Page 7 of Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke

Kitty added, “And she sat at this very table and swore it was nothing to be worried about, but how does one ever know such a thing? I askyou.”

Diana adored the two sisters but was less enchanted with their occasional gossip. She usually tried to divert the conversation when such matters cameup.

“I noticed you have been working in your garden. Isn’t it a bit early to be planting annuals?” Dianaasked.

“Oh, we always plant by the end of March. The house shades from the north wind and the boxwood hedge helps protect from the traffic on the street.” Kitty said, then leaned in and whispered, “Now don’t tell a soul, but after dark, we pop out into the road and sweep up the horse droppings. Just marvelous for the garden beds youknow.”

Abigale came over and offered solicitously, “We were so sorry to hear about your dear father’smisfortune.”

This took Diana aback. “I am not sure to what you arereferring.”

“Oh dear, Betsy Johnson said her husband at the bank told her that your father applied for a loan and it was denied.” Abigale patted Diana’s arm out ofsympathy.

“Thank you for your concern, but that is not something I wish to discuss outside of thefamily.”

The sisters nodded. “We completely understand,” Kittysaid.

“I best run along now. I am preparing dinner this evening, and I don’t want to keep the family waiting,” Diana said as she edged her way out the cottagedoor.

“Bye, dear, and thank you for the lovely tarts,” Abigale said waving good-bye.

* * *

Diana linkedher arm with her father’s as they strolled up Northampton Street towardSt. John ’s Collegewhere he was soon to have a tutorial. A chill breeze was at their back and she lifted up his coat collar around hisneck.

“Thank you, dear. I sometimes do not know what I would do withoutyou.”

“Well, you don’t have toFather.”

“I certainly will one day soon. I have seen how your young man looks at you. He has marriage on his mind. I can see that even with these poor old eyes of mine. It will not be long until he will be whisking you away to London and a totally newlife.”

“But not quite yet,Father.”

They walked on in silence for a time until they came near the collegeentrance.

Diana squeezed her father’s arm and asked, “Father, what are you going to do since the bank denied you the loan? That was some time ago and you have notsaid.”

Father looked at his daughter. “Ah, my dear, that is naught to trouble your headwith.”

“But maybe there would be something I could do to help,” she offered. “I have my royalties from the books. I, of course, contribute to the household expenses, but I pay no rent and I have some savings. I would be happy to help if Icould.”

Father seemed to consider her offer. “That’s very kind of you, my dear, but I am afraid my needs far exceed even what you could possiblyoffer.”

“Then tell me, what is it you need, andwhy?”

“Not now, my pet. This is no time for that discussion. Suffice it to say that it is a serious matter and if you really want to know then I shall discuss it with youlater.”

“Can you at least suggest what it is about?” sheasked.

“I have not wanted to trouble you with all of this, as I believe you shall soon marry and my troubles will not touch your life anylonger.”

“But your troubles shall always touch my life, for they are your troubles, and you are my dear father, whether I am close by ornot.”

Father removed his arm. “It is time for my tutorial. If it really interests you then let’s discuss the matter in my study after supper. You mother will have her fire and her knitting to occupy herthen.”

“Very well.” Diana watched her stooped father head off across the quadrangle toward his rooms and her heart swelled with sympathy for her dearparent.