Page 97 of A Duke for Diana

“That was Rosy’s idea,” Diana said. “That and the ruffles on her hem.”

“I’ve never seen a woman with such a love of ruffles,” Verity said. “She would put ruffles on her shoes if she had room for them.”

Diana shook her head. “I only wish I had her tiny feet. Right now, I feel both bloated and fat-footed.”

“You look radiant,” Geoffrey said. “But then, you always do.”

Verity rolled her eyes. “Perhaps we should move inside for the next stage of judging.”

“What are you judging?” Geoffrey asked.

“The wedding, of course,” Eliza said. “My part will have to wait for later, when there’s dancing.”

“But why are you judging a wedding that you all had a hand in planning?” Geoffrey persisted as they entered the dining room.

Verity whirled on Diana. “You haven’t asked him yet?”

“I’ve been trying to find the right moment.”

“Asked me what?” Geoffrey said.

“To judge Rosy’s handling of the wedding,” Diana said. “Or rather, each part of the wedding. It was her idea. She has learned a great deal in the past eleven months, but she wanted a test to be sure she could do everything to a certain level of competency. So we agreed to teach her each area, and then we’re each judging her handling of the various parts. But we wanted a layman’s judge for each of the parts as well. We asked your mother, but she pointed out that she was too biased to judge.”

“And I’m not too biased?” Geoffrey asked.

“You are the most critical brother I know,” Diana said. “But don’t worry. You’re not alone. Norris agreed to judge the music and your valet is doing the fashion.”

“So what part am I doing?”

“The food,” Verity said.

“Ah, that I can do. May I just ask one question: Where’s the marzipan, so I may sample it?”

“There isn’t any,” Verity said. “Lord Winston doesn’t like it, and Rosy’s not all that keen on it herself.”

“I see. Then that’s ten points off right there, for not considering their guests’ needs and wants.”

Diana eyed him askance. “Or rather, one particular guest’s needs and wants.”

Geoffrey drew himself up. “I’m the brother and the groomsman. I ought to get a say in whether there’s marzipan.”

“I told you he would make a terrible judge,” Diana said. “But give him a waterwheel and a mill, and he’ll give you a grade in a heartbeat.”

“Is that a category?” Geoffrey asked. “Because I will judge that all day long. I could judge the placement of the terrace right now, if you wish.”

“None of us wish that,” Eliza said.

“Not ever,” Diana added.

He shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

“Oh, look, Rosy is throwing the bouquet,” Verity said and dragged Eliza off to try their luck.

“Do you mind if we sit down?” Diana asked. “His Lordship-to-be is kicking.”

Geoffrey hurried to her side, and she grabbed his hand to put it against the spot. He laughed when his child kicked again. “You realize it could be a girl.”

“That would be wonderful,” she said. “The baby could inherit the business.”