Page 99 of Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke

Chapter 24

At first,Diana could not get used to the London noise from her room at the front of the Hardy house. It seemed to go on continually—both day and night—although at bedtime, while there were still sounds of passing carriages, the noise did seem to lessensomewhat.

“Mrs. Hardy, it is so welcoming of you to let me stay with you during my book launch,” Diana said at the breakfast table the next morning. Adam’s father had gone to work. Adam was not up yet so it was just the two ofthem.

“Oh, please, call me Jane or Mother. You are practically my daughter-in-law now,” she said with a giggle. “And Adam is just delighted to have you here. All he talks about is the wedding this, and the wedding that. And how he does go on about the honeymoon. You would think he was planning to launch a military campaign with all his maps, and schedules, andpaperwork.”

“Yes, he does tend to be thorough when it comes to pre-planning, does henot?”

Jane Hardy was a petite lady who had aged well but was pushing the limits by trying to look even younger still. She had rather small eyes and seemed to compensate by keeping them wide open, giving her a somewhat startled look. She wore her hair in ringlets tied with ribbons—part of her effort to look younger, and, unfortunately, when she turned her head they flopped around her face like large dog’sears.

Just then Adam appeared in the diningroom.

“Good morning, Mother… Diana. Did you sleep well?” he asked addressingDiana.

“Fairly well. I am not accustomed to the sounds of London justyet.”

“Yes, unfortunately, our only available bedroom faced the street. So sorry aboutthat.”

“I amfine.”

“Are you nervous about the book launch?” he asked, as he served himself breakfast from the sideboard and the maid brought him a newly poured cup oftea.

“Somewhat, but, of course…” she stopped herself realizing she was speaking in front of Adam’s mother who did not know of her arrangement with Robert. “Of course, I have done this before,” she correctedherself.

Jane rose from the table. “You two lovebirds must excuse me. I have a dozen errands to run before lunchtime.” She turned her attention to Diana. “And all the very best of luck with your booklaunch.”

“Thank you,” shereplied.

Alone with Adam, Diana felt a little nervous now that the actual time to leave for the publishers was approaching. “Oh Adam, am I doing the right thing with thisbook?”

Adam looked at her with a frown of concern. “How is it for me to say? You made this arrangement before we were engaged. I cannot say it is something of which I approve. But it is done and we must live with theconsequences.”

Diana looked at him, and asked, “You really believe that? You think it is afolly?”

“I do. And I think that the Earl of Donnelly is taking advantage of you, if you want to know thetruth.”

“Adam, I am sorry you feel that way. However, I believe I am doing the right thing, helping him. He is an honorable man in a difficult situation and I am happy to help. And besides, the share of the royalties I will be getting is certainly going to help facilitate us getting our own residence here inLondon.”

Adam did not respond but seemed to be troubled, then he looked up and said, “I never told you, but I did not go to the fete because of my dissertation, but because I did not want to see you prancing around with theEarl.”

She was shocked. “Prancing around? Adam. What a thing to say. How unlike you. How mistrusting ofme.”

She stood up and threw her napkin on thetable.

Adam looked up at her with a look of shame. “I am sorry. But that is how I felt at thetime.”

“You lied tome.”

“I did not think you would understand if I told you thetruth.”

Diana was hurt and didn’t know how to respond. “Can we talk about this another time, please? I must get myself ready for my meeting with Sir Cecil and Robert. Are you still coming with me, or have you decided that you do not want to see me prancing aroundagain?”

Adam hung his head. “I am sorry for that remark. Forgive me. Of course, I am coming with you. I want to support you in whatever you decide to do. However, I must meet you at the event as I have an unexpected errand I promised Father I would dofirst.”

“Very well, thankyou.”

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