Page 16 of Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke

She looked up at him and said, “Might we take a short walk in the meadow? I have something I very much need to discuss with you. Do you have thetime?”

“I do,” he said squeezing herarm.

They headed down the side street past the Sinclair’s house and over the stile that lead to a meadow bordered by a wood where they frequently walked together. It was a partly cloudy morning and a little chilly. Adam put his arm around Diana’s shoulders and pulled her tightly against him to offer her some of hiswarmth.

“My dear Adam, I need to tell you about a situation my family isin.”

“Nothing serious, I trust,” he asked with someconcern.

“Yes, I am afraid itis.”

She proceeded to tell him about the expiration of the leasehold and their inability to secure a newone.

“Oh, Diana, that is sad news. What is your family going todo?”

“I have discussed this with my father and the only possible idea we can come up with is to see if you might ask your father for a loan—for my family.” Adam was silent. “I know it is a lot to ask but we could secure the loan with the house and we would be willing to pay a generousinterest.”

“Then why not go to a bank for that sort ofloan.”

“My father has, but our request wasdenied.”

“I see,” hesaid.

“Might you be able to help? I cannot tell you how much we would appreciate any help you couldoffer.”

“Diana… I don’t think it would be fitting for me to go to my father with such a proposal unless…” Hehesitated.

“Unless what?” she asked, but feared she knew theanswer.

“Unless we were at least engaged,” he said giving her a quick sidewaysglance.

“Hmm. I thought you might suggestthat.”

He stopped and turned her to face him. “And what do you say? Will you accept my hand inmarriage?”

Diana bowed her head. Her mind racing with all the possible ways her family might find a solution to their problem without her having to accept Adam’s proposal. And her heart was beating rapidly as she tried to assess exactly what she felt forAdam.

Then she looked up at him and leaning her forehead against his chest softly said, “I will have an answer for you in a fewdays.”