Page 119 of Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke

Chapter 29

Amelia had precededDiana and Robert’s trip to London by several days and she greeted them warmly when they arrived at the London house. She was as charming and gracious as could be expected. Diana, however,hadfinally decided to engage in a small falsehood and had not told Robert of her strange encounter with Amelia the morning of the announcement of theirengagement.

But on this morning, Diana was very nervous. She had sent Adam a note saying she was in town and wanted to have tea with him this afternoon atFortnum’s. She thought it best to meet in public in hopes of suppressing any embarrassing displays of emotion. Or was that cowardly? Might it not be best to break off the engagement in private where he could vent his grief? In any case, it had been decided, and she needed to prepare herself for themeeting.

After breakfast, Diana found Robert in hisstudy.

“Robert, I shall be leaving at ten-thirty for my meeting withAdam.”

Robert got up from his desk and went over to her and put his arms around her. “Do not benervous.”

“I cannot help it, Robert. I have to admit I feel horriblyguilty.”

“Engagements get broken all the time. Certainly, a little heartache now is better than a lifetime of misery in a miss-matchedmarriage.”

Diana disengaged from his embrace. “Put like that, it does indeed make a great deal of sense. Thank you for letting me seethat.”

Robert returned to his desk and picked up an envelope. “I have here a bank draught for the amount of the loan plus a generous amount of interest. I have also included a document to be signed when Adam accepts the cheque. It will legally end the engagement and signify acceptance of the repayment of theloan.”

Diana was troubled. “Oh, Robert, it all seems so cold andimpersonal.”

“And legal. You do not want any repercussions from ending the engagement.” He handed her the envelope and put his hands on her shoulders. “Use your sensitivity and charm to ease his disappointment and all will bewell.”

“I will do my best. Wish mewell.”

“More than that, I will send you with all mylove.”

* * *

Diana was verynervous as she entered theFortnum and Masontea room. She immediately spotted Adam already seated at a table and went over as she took off hergloves.

“Adam, thank you for meeting me,” she said as she took her place at the table? “Have you orderedyet?”

Adam sat ramrod straight and frowning. “You want to break off theengagement.”

Diana was stunned. “Oh,Adam…”

“It is true, is it not?” he said leaning forward across the table and confrontingher.

Diana took a deep breath. “Yes, Adam, it is true. I cannot marry you. It has become clear over time, that as much as I honor and respect you, I do not loveyou.”

“I thought as much,” he said dejectedly as he collapsed back into his chair,deflated.

“Certainly you must see it too, Adam. We disagree on so much. And our interests are vastlydifferent.”

“But it is really the Earl who has won your heart, is it not? I have known for sometime.”

“He has asked me to marry him and I have accepted.Yes.”

“Of course, how could I possibly compete with an Earl? That will make you… what? A countess orsomething?”

Diana could see the hurt little boy lashing out. “But it is not just that, Adam. I have struggled for sometime…”

He cut her off. “You just agreed to marry me because you wanted to borrow the money for theleasehold.”

Diana could not refute that. It was true. “Oh, Adam, I am sosorry.”

It was then the waiter appeared with menus. “Sir, Madam, I will return to take your ordershortly.”