Earl of Donnelly and may do as he pleases, no ?”
Amelia gave Diana an icy stare. “He may. But his title comes with immense responsibilities and it behooves him not to fritter his time away on fluffery .”
“Fluffery. I like that word. I must use it in my inconsequential writing.” She picked up her tea cake and took a small bite .
Amelia appeared to realize she was not dealing with a creampuff and would need to sharpen her weapons if she was to challenge Diana more effectively .
Amelia dabbed at her lips with her napkin then draped it carefully across her lap. Then she poured herself a second cup of tea. “Another for you ?”
“Yes, please .”
Amelia poured .
“I have noticed that Robert has been visiting you frequently .”
“Yes, we have had a lot to discuss regarding his book .”
“Hmm. And that is all ?”
“How do you mean, Amelia ?”
“It is important that there not be any romantic expectations on your part .”
“But I am engaged to be married, Miss Amelia,” Diana said with not so subtle edge to her voice .
“Engagements can be broken, is that not so ?”
“They may. That is true. Then are you implying that I am an adventuress stalking your brother ?”
Amelia took a deep breath. “Not the words I would use, perhaps. But Robert is a handsome, wealthy, and titled bachelor who any woman might aspire to marry if she could get her clutches on him. And I would so hate for you to make that mistake .”
“Is that a threat ?”
“No. A friendly warning. And believe me, you will find me a most worthy adversary if you should choose to disregard that warning .”
Diana laughed. “Oh, Amelia, how little you understand me. I admire and respect Robert. He has been most cordial and generous with me in our business dealings. But I assure you, his interest and my interests are purely business. There is absolutely no romantic entanglement on either of our parts .”
“I would not be so sure of that,” Amelia said cryptically .
“Well, I can assure you there is no romantic expectation from me. I am happily engaged and plan to marry a delightful young man .
“And let it remain so. You are totally unsuited to be Lady Donnelly and I want you to be totally clear on that fact .”
“My dear, Amelia. Let me remind you that Robert is the Earl of Donnelly and is quite capable of making his own decisions. And unless he sent you here, specifically, to give me that message, you are wasting your time and alienating one who could be an ally and a friend .”
Amelia sat back in her chair. “I am not used to being spoken to in that manner, Miss Diana .”
“Nor am I, Miss Amelia.” Diana stood. “Thank you for the tea. Give my warmest regards to your brother. And I shall find my own way home. Good day .”
* * *
D iana was not upset by her encounter with Amelia—she was resolute. But it did focus a light on the feelings she did have for Robert. She had denied any romantic attachment, but in her deepest heart, she knew her denial was not true. However, whatever feelings she had must be denied. She was to be married. And she must write .
The next morning as soon as breakfast was over she was at her desk, determined to finish her Christmas chapter for Sir Cecil .
It was Christmas Eve and Tommy had been working hard for the butcher all week. As exhausted as he was, he still felt exhilarated to know that there would be a wonderful Christmas dinner on the table for the whole family. His mother was a good cook and he knew, that even with tripe, the meal would be festive .
“Son,” the butcher said, “I need you to go to the cellar and fetch two buckets of co
al and take them upstairs to the fireplace. Misses says she feels a chill .”
“Yes, sir. Right away, sir .”
Tommy ran up the stairs to the living quarters, retrieved two coal buckets by the fire grate and ran down to the cellar. He shoveled coal into the buckets, and lifting with all his might he trudged up the cellar stairs. But as he neared the top, his foot caught on a stair tread and he tumbled backwards .
A short while later the Misses shouted down through a tube the butcher had installed for communication. “Where is that bloody coal? I am freezing my bleedin’ fingers off up here .”
“I sent the scamp to get it. Let me see .”
The butcher went to the cellar door, opened it, and looked down into the dark below. He started walking down the stairs when his foot hit a bucket and it toppled backwards, spilling its load of coal .
“Damnation…” the butcher swore. He started down the stairs and came upon Tommy sprawled out on the floor his arm flung across his face .
“Double damnation…” the butcher said as he picked Tommy up in his arms. He rushed up the stairs and went to the family quarters where he deposited Tommy on an old beat up sofa .
The Misses came over and glared down at the unconscious boy. “What is this all about, then? Where’s my bleedin’ coal ?
The butcher turned to his wife and said, “Go get your own bleedin’ coal. Can you not see the lad was injured getting your damn coal ?”
“The Misses backed away, mumbling and wiping her hands on her apron .
The butcher turned back to Tommy whose eyes were just now flickering open .
“Tommy, lad. How be ye ?”
Tommy tried sitting up but was woozy and didn’t make it beyond resting on his elbows .
“What happened?” He looked around. “Am I dead and in heaven ?”
The butcher laughed. “If ye think this be heaven, you be plumb barmy. You took a tumble down the cellar stairs getting coal for the Misses .”
Tommy was finally able to sit up and he examined his arms and legs for scratches and bruises .
Tommy only had one thing on his mind—the tripe for Christmas dinner. And he was not about to let, what he perceived to be, a small accident prevent him from that goal .
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