Page 48 of Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke

“And what about the honeymoon? Have you given that anythought?”

“Greece or Italy will be just fine—as long as it is not too long. I am going to have a very busy schedule once the Earl’s book ispublished.”

“And why isthat?”

“I need to be present for book signings, publicity tours, literary salons, and whatever it takes to help sell the book—plus keeping up with my own writing aswell.”

“I love you, Diana,” Adam said, leaning across and taking both of her hands. “I want you to be happy. I want us to behappy.”

“As do I,” Diana said, without consciously sayingI love youback.

“Then I shall go to London later this week and make the final arrangements for the loan to your father. Does that make youhappy?”

“Yes, Adam, and thankyou.”

* * *

The next morning,as she sat down to her little desk to write, she took stock of what had transpired the last few days and she marveled that she had somehow survived—but she had. However, she still had one important task to accomplish before she could, with good consciousness, return to her writing. She must make amends to the Goodwinsisters.

She left her desk and went to visit her mother in thegallery.

“Hello dear, is it morning tea time already?” Mother asked as Diana came in thedoor.

“Not yet Mother, but I have something I need to discuss withyou.”

“Very well,” she said as she put down her paint brush and turned toDiana.

Diana explained about her inexcusable insult to the Goodwinsisters.

“Oh, Diana, that does not sound like you at all. How could you say such terrible things to those dear, sweetsisters?”

“I was very upset. It has been a difficult time. And that is why I come to you this morning. I wish to make amends and I noticed that you have a soup pot simmering on the stove. Might I take some over to the sisters?—if the soup is ready, thatis.”

“I believe it will be shortly. Yes. Feel free to take them some, and make sure you behavecontritely.”

“I certainly shall,Mother.”

“I still cannot believe you said those things, we did not raise you to be so rude and insolent,” Mother said as she returned to herpainting.

“Yes, Mother, I realize, and I willapologize.”

* * *

“Oh, it is you,”Kitty said as she opened the door to theircottage.

“I come begging forgiveness for my rude and miserable behavior to you both the other day,” Dianapleaded.

“Who is it?” Abigail called frominside.

Kitty turned away and called back, “It is MissDiana.”

“Has she come to scold usagain?”

“No, dear, she wants toapologize.”

“I certainly hope so,” Abigail said as she came to the door and stood next toKitty.

“I brought you some of Mother’s delicious soup. And I pray that you will forgive my terrible behavior. I was very upset when you called on me the otherday.”