Page 30 of Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke

Chapter 8

Diana was helpingher mother sweep, dust, and wash the windows in the gallery. They tried to find one day each week to keep the gallery looking itsbest.

“I think I should go to London to meet with Mrs. Hardy to discuss the wedding, don’t you?” Mother asked as she wiped the picture frames with a dustcloth.

“That would be nice. But should we not go together? And what about Father? Might it not be a good idea for the two families to meet alltogether?”

“We should certainly do that, but for practical wedding planning it is best for just the two mothers to meet with the prospectivebride.”

“Whatever you think is best,” Diana saidlistlessly.

Mother stopped and looked at Diana. “Are you certain you want this marriage? You do not seem to be very enthusiastic about the weddingplanning.”

“Yes, Mother, I want the marriage. And you know why it must be,” Diana said with a discreetnod.

Mother sighed. “I certainly hope you know what you are doing. Now, Adam is a very fine lad, and I know he has prospects, but this marriage does not seem to excite you like itshould.”

Diana stopped sweeping and looked at her mother. “I am very fond of Adam. And while I must admit to a lack of burning passion, I know we are well suited for one another and I can foresee a happy and successfulmarriage…”

“Eventually,” her mother added. “But not right away. Is that what you mean tosay?”

“Something like that,” Diana said as she resumed hersweeping.

The small bell rang as the gallery door opened and Robert walked in carrying a most beautiful pottedorchid.

“Good day, Milord,” Mother greeted. “Are you here to see mydaughter?”

Robert removed his hat. “I am. If it is notinconvenient.”

“Hello, Robert,” Diana said after putting the broomaway.

Robert held the orchid before him. “And this is for you, as a thank you for taking the time to consider myoffer.”

“My goodness, what a beautiful plant. We have never had an orchid before. You must instruct me on its care,” Dianasaid.

“I shall.” He handed her the plant and she placed it on a table by the window where the plant would receive fullsun.

“Have you had sufficient time to consider your answer forme?”

“Let us go to the house so we can speak comfortably.” She turned to her mother. “Will you excuseus?”

Mother nodded, and added, “There is a new bottle of sherry on the sideboard in the sitting-room—if there is to be a celebration,” she winked as they left thegallery.

Diana led the way to the cottage and they went inside to the sitting-room.

“Quite a charming home. You must like it very muchhere.”

“We do. And with your offer, it looks as though we might be able to keep it,” Dianareplied.

“Oh? Were you in danger of losingit?”

Diana explained about the loss of theleasehold.

“Then does that mean you will accept myoffer?”

“First, I have one furtherquestion.”

“And that wouldbe?”