Page 68 of Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke

Chapter 17

The Houseof Lords was in session and Robert and Amelia had gone down to London and were staying in their house inBedford Square.Robert also wanted to meet with his London property agents to review his holdings and Amelia wanted toshop.

The Viscount of Berwick was also in attendance at the first meeting of the Lords, and Robert did everything he could to avoid the gentleman. However, just as Robert was slipping out of the chambers, he was accosted by Ludlow and a few other honorable gentlemen and he could not conveniently escape without making a scene and embarrassinghimself.

“Robert, Amelia told me you would be coming up for thesession.”

“As you can see,” Robert answeredcurtly.

“I am giving an intimate dinner party next Wednesday. You and Amelia must attend. Aggie will be there, as will Constance and the Bradfields. It will be mostamusing.”

“I will need to check with Amelia to see if she is engaged thatevening.”

“She is. She has already accepted myinvitation.”

This put Robert in a most awkward position. “Very well. If she has already accepted then I am much obliged. However, I trust there will be no discussion of your damnedcanal.”

The Viscount smiled enigmatically and said, “I would not dream of it. Absolutely no discussions of business at dinner. Strictly notcomme il faut. However, I know how much you enjoy contemporary literature. I feel certain there are many interesting topics we might engage in at table on that subject. Particularly exploring new books coming out in the autumn.No?”

Robert did not like the sound of that. Had he learned of Robert’s publishing venture? But he was only concerned right now with getting away from the Viscount. He could deal with the consequences of his acceptance to dinner later if need be. One could always find an excuse and a way out of anyengagement.

“Good day gentlemen,” he said, turning to leave for his chambers where he could remove his ceremonialrobe.

As he was leaving, he was approached by a gentleman he recognized from Her Majesty’scourt.

“My Lord Donnelly, might I have a word with you?” the gentlemanasked.

“Certainly. How may I be ofservice?”

“Her Majesty requests your attendance at the palace tomorrow morning at ten o’clock. Is thatconvenient?”

“Tell Her Majesty it will be my great pleasure toattend.”

“My Lord,” the man said, nodding and turningaway.

A royal summons? Not unheard of but a surprise, nonetheless, as he could see no reason for herrequest.

* * *

The next morning,he appeared at court dressed in the appropriate formal wear and ontime.

He was ushered to the Queen’s morning chambers where he was announced. The room fronted the palace and was spacious but sparsely furnished. The sun streamed in though large windows, but the queen was shaded by a wall that backed her desk where she sat reading the daily papers sent to her fromparliament.

Crossing the room to her Majesty, Robert stopped, bowed, and waited for her to speak first. It was also customary for him to remain standing during theinterview.

“My Lord Donnelly,” she addressed him, “It is a pleasure to see you again. And how is your charmingsister?”

“Very well, Your Majesty. She sends you her warmest regards. She has hopes of seeing you againsoon.”

“And that is exactly why I have summoned you. I remember so fondly our stay atBalfourlast summer. I remember how delightful it was sipping champagne in your Roman temple by the lake. And as I was longing to get away from London I wanted to see how you felt about another royalvisit?”

“It would be my greatest pleasure and honor to welcome you. Have you set adate?”

“I know it is rather sudden but we were hoping to escape the palace in late June. Would that beconvenient?”

“My only commitment is to the fete I host each summer atBalfour. I believe it is the last Saturday ofJune.”

“That sounds delightful. I have not visited a fete in years. When I was a young girl, I used to escape the family’s summer confines and walk anonymously amongst the village folk each summer at our local fete. I even participated in a tug of war once. Fell flat on my derrière. Mamma had a fit when I returned with a muddyfrock.”