Page 124 of Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke

Chapter 30

Mother stoodin the doorway to Diana’s room as Diana was going through her books deciding which to take toBalfourand which to leavebehind.

“Mother, you are hovering. Did you want something?” Dianaasked.

Mother wiped a tear and stifled a sniffle. “I do not understand why you are packing to leave so early? The wedding is still a monthaway.”

Diana turned to her mother, “Because I am trying to prepare in stages. I am not leaving home until just before the wedding. I have explained thatalready.”

“But it seems like you are eager to leave us,” shewhimpered.

Diana went over and took her mother in her arms. “I am eager to be married, but I am not eager to leave you. Can you understandthat?”

“I suppose so,” Mother said, as she withdrew from Diana’s embrace and blew hernose.

“And remember I am always only a short drive away. It takes no more than half an hour for me to come back for a visit. And you both are welcome to come and visit at anytime.”

“I know, but seeing you packing is making it seem so real and sofinal.”

“I am not packing I am simply organizing my books. Now run along, it is time to open thegallery.”

Mother turned to leave but stopped and put her hand on the door frame, “And if there are grandchildren?” she said hopefully, “Then they can come andvisit?”

“Of course. And you and Father can come toBalfourand stay as long as you like. I was thinking we would have a set of rooms that was just for the two of you. You could come and go as you like. It will be just like a secondhome.”

Mother smiled. “Oh, now that does sound nice. I would not need to cook there, would I?” And she finallyleft.

Diana looked at her writing table. It was small because it fit unobtrusively in her small room, but atBalfour, there was abundant space and she could have as large a desk as she wanted and would have her own study just for writing. But she felt a pull as she contemplated leaving this cherished desk behind, and decided it should go withher.

Diana decided it was time to visit with the twins and, as she was leaving, she passed by her father’s study and he calledout.

“Diana, dear, might I have aword?”

Diana went into his study. His desk was piled high with stacks of books, manuscripts in various stages of completion, and a dozen or so papers from his students that needed to be read. There were also four or five cups of unfinished tea scattered around theroom.

“Yes, Father. And how are you thismorning?”

“Somewhat discombobulated,” he said, waving his hand over his desk. “I never seem to get caught up with anything, doI?”

“I am on my way to see the Sinclair twins, is there anything particular you wanted to speak to meabout?”

Father stopped and needed to consider that. “Yes, there was something. Now let me see, what was it?” He perused his desk looking for the answer. Then he remembered. “Ah, yes, it was about the wedding. Come sit with me for amoment.”

Diana pulled up a chair next to hisdesk.

“Your mother and I have been discussing what to give you for a wedding present. She wants it to be a surprise, but I want it to be just right. I know there is not much we could afford to give you that the Earl does not already have. There will be many expensive gifts from all of Robert’s wealthy friends and we cannot compete with that. So, I wanted to get your ideas about what might be something special that would be meaningful to the both of you that other guests might not begiving.”

“What about that wonderful quilt that grandmother made by hand? It would always be there to comfort both Robert and myself and would constantly remind us ofyou.”

“But that does not seem to be enough as a wedding present?” Father said. “Certainly it should be something more significant than an old usedquilt?”

“Oh, no, Father. The value is not in what is spent in money, but what is given inlove.”

Father blinked several times and wiped his eyes. “Very well, I shall suggest that to your mother, although I might need to convince her that is what you reallywant.”

Diana went over and kissed her father on the forehead. “It is. I assureyou.”

* * *