Page 21 of Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke

“Now, then tell me about your books,” he said. “All Sir Cecil would tell me was that they were romances. But that is such a general term, it is difficult to get much understanding from that termalone.”

The grass was wet from an earlier shower and with her free hand, Diana lifted her skirts slightly to avoid them gettingsoaked.

“Yes, romance is a very general term. My stories are character based with the individuals who are faced with impediments to their union but with some humor and, of course, a happy ending once the obstacles are overcome. Not very exciting to a gentleman, perhaps, but my readers seem to enjoy my modesttales.”

Robert nodded. “My book is also a romance, but it is interwoven with a tale of travel and adventure—more pleasing to men than to women,perhaps.”

Diana took exception to his observation. “Not at all. Ladies enjoy a good adventurous story as well as men—if it is well told, of course—and perhaps not tooviolent.”

“And I believe my story is well told and pleasing to the average reader. But what aboutyourreaders?” Do you think they might enjoy such atale?”

“It might surprise them at first, but I believe theywould.”

“My goal is to expand beyond your current readership and build a larger following with the wider scope of mystory.”

“Yes. Iunderstand.”

They walked on in silence until they came to the far side of themeadow.

“Shall we return?” Robertasked.

“I think that wise. My shoes are getting a littlewet.”

“Oh, Iamsorry,” he said with some concern. “You should have warned me. We could have returnedsooner.”

“No, it is fine. I get wet feet all the time. I walk so often I am quite accustomed toit.”

They turned and began walkingback.

“Please enlighten me a little more about the exact arrangement you wish to make with me,” Dianasaid.

“Oh, I have not been clear, haveI?”

“You sketched out what you wanted, but you have not been specific on what you areoffering.”

“How negligent of me. Only thinking about myself again, I am afraid. I am scolded about my self-centeredness from my sisterincessantly.”

“I shall forgive you,” Diana said looking at Robert andsmiling.

“I was thinking of offering you one thousand pounds up front and fifty percent of my share of the royalties on the sales of the book thereafter. Does that soundequitable?”

Diana was shocked. It was a large sum that might go a long way toward solving the family’s financial problem. And fifty percent of the royalties seemed very generous. That would be in addition to her own royalties—however, she would still need to reach her readers under a different name. But Robert assured her Sir Cecil would be able to help withthat.

She realized that even with a thousand pounds up front, it would not be enough to purchase the leasehold. And there was no way to know if Robert’s book would be successful or not. It would take time before his book was published and the royalties would be comingin.

She felt uncomfortable asking Robert for more money and answered, “It does soundfair.”

“Then will you agree? I should so like for Sir Cecil to be able to move forward with publishing my book as soon aspossible.”

“I would like a few days to think about it—if you do not mind. It is a big decision and I would like to discuss it with my parents and my friend,Adam.”

“Adam? Is he a friend or a suitor?” Robert asked with a hint ofhesitation.

Diana prevaricated, then said, “Well, to be honest, the relationship is not clear cut. I would have to honestly answer by saying—he is a little bit ofboth.”

“I see,” he said contemplatively, as he looked at her with what she thought was a look ofdisappointment.