Page 20 of Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke

“I shall ask him if he remembersyou.”

“Please give him my bestregards.”

“Ishall.”

“Now then, down to business. I have come with a proposition foryou.”

As Robert explained his offer to Diana he could not help but admire her gentle and attractive demeanor. Her delicate yet determined features appealed to him and he was surprised at how easy he found it was conversing with her. How different from that dreadful family he left behind atBalfour.

When he was finished outlining his proposal he paused to give her time to consider hisoffer.

Diana then said, “That is a most interesting situation in which you find yourself. I can completely understand the ambiguity of your position. And I agree, it does seem to be a ridiculous constraint that you cannot publish under your ownname.”

“But alas, it is not just my problem. It seemsHancock and Puntleywould also suffer if they published my book with my name onit.”

Diana laughed. “You are in the House of Lords, why cannot you put through a bill or something to outlaw such an egregiousunfairness?”

Robert followed her laugh with his. “Well, firstly the Lords does not originate bills. That is done in the Commons. All the Lords can do is offer a yea or a nay after a vigorous debate. So, it is quite unlikely that my dilemma will disappear any timesoon.”

“Such is the way of theworld.”

“And what do you think about my offer? Is it something you canconsider?”

“I am thinking about it. But why choose me? Have you read my books? Do you think we are a goodfit?”

“I have not, but I should like to. Actually, it was Sir Cecil who suggested I contactyou.”

“I see. But do you not think it important that your work match mine in some manner? After all, my readers would be wildly suspicious if your writing was too different frommine.”

“I have considered that, and might propose a forward in my book suggesting you had decided to go in a new direction with yourwriting.”

“Yes, that mightwork.”

“Then you will agree to theproposal?”

“Perhaps. I certainly do need the additional income. And you assure me I could continue with my work—but under a differentname?”

“Sir Cecil assures me you can do that and he will make a concerted effort to make it a successfultransition.”

“And that being said, may I offer you some tea now? Or would you rather go for a walk? There is a quite lovely meadownearby.”

“How about a walk and then some tea? I should like to know more about yourbooks.”

“By all means let us walk. I find that writing all day, I need to get out and stretch my legs most afternoons.” They both stood. “Then just let me fetch my shawl and I shall be right withyou.”

* * *

Having crossedover the stile into the meadow, Robert turned and offered his hand to Diana who deftly climbed up and then down thesteps.

She looked up directly into Robert’s eyes and felt a shiver go down her spine. This man was so dashingly handsome. She felt a catch in her breath and a tingle along her arm as he let go of her hand as they were now ready towalk.

Robert turned and examined the meadow. “I used to come here often to walk when I was a student atSt. John’s. However, I entered from the other end which was closer to thecollege.”

Diana smiled shyly and said, “Then we already have something incommon.”

“We do indeed,” he answeredsmiling.

He offered Diana his arm, which shetook.