Page 27 of Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke

Amelia raised her chin and looked at him with new interest. “And what is in it forme?”

“A successful Viscount who has launched a massive project benefiting the whole county—and most especially himself—might just be in a position tomarry.”

“And just how might this Viscount benefithimself?”

“Through tolls. My canals would not be free. And shipping tariffs. Once the port is built I intend to control all theshipping.”

Amelia smiled. “Most enterprising. And you wish me to influence my brotherhow?”

“I have acquired all the land I need to construct the principal canal. However, there is one parcel I stillneed…”

“Let me guess. It would cross our land, would itnot?”

“Exactly.”

“And why not just circumvent the Donnellyproperty?”

“Unfortunately all adjacent properties contain hills that prevent us from connecting to the lower-lyingcanal.”

“And you want me towhat?”

“Work with me to convince your brother to sell a portion of his estate tome.”

“Have you spoken to him about thisyet?”

“I briefly mentioned it to him once in passing as we were visiting after a church service, and he seemed uninterested. I need you to help him becomeinterested.”

“And you, of course, expect to pay for thisproperty?”

“Ofcourse.”

“Then I want ten percent of the sale price for my services,” Ameliainsisted.

“And if we were tomarry?”

“What difference would that make?” Amelia asked. “I expect to be compensated for my most valuable services as his sister and/or yourwife.”

“Oh, you are a harsh one,” he said laughing. “Fivepercent.”

“Seven-five.”

“Oh, very well. You are impossible,” he said waving his hand in theair.

“And that is why you love me,” she said as she turned, snatched the paper from his hand, and added, “Let me set up a dinner party and I will arrange it so the two of you will have some timealone.”

“I’d like you to be present. You may be able to help influence him in myfavor.”

“I will do what I can. Just leave it tome.”

* * *

“You are totally,intensely, and irrevocably insane?” Amelia shouted just after Robert told her about his plan to bepublished.

He was trying to be patient with her. “But it will not be published under my name. I have found a most exceptional young lady who may agree to be my surrogateauthor.”

Robert noticed Amelia’s softened expression and surmised she liked the sound of that, as she was always looking for a possible wife forhim.

“And who is this woman?” Amelia asked, “Is she of theblood?”