Page 24 of Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke

Her first thought was that Robert had something else he wanted to tell her and she went to answer. But it was not Robert, it wasAdam.

“Oh, hello, Adam. Please, comein.”

He smiled broadly. “Thank you.” He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “Do you have your answer for me today, as you promised?” he asked, jumping right in with a brightexpectation.

It took Diana a moment to realize what he was asking—about his marriage proposal. She had given it thought previously and had come to the conclusion that marrying Adam was her best hope for securing her family’s security. But with the excitement of this new opportunity from Robert, she had not yet had time to consider if this change might free her from the need of accepting Adam’sproposal.

“Come into the sitting-room, Adam. There is a nice fire and we cantalk.”

“Talk? Is there a need for talk?” he asked. “Is your answer to my proposal a yes or ano?”

Diana took his hand and led him to the chairs by the fire, and directed him tosit.

She began by briefly outlining the offer from Robert and what it might mean for herfuture.

“Are you going to accept?” Adamasked.

“I am leaning toward acceptance.Yes.”

“And how might that affect my proposal?” Adam asked a little concerned that she might be shying away from hisoffer.

Diana lowered her head and was quiet for a moment. Then she looked up at Adam and said, “Adam, I am going to be blunt with you. If I accept your proposal will you ask your father to guarantee whatever funds we will need to secure the newleasehold?”

Adam seemed a little agitated. “So your acceptance is dependent on a successful financialtransaction?”

“Yes, Adam, itis.”

“And your feelings for me? Are theynothing?”

“No Adam,” she said with sympathy, “you know that is not my only motive. You know I care for you a great deal. We share many common interests and tender feelings. But the situation is such that the fate of my family is in my hands and I need to make sure my parents’ future is secure in this house. Please try andunderstand.”

Adam hung his head. “I do. Believe me, I do. But I want to be sure that you are marrying me for me and not just for what I can do for youfinancially.”

Diana stood and opened her arms to Adam. He responded by standing and taking her in his arms and kissing hercheek.

“Then your answer is a yes?” He asked, standing back to look into hereyes.”

“Yes, Adam, itis.”

“Then I will do everything within my power to help you with the loan,” he said with a big smile. “We are engaged. Think of that,” He said, throwing his arms up in the air. “We need to celebrate. Let us go and tell yourmother.”

“Very well,” Diana saidshyly.

Adam took her hand, kissed her on the cheek again and led her out the front door and over to thegallery.

Her mother was hanging a painting on a spot on the wall that was empty from the sale of a painting earlier thatmorning.

“Oh, hello, you two,” Mother said, still distracted by hanging thepainting.

“We have an announcement,” Adam blurtedout.

Mother turned to look at them. “And what might that be?” she asked as she stepped down from her smallladder.

“We are finally engaged—officially,” Adam shoutedout.

Mother cast Diana a questioning look. “Really? How exciting. And have you set adate?”

“Not yet,” Adam said and turned to Diana. “Soon,yes?”