Page 19 of Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke

He had no difficulty finding the house of the author as it was on a familiar street that he remembered from his collegedays.

He stabled his horse at a nearby inn and went to the house and knocked. There was no answer. He saw that there was an attached gallery that was open and he went there to enquire about DianaBrowning.

“Good afternoon,” he said as he entered thegallery.

“Oh, hello. Do not mind me. Just look around and if you see anything you like just let me know and I will be happy to helpyou.”

Robert looked around the quaint shop. The paintings were pleasant but commercial and obviously targeted at the tourist trade and students wishing to furnish their roomscheaply.

“Thank you, but I am trying to locate a Diana Browning. I believe she lives in the attached house. Might you know of herwhereabouts?”

“Oh, Diana… she’s my daughter. Did youknock?”

“I did but there was noanswer.”

“Oh, she is probably wrapped up in her writing and either did not hear you or ignored you.” Ann laughed. “So sorry about that. If you give me just a moment I will go and see if I can find her. Might I say who is calling forher?”

“The Earl ofDonnelly.”

“Oh,my…”

“I am here on a matter ofbusiness.”

“Then I shall see if I can find her foryou.”

Ann put theback in five minutessign on the door and bade him follow her. She led the way into the house and ushered Robert to the best sitting-room.

“I’ll go search for her,” she said, leaving Robertalone.

Presently, she returned. “She will be right with you. Just as I thought, totally caught up in herwriting.”

“I understand,” Robertanswered.

Ann stood by, not wanting to leave Robertalone.

“Good afternoon,” Diana said as she came into the room. “Mother says you wished to seeme?”

“Yes. I am Robert Donnelly,” he said offering hishand.

“The Earl of Donnelly?” Dianaasked.

“Yes.”

Diana curtsied briefly. “Please have a seat. Might you enjoy sometea?”

“Not for me, just yet. Thankyou.”

Diana turned to her mother. “Thank you,Mother.”

Ann left and Diana went to sit oppositeRobert.

“And how may I assist you, my Lord?” sheasked.

“Let me first ask, is George Browning ofSt. John’srelated to you in anyway?”

“Yes. He is my father. Do you knowhim?”

“I attended some of his lectures when I was a student at theuniversity.”