Page 17 of Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke

Chapter 5

When Robert returnedfrom his weekend trip to London he found the Daniels family still visiting, even though it was the followingTuesday.

He sought out Amelia in her rooms and bustin.

“What is the meaning of this?” heshouted.

Amelia stood regally and in her calmest voice asked, “Whateveris the problem, Robert? You seemupset.”

“Those people are still here. Their visit should have been limited to the weekend. I will not have my sanctity violated during the week when I need to beworking.”

“But Robert, my dear, they so missed seeing you when youpromisedto be here that I said they might stay a few days longer until you returned so that you could have the opportunity to meet, and get to know, the adorable MissCharlene.”

“You had no right to do that without my expressedapproval.”

“Robert, how cruel and uncaring you can be. I did not raise you to be so callus. These are delightful people and hospitality requires that you honor them while they are ourguests.”

“You made this mess—you clean itup.”

“Then I shall make it clear they are to leavetomorrow.”

“Early.”

“If you wish. But you will, of course, host them at dinner thisevening?”

Robert grumbled but nodded. “Yes, if Imust.”

Amelia came over and patted his shoulder. “I knew you would understand.” He started to turn to leave, but she stopped him and added, “Miss Charlene is most charming, and I am quite certain you will find her to be mostsympathetic.”

“Huh…” Then he turned again andleft.

* * *

Robert went directlyfrom Amelia’s rooms to the library to work on ideas for his new novel. However, he was surprised to find the Daniels family sitting by the fire havingtea.

“Oh…” he exclaimed, frozen as they looked over at hisentrance.

“Lord Donnelly, how nice to see you,” Sir Benjamin said as he stood to greetRobert.

Robert felt his private space had been violated, as this is where he did his writing. But, of course, this was the estate’s library and his guests should expect to have access to such a splendid publicroom.

“Sir Benjamin. Lady Daniels. Miss Charlene,” Robert said curtly, as he nodded to each one to acknowledge theirpresence.

Lady Daniels turned in her chair to face Robert and said, “Lord Donnelly, won’t you sit with us? The tea is stillfresh.”

“Thank you, no. I have been away for a number of days and many issues require myattention.”

“But we so missed seeing you when we arrived. Your charming sister assured us we would have time to visit with you on yourreturn.”

Robert knew, as the host, he must spend at least a little time with them. He had hoped that his attendance at dinner would be sufficient, but there was no way he could work at his desk with them in the room so he decided to sit with them for a shorttime.

“Very well, one cup of tea and then I must dashoff.”

He went over to the seating area by the fireplace where the family was having tea. He sat on a small sofa next to Charlene—the only free place tosit.

Miss Charlene was indeed a charming and fresh looking young lady. She was slender and shy, her head bowed and her eyes lowered as Robert sat down beside her. She looked quite charming in her modest, delicate dress. Her blond hair was skillfully arranged in braids around her head, and when she spoke, it wassoftly.

“Do you ride, Miss Charlene,” Robert asked, trying to open an agreeableconversation.