Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke: A Historical Regency Romance Novel Read online

  “Milk…”

  “and warm muffins .”

  They both shot up and went to the kitchen and soon returned carrying a tray with glasses of milk and a basket of muffins .

  “How can …”

  “we help?” they asked, determined to help Diana find a solution .

  “I do not see how you can .”

  “I know. Perhaps we could find a rainbow …”

  “with a pot of gold at the end .”

  Diana collapsed against the back of the sofa. “Realistically, it seems my only choice is to marry Adam. I know he would help out when the situation is explained to him—but only as my fiancé or husband .”

  “But you like him, right?” Miriam asked .

  “I do. But marriage? I am not ready for that. I have my writing. My parents still need me. I can’t just walk away from all of my responsibilities .”

  “How could you …”

  “sell more books?” they asked .

  “I do not know,” Diana answered .

  “What if you toured …

  “and gave readings in London …”

  “and around Britain ?”

  “I could speak to my publisher about that, but that would take time and we do not have that much time before we need to renew the leasehold .”

  “You could always work the …

  “streets in Soho,” the two let out in a scream of laughter .

  “And that would earn me even less,” Diana countered with her own laughter .

  “What if you explained the situation honestly to Adam in a friendly sort of way?” Geoffrey offered .

  “And maybe he would help if you asked him?” Miriam concluded .

  “That might be worth a try,” Diana said. “But then I—well, the whole family, actually—would feel obligated to him .”

  “My dear, life is just filled …”

  “with complications and compromises .”

  * * *

  A bigale had terrible arthritis in her hands and Kitty needed to walk with a cane because of her hip. They had no family, except for a nephew, Brandon Matthews, whom the sisters idolized. He was the manager of a prestigious bank in Bristol. He never visited, but occasionally sent a letter, and when he did, it was always a major event in their household. A daguerreotype of Brandon stood in a prominent place on the sitting-room mantel .

  “We had a letter from Brandon,” Abigale greeted Diana and her mother even before they were inside the house. They had arrived bearing books from their home library, as George had thousands of books and the sisters had few. It was one form of entertainment both sisters enjoyed and Diana and Ann had promised to switch books with them every few weeks .

  “I hope you have not read any of these titles,” Ann said, handing the books to Abigale .

  She scanned the books. “Oh, no. These are all new to us .”

  “Splendid.”

  “We had a letter from Brandon.” Abigale enthused again, sitting the books on the kitchen table. “He’s just returned from traveling abroad. Would you like me to read the letter to you?” she asked then called out, “Kitty, will you bring Brandon’s letter? Diana and Ann have come to bring us fresh books .”

  Neither Diana nor Ann wished to be subjected to a letter from Brandon—they were usually long and tedious and unrelated to anything they knew about .

  “Thank you, but I must get back to my painting,” Ann said, laying her hand on Abigale’s arm, “and I cannot leave my gallery unattended for too long,” she added, backing toward the front door .

  Diana had no such urgent excuse, so she was welcomed for tea and a lengthy and thorough reading of the letter at the kitchen table with added side comments along the way .

  “You know Brandon received the MVO, did he not?” Abigale turned to Kitty for confirmation .

  “No dear it was the OM .”

  “Oh, was that it? Never mind. But it was some high order or other .”

  “And his church made him a deacon, I believe, as well .”

  “He is such a fine example of public service. We are so proud .”

  “Yes, and let us continue with the letter, shall we dear?” Kitty insisted .

  The sisters were surprised when there was a knocking at their front door .

  “Better to see who that is,” Kitty insisted, not as easily able to get out of her chair as Abigale was .

  “Look who is here,” Abigale said as she returned with Adam .

  “Oh, Adam, hello,” a surprised Diana said

  “Your mother said you were over here and might need a rescue,” he said, not thinking what he was saying .

  “Well hardly a rescue,” Diana said, trying to cover for his thoughtless remark. “She must have said I need to recuse myself and get back to my writing .”

  “Yes, exactly—recuse was the word,” Adam said, blushing slightly .

  Diana stood. “I am so sorry, but I will need to hear the rest of the letter another time. It is true I must get back to my work and I must also have a word or two with Adam. I do hope you will enjoy the books we found for you .”

  The sisters’ faces registered a brief disappointment at her parting, but smiled and thanked her for the books .

  * * *

  “O h my, what an ass I can be sometimes,” Adam said as they left the sisters’ house and he took Diana’s arm, tripping on a stepping stone as they headed toward the street .

  Diana giggled, “Yes, but you were totally accurate. I desperately did need rescuing .”

  “Yes, it’s been a few days and I wanted to stop by and see how you were .”

  Diana was not sure how to proceed, or if she should even bring up the topic, but she decided she must, as the family was in such a desperate bind .

  She looked up at him and said, “Might we take a short walk in the meadow? I have something I very much need to discuss with you. Do you have the time ?”

  “I do,” he said squeezing her arm .

  They headed down the side street past the Sinclair’s house and over the stile that lead to a meadow bordered by a wood where they frequently walked together. It was a partly cloudy morning and a little chilly. Adam put his arm around Diana’s shoulders and pulled her tightly against him to offer her some of his warmth .

  “My dear Adam, I need to tell you about a situation my family is in .”

  “Nothing serious, I trust,” he asked with some concern .

  “Yes, I am afraid it is .”

  She proceeded to tell him about the expiration of the leasehold and their inability to secure a new one .

  “Oh, Diana, that is sad news. What is your family going to do ?”

  “I have discussed this with my father and the only possible idea we can come up with is to see if you might ask your father for a loan—for my family.” Adam was silent. “I know it is a lot to ask but we could secure the loan with the house and we would be willing to pay a generous interest .”

  “Then why not go to a bank for that sort of loan .”

  “My father has, but our request was denied .”

  “I see,” he said .

  “Might you be able to help? I cannot tell you how much we would appreciate any help you could offer .”

  “Diana… I don’t think it would be fitting for me to go to my father with such a proposal unless…” He hesitated .

  “Unless what?” she asked, but feared she knew the answer .

  “Unless we were at least engaged,” he said giving her a quick sideways glance .

  “Hmm. I thought you might suggest that .”

  He stopped and turned her to face him. “And what do you say? Will you accept my hand in marriage ?”

  Diana bowed her head. Her mind racing with all the possible ways her family might find a solution to their problem without her having to accept Adam’s proposal. And her heart was beating rapidly as she tried to assess exactly what she felt for Adam .

  Then she looked up at him and leaning her forehead against his chest softly s
aid, “I will have an answer for you in a few days .”

  Chapter 5

  W hen Robert returned from his weekend trip to London he found the Daniels family still visiting, even though it was the following Tuesday .

  He sought out Amelia in her rooms and bust in .

  “What is the meaning of this?” he shouted .

  Amelia stood regally and in her calmest voice asked, “What ever is the problem, Robert? You seem upset .”

  “Those people are still here. Their visit should have been limited to the weekend. I will not have my sanctity violated during the week when I need to be working .”

  “But Robert, my dear, they so missed seeing you when you promised to be here that I said they might stay a few days longer until you returned so that you could have the opportunity to meet, and get to know, the adorable Miss Charlene .”

  “You had no right to do that without my expressed approval .”

  “Robert, how cruel and uncaring you can be. I did not raise you to be so callus. These are delightful people and hospitality requires that you honor them while they are our guests .”

  “You made this mess—you clean it up .”

  “Then I shall make it clear they are to leave tomorrow .”

  “Early.”

  “If you wish. But you will, of course, host them at dinner this evening ?”

  Robert grumbled but nodded. “Yes, if I must .”

  Amelia came over and patted his shoulder. “I knew you would understand.” He started to turn to leave, but she stopped him and added, “Miss Charlene is most charming, and I am quite certain you will find her to be most sympathetic .”

  “Huh…” Then he turned again and left .

  * * *

  R obert went directly from Amelia’s rooms to the library to work on ideas for his new novel. However, he was surprised to find the Daniels family sitting by the fire having tea .

  “Oh…” he exclaimed, frozen as they looked over at his entrance .

  “Lord Donnelly, how nice to see you,” Sir Benjamin said as he stood to greet Robert .

  Robert felt his private space had been violated, as this is where he did his writing. But, of course, this was the estate’s library and his guests should expect to have access to such a splendid public room .

  “Sir Benjamin. Lady Daniels. Miss Charlene,” Robert said curtly, as he nodded to each one to acknowledge their presence .

  Lady Daniels turned in her chair to face Robert and said, “Lord Donnelly, won’t you sit with us? The tea is still fresh .”

  “Thank you, no. I have been away for a number of days and many issues require my attention .”

  “But we so missed seeing you when we arrived. Your charming sister assured us we would have time to visit with you on your return .”

  Robert knew, as the host, he must spend at least a little time with them. He had hoped that his attendance at dinner would be sufficient, but there was no way he could work at his desk with them in the room so he decided to sit with them for a short time .

  “Very well, one cup of tea and then I must dash off .”

  He went over to the seating area by the fireplace where the family was having tea. He sat on a small sofa next to Charlene—the only free place to sit .

  Miss Charlene was indeed a charming and fresh looking young lady. She was slender and shy, her head bowed and her eyes lowered as Robert sat down beside her. She looked quite charming in her modest, delicate dress. Her blond hair was skillfully arranged in braids around her head, and when she spoke, it was softly .

  “Do you ride, Miss Charlene,” Robert asked, trying to open an agreeable conversation .

  “She is a most accomplished rider,” Sir Benjamin spoke up .

  Lady Daniels scowled at her husband and whispered. “Let her speak for herself, Benji .”

  Charlene looked up and responded to Robert’s question. “I enjoy riding very much. I have done quite well in a number of junior gymkhanas .”

  “How splendid .”

  “With your spacious grounds you must enjoy riding very much,” Charlene added .

  “I find it refreshing. I spend a great deal of time at my desk and it helps to get out and ride the borders of the estate from time to time. I need to make sure all is in order, you understand .”

  “Perhaps the two of you might enjoy a ride together later this afternoon,” Lady Daniels suggested with a broad smile .

  “I am afraid that will not be possible. I have many duties to attend to. However, I can certainly make a horse available to you and can provide a groom to ride with you if you like .”

  That seemed to dampen the hopeful conversation, and Charlene replied, “Thank you my Lord, but I noticed there are clouds and a breeze gathering and I think I shall decline your kind offer .”

  “As you wish,” Robert replied not caring one way or another .

  However, upon examination, Robert had to admit that this young woman was attractive and he decided to sound her out on a few issues important to him .

  “Miss Charlene, tell me do you read novels?” he asked .

  “Oh, no. They are far too unsuitable for me. However, I do enjoy reading The Reverend Timothy Broadbent’s fine series of sermons. Are you familiar with his high-minded works ?”

  “I am not. My tastes do not run toward the ecclesiastical, I must say. Give me a rousing adventure novel or a tale of mystery and intrigue any day and I am quite content to spend many happy hours in front of the fire lost in my imagination .”

  Miss Charlene gave a little gasp, and quickly shut her mouth and looked away. No doubt shocked by Robert’s secular tastes in literature .

  Now Robert smelled blood and pounced again. “And do you enjoy travel?” he baited .

  “Oh yes, we have been to the seaside at Margate several times. I love paddling in the sea and exploring the beautiful churches and chapels. It’s a lovely place .”

  “Well, I must say, one of my favorite places is Marrakesh in Morocco. The splash of colors in the spice market. The crush of peasants, tribesmen, beggars, and townsfolk surging through the souk is quite exhilarating. The wail of exotic music… the wafting scents of cooking meats… the cry of muezzins from the minarets. It is quite beyond description and totally absorbing. Have you been ?”

  The whole family seemed to be profoundly shocked .

  “We would never consider going to a country of heathens and scoundrels,” Lady Daniels huffed in profound dismay .

  “What a shame. There is nothing like being a foreigner in a country where you do not know the language and must adapt to another culture to truly widen one’s life perspective .”

  “We are quite content being who we are. We have no need to accommodate ourselves to the lowly and hideous culture of those who do not speak English and are not upright Christians,” Charlene said in her most outraged and forceful voice .

  Robert took the last sip from his teacup and stood, nodding to each as he said, “Most enlightening. However, I must excuse myself, and I am sad to say I shall be unavailable during the rest of your stay. But I am certain my sister will make the rest of your visit most enjoyable .”

  * * *

  B efore leaving the library after the dreadful tea, Robert took a few papers from his desk and retired to his own rooms where he had another desk he sometimes used when writing and did not wish to be disturbed .

  He studied the list of surrogate author candidates Sir Cecil had given him. Two were crossed off, leaving three .

  All the rest were located outside of London. One was in Nottingham. One was in a small town in Devon and one was nearby in Cambridge. Robert was desperate to get away from Balfour for the rest of the afternoon in hopes of avoiding running into the Daniels family again, so he decided to take a ride into Cambridge and visit the Cambridge author, Miss Diana Browning .

  Browning? That name rang a bell. Browning of Cambridge. Yes. There was a professor at St. John’s College. Something Browning… John Browning? No. Carl Browning? G
eorge Browning. Yes, that was the name. He had attended lectures in English lit from the fellow. Might he and the author be related? he wondered .

  He had no intention of telling Amelia that he was fleeing for the afternoon and evening. She would discover for herself that he was gone and she would be forced to entertain the atrocious guests all by herself .

  Robert went to the stable, had his horse readied, and set out for Cambridge. It was late March and blustery in the early afternoon when he set out .

  He had no difficulty finding the house of the author as it was on a familiar street that he remembered from his college days .

  He stabled his horse at a nearby inn and went to the house and knocked. There was no answer. He saw that there was an attached gallery that was open and he went there to enquire about Diana Browning .

  “Good afternoon,” he said as he entered the gallery .

  “Oh, hello. Do not mind me. Just look around and if you see anything you like just let me know and I will be happy to help you .”

  Robert looked around the quaint shop. The paintings were pleasant but commercial and obviously targeted at the tourist trade and students wishing to furnish their rooms cheaply .

  “Thank you, but I am trying to locate a Diana Browning. I believe she lives in the attached house. Might you know of her whereabouts ?”

  “Oh, Diana… she’s my daughter. Did you knock ?”

  “I did but there was no answer .”

  “Oh, she is probably wrapped up in her writing and either did not hear you or ignored you.” Ann laughed. “So sorry about that. If you give me just a moment I will go and see if I can find her. Might I say who is calling for her ?”

  “The Earl of Donnelly .”

  “Oh, my …”

  “I am here on a matter of business .”

  “Then I shall see if I can find her for you .”

  Ann put the back in five minutes sign on the door and bade him follow her. She led the way into the house and ushered Robert to the best sitting-room .

  “I’ll go search for her,” she said, leaving Robert alone .

  Presently, she returned. “She will be right with you. Just as I thought, totally caught up in her writing .”