Page 74 of Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke

“Miss Browning,” he stood again as she left the sittingroom.

Diana went directly to her room and opened theletter.

My Dear Miss Diana,

You can imagine the chaos at Balfour as we prepare for Her Majesty’s visit. Both Amelia and I are spinning in place as we deal with all the details necessary to host the Queen and prepare for your father’s investiture at thefete.

Forgive me for not dropping in to visit with you since my return from London, but I will just report that the publication of the book is on track and it will not be long now until we will be off to London for the book’s launch andpromotion.

I trust your writing is going well. But I am ashamed to say I have not written one single word. However, I have a great excuse as one does not entertain the royal court everyday.

I do look forward to seeing you, your parents, and the Sinclair twins at the fete and although you may be preempted from being the Lords of the fete this time—after all a queen has precedence, is that not so?—I promise you shall be the queen of the fete next year. How does thatsound?

I believe Sir Gerald will be informing your father of all the details for the investiture, but know that I shall be sending my carriage for your family—and friends—on the day of the fete. Protocol demands that your father not arrive in a rented horse and cart. (I hope you do not take offense at thatrequirement)

Amelia is presently insisting I attend to her immediate needs so I shall close thisletter.

Ever yourServant,

RobertDonnelly

Hmm,Diana thought. What was that all about? It was nice of Robert to write, but the letter seemed to be more of a note from a suitor than a colleague. And while it warmed her heart that he was so caring it also reminded her that she wasengaged.

Oh, dear. She must go down and start supper, as Adam would be here before she knewit.

She scurried downstairs and began working in thekitchen.

* * *

That evening after supper,Mother and Father remained in the kitchen as Diana and Adam went out to the garden in the mid-evening light. Father remained behind to read the newspaper as Mother washed up and then sat at the kitchen table and took out herneedlework.

The garden air was fresh but not chilly. The western sky was the colors of apricots and cream. They walked through the garden silently for a time. Occasionally Diana would stoop to deadhead a group offlowers.

“How are the arrangements going for the wedding?” Adamasked.

“I believe Mother and I are to go to London next week to meet with your mother to plan theceremony.”

“Yes, Mother said something to that effect,” Adamreplied.

“And the exams?” sheasked.

“Completely finished, Lord bepraised.”

“And thedissertation?”

“Coming along. But you know how writing canbe…”

“I do. Not always as smooth as one would like. Am Iright?”

“Yes. Excruciatinglyso.”

Theylaughed.

Adam reached over and put his arm through Diana’s as they continued to walk about thegarden.

Finally, they came to an apple tree with a bench below it and they sat. Diana leaned against the back of the bench while Adam sat leaning forward with his arms resting on his legs, handsfolded.

“Have you thought about where we might live when we return from the honeymoon?” Dianaasked.