Page 123 of Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke

“I doubt that Cecil. I have a hunch that the scandal that you fear will, indeed, cause a firestorm. And that will create an enormous amount of publicity and the book will fly off the shelves. It will become a cause célèbre. The issue will be wildly debated and finally, it will become accepted as the newnormal.

“And I am willing to guarantee any losses you might incur due to the scandal. After all, I have just made a very profitable deal from the sale of my land for the canal. And I am willing to wager all of that profit on the success of my book with me as the recognized author. Now, what do you say,Cecil?”

“Well, I have to say, I am warming to the idea. And do you still want to buy into the publishinghouse?”

“I do. Why not make a profit on my book as the author—but also as thepublisher.”

“Hmm. Not so sure I want to give up an interest in my publishing house now. You are far too confident and most likelywillbe successful,” Sir Cecilchuckled.

Robert turned to Diana. “And how do you feel about this? It means exposing us both as frauds for deceiving your readers and thepublic.”

Diana considered that a moment and answered, “Actually, I think the story might make an interesting book in itself. We could write aroman à clefnovel together that would explain the deception in fictional terms. Everyone would have such fun with trying to figure out who was who in thestory.”

“Oh, now I like that,” Sir Cecil said. “That has enormous potential. And we could become known as the publishing house that dares to stretch the boundaries ofconvention.”

“And once we are married, we could be known as the daring couple that defies all,” Robert said going over and picking Diana up and embracing her. “We are going to become dangerincarnate.”

“Ah, the perfect slogan for our new campaigns,” Sir Cecil said standing up and raising his arm in the air like he was waving asword.