Page 14 of Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke

“It is. Promise me,” Dianainsisted.

They crossed their heartssimultaneously.

Diana then told the tale of herdilemma.

When she was finished the two sat mulling over what they’d justheard.

“Milk…”

“and warmmuffins.”

They both shot up and went to the kitchen and soon returned carrying a tray with glasses of milk and a basket ofmuffins.

“Howcan…”

“we help?” they asked, determined to help Diana find asolution.

“I do not see how youcan.”

“I know. Perhaps we could find arainbow…”

“with a pot of gold at theend.”

Diana collapsed against the back of the sofa. “Realistically, it seems my only choice is to marry Adam. I know he would help out when the situation is explained to him—but only as my fiancé orhusband.”

“But you like him, right?” Miriamasked.

“I do. But marriage? I am not ready for that. I have my writing. My parents still need me. I can’t just walk away from all of myresponsibilities.”

“How couldyou…”

“sell more books?” theyasked.

“I do not know,” Dianaanswered.

“What if youtoured…

“and gave readings inLondon…”

“and aroundBritain?”

“I could speak to my publisher about that, but that would take time and we do not have that much time before we need to renew theleasehold.”

“You could always workthe…

“streets in Soho,” the two let out in a scream oflaughter.

“And that would earn me even less,” Diana countered with her ownlaughter.

“What if you explained the situation honestly to Adam in a friendly sort of way?” Geoffreyoffered.

“And maybe he would help if you asked him?” Miriamconcluded.

“That might be worth a try,” Diana said. “But then I—well, the whole family, actually—would feel obligated tohim.”

“My dear, life is justfilled…”

“with complications andcompromises.”