Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke: A Historical Regency Romance Novel

by Hamilton, Hanna

  “Oh, yes, Robert, I most certainly will .”

  * * *

  A fter the meeting with her parents, Robert said he wanted a private moment with her, and she led Robert out into the back garden for a stroll .

  “Are you content?” he asked .

  “I am. But I am still overwhelmed and anxious about breaking off the engagement with Adam .

  “I can understand that. Is there any way I can help with that ?”

  “No. I must do it myself .”

  “Then let us forget all about that for this evening and go out for a celebratory dinner .”

  “Oh, Robert, I cannot. I promised Mother I would start the dinner .”

  Robert looked at her and smiled. “My darling… first of all, how happy I am to be able to say that now. My darling, we are to be married. You will be living with me at Balfour . I hope you do not plan to rush home each evening to start dinner for your parents .”

  Diana laughed. “No. I think not. But I need to ease them into the fact that I will be leaving .”

  “But not tonight. Tonight we are going to dine at the finest restaurant and drink endless champagne. We need to celebrate .”

  “And to discuss the wedding,” she reminded him .

  “And that .”

  Diana went back inside to her parents and informed them that she would be dining with Robert this evening .

  Mother pouted, but said, “Very well. I guess it is a special occasion. You may go .”

  Diana smiled. “Mother, I do not need your permission .”

  “No, I guess not .”

  “Are we to address you as the Countess of Donnelly now?” Father asked wryly .

  “No, please spare me that. I am still your daughter, Diana. And I always will be. And if I ever become haughty, then let me know immediately and I will come back down to earth .”

  * * *

  D iana had to smile as she and Robert were seated at the exact same table that she and Adam had sat when he brought her here for their celebratory dinner not all that long ago at the hotel restaurant .

  “Champagne? Robert asked .

  Diana laughed. “Yes, anything but Piper-Heidsieck .”

  “And what do you have against that particular brand ?”

  “Nothing really. But it has associations I would rather not revisit .”

  “I understand. But I prefer Dom so that is not a problem for me .”

  Robert ordered the champagne and, unlike Adam, he let Diana choose for herself what she wanted for dinner .

  “What would you think about a Christmas wedding?” Robert asked .

  “That sounds lovely. Do we have enough time to plan ?”

  “It is only late September. If I can organize the Queen’s visit in less than two weeks I believe we can organize a wedding in less than three months .”

  “But you will have a lot of important guests, will you not? Will there be enough time for them to plan with their busy schedules ?”

  “If not, then let them suffer the loss .”

  She laughed .

  “I should like you to come to Balfour tomorrow so that we may announce our engagement to Amelia and my staff. I will send the carriage for you in the morning. And your parents may want to join us. I shall also arrange a luncheon if that suits you. Will ten o’clock be satisfactory ?”

  “Yes. That will be fine .”

  The waiter brought the champagne and they toasted .

  “To my future bride .”

  “To my beloved husband .”

  “And one more thing, then we can just relax and enjoy our dinner,” Robert added .

  “Yes?”

  “Since Amelia is also to be married I was wondering how you might feel if we held both weddings at the same time ?”

  “Oh, my… what do you think Amelia would think about that? Might she feel there would be less attention on her if it was also the Earl’s wedding ?”

  “No, I think she would like it and feel honored .”

  “I have no problem with that, but I do think you should ask her first. And how do you feel about sharing your wedding with the Viscount? It is my impression that you are not—best of friends .”

  Robert laughed. “That is an understatement. But I feel it might help heal that relationship if we were to be married at the same time. But I want you to be certain you want this. It is your wedding too. Perhaps you may not want to share it with Amelia .”

  “No, I would like that. And it would give us an opportunity to get to know one another if we are to plan our weddings together .”

  “Then I will suggest the dual wedding tomorrow when we are all together. And while I think of it, when do you plan to go to London to meet with Adam ?”

  “Oh, dear, yes, I still need to face that, do I not ?”

  “Do you want me to go to London with you? You can stay at the London house. Amelia may be there as well, as she is ordering her wedding dress. And perhaps she might help you with yours .”

  “Yes, I might like that, but I do not want you to go with me when I meet with Adam .”

  “No, I understand that. But while I am in London, I will arrange for the papers to transfer the leasehold to the freehold for your father, and I can give you the funds at that time to repay Adam’s father for the loan.” Diana looked dejected. “It is not a very happy conclusion, I know. But it is necessary if we are to move forward .”

  She looked up at Robert. “I know .”

  The waiter brought the soup course and served .

  As they started to eat, Robert said, “Enough about wedding details for one evening. Let us just enjoy our time together and our new relationship. You have no idea how much I am looking forward to having you as my wife, Diana. Now Amelia will have no more excuses to thrust eligible young maidens at me .”

  “And I shall stop bracing myself to accept Adam as my husband .”

  * * *

  T he Earl’s coach had come to collect Diana and her parents the next morning as planned. There had been champagne toasts, well wishes, a few tears and an agreement by Amelia to hold their joint weddings at Christmas—pending Ludlow’s approval. And as the festivities died down, Amelia asked Diana to meet with her privately, for a brief moment, before the scheduled lunch .

  Amelia welcomed Diana into her chambers and bade her take a seat by the fire. She sat opposite, studying Diana until Diana started to become uncomfortable .

  “Amelia… I may call you Amelia now, may I not?” Diana asked .

  “Of course .”

  “Did you invite me to your rooms to discuss something in particular ?”

  “You are very clever, Miss Diana .”

  “I beg your pardon,” Diana said, “You say that as though it was an insult or an accusation .”

  “Oh, no. It is just a recognition that you are much more cunning than I expected .”

  “Cunning? And how do you figure that ?”

  “You played Robert so beautifully .”

  “Played him? Excuse me, but I have no idea what you are talking about. How, exactly, did I play him ?”

  “Oh, the little innocent… Always playing so charming and naïve. But, in the meantime, manipulating Robert, the Earl of Donnelly, to find her so alluring that he just has to marry her .”

  Diana signed. “Oh, Amelia, I do not want our relationship as sisters to start out like this .

  “No. No. Brilliant.” Amelia threw her hands up in the air and paced as she spoke. “A simply brilliant stroke to convince Robert to accept the canal deal. Thinking by that you would win me over and insinuate yourself into this family and become the Countess of Donnelly. Just perfect .”

  Diana could not understand what was happening here but defended herself by saying, “Wait. Wait. I do not understand. Robert told me you encouraged him to ask me to marry him .”

  “Well, I have changed my mind .”

  “Why do you do this? Do you want to make him unhappy? Do you want to anger him? I cannot understand your motiv
e .”

  “I do not trust you .”

  “And why not?” Diana said determined not to be intimidated .

  “I see me in you. Cunning, manipulative and ruthless. I see behind your façade of sweetness and innocence. As they say, ‘it takes one to know one .’”

  “I am truly sorry for you, Amelia. You totally misunderstand me. I have only Robert’s best interests at heart and I would never use falsehood to get my way. And I will do everything in my power to show you my real self and convince you otherwise.” Diana stood. “I will not tell Robert of our conversation. I do not want him to know how unkind you have been to me .”

  “And you say you never use falsehood. Is that not exactly what you are threatening to do now ?”

  Diana shook her head, and then she realized what actually might be happening here. “Amelia, I believe you are playing a game with me. Is that not so? You are playacting with me. You mean absolutely nothing of what you just said, do you ?”

  Amelia said nothing for a moment but smiled. “Brava. You are as astute as Robert says you are. Now we can be the very best of friends. And you must come shopping with me when you are staying with us in London. I know all the best shops and we will make sure you have an absolutely divine wedding gown .”

  As Diana left the room her head was spinning. She had absolutely no idea who Amelia was. Should she tell Robert what just happened or not? But she had to laugh because if she did not tell him, then Amelia would be right—she would be engaging in falsehood .

  Chapter 29

  A melia had preceded Diana and Robert’s trip to London by several days and she greeted them warmly when they arrived at the London house. She was as charming and gracious as could be expected. Diana, however, had finally decided to engage in a small falsehood and had not told Robert of her strange encounter with Amelia the morning of the announcement of their engagement .

  But on this morning, Diana was very nervous. She had sent Adam a note saying she was in town and wanted to have tea with him this afternoon at Fortnum’s . She thought it best to meet in public in hopes of suppressing any embarrassing displays of emotion. Or was that cowardly? Might it not be best to break off the engagement in private where he could vent his grief? In any case, it had been decided, and she needed to prepare herself for the meeting .

  After breakfast, Diana found Robert in his study .

  “Robert, I shall be leaving at ten-thirty for my meeting with Adam .”

  Robert got up from his desk and went over to her and put his arms around her. “Do not be nervous .”

  “I cannot help it, Robert. I have to admit I feel horribly guilty .”

  “Engagements get broken all the time. Certainly, a little heartache now is better than a lifetime of misery in a miss-matched marriage .”

  Diana disengaged from his embrace. “Put like that, it does indeed make a great deal of sense. Thank you for letting me see that .”

  Robert returned to his desk and picked up an envelope. “I have here a bank draught for the amount of the loan plus a generous amount of interest. I have also included a document to be signed when Adam accepts the cheque. It will legally end the engagement and signify acceptance of the repayment of the loan .”

  Diana was troubled. “Oh, Robert, it all seems so cold and impersonal .”

  “And legal. You do not want any repercussions from ending the engagement.” He handed her the envelope and put his hands on her shoulders. “Use your sensitivity and charm to ease his disappointment and all will be well .”

  “I will do my best. Wish me well .”

  “More than that, I will send you with all my love .”

  * * *

  D iana was very nervous as she entered the Fortnum and Mason tea room. She immediately spotted Adam already seated at a table and went over as she took off her gloves .

  “Adam, thank you for meeting me,” she said as she took her place at the table? “Have you ordered yet ?”

  Adam sat ramrod straight and frowning. “You want to break off the engagement .”

  Diana was stunned. “Oh, Adam …”

  “It is true, is it not?” he said leaning forward across the table and confronting her .

  Diana took a deep breath. “Yes, Adam, it is true. I cannot marry you. It has become clear over time, that as much as I honor and respect you, I do not love you .”

  “I thought as much,” he said dejectedly as he collapsed back into his chair, deflated .

  “Certainly you must see it too, Adam. We disagree on so much. And our interests are vastly different .”

  “But it is really the Earl who has won your heart, is it not? I have known for some time .”

  “He has asked me to marry him and I have accepted. Yes .”

  “Of course, how could I possibly compete with an Earl? That will make you… what? A countess or something ?”

  Diana could see the hurt little boy lashing out. “But it is not just that, Adam. I have struggled for some time …”

  He cut her off. “You just agreed to marry me because you wanted to borrow the money for the leasehold .”

  Diana could not refute that. It was true. “Oh, Adam, I am so sorry .”

  It was then the waiter appeared with menus. “Sir, Madam, I will return to take your order shortly .”

  Diana looked at Adam to see if he really wanted to stay here and order tea. He shook his head .

  Diana turned to the waiter. “Excuse me. I am very sorry, but we will not be needing service this morning. Something has come up and we must leave .”

  The waiter had obviously seen everything in his career and he nodded nonchalantly. “As you wish .”

  Diana took out a pound note and left it on the table, and said to Adam, “Let us go. The park is nearby. Would you feel more comfortable if we strolled? I feel we need more time to discuss this .”

  Adam stood up. “I checked my coat. I will meet you at the entrance,” he said and left the tea room .

  This was not going as she had expected. She had hoped to control the conversation, but instead, Adam had taken the lead and she had ended up needing to defend herself .

  She met Adam in the lobby and they headed silently toward Green Park . When they finally reached the park, they found a bench under a tree that was dropping its golden leaves. The location mirrored a melancholy feeling that seemed to fit their current mood .

  After they sat, Diana took Adam’s hand in her gloved hands and said, “Adam, I know this is terribly unsettling for you. But I truly hope you can see why our marriage would not work .”

  “Does it matter? You have made up your mind .”

  Diana was, once again, faced with the stubborn and hurt little boy. She sighed, and let go of his hand. She reached into her bag and pulled out Robert’s envelope .

  She opened it and took out the document that needed signing .

  “Adam, I wish we could discuss this more fully, but you do not seem interested. But we must conclude this fairly. I have a bank draught for you for the full amount of your father’s loan plus interest. And if you would be so kind as to sign this document we can conclude our engagement .

  “What is this?” he asked as he took the document .

  “It stipulates that the loan has been repaid and the engagement ended. It is simple and straightforward .”

  Adam read through the paper and Diana handed him a fountain pen. He signed the paper and gave it back to her as she handed him the cheque .

  “Now I must cancel all the honeymoon arrangements,” he said glumly .

  “Why not find someone to go with you? Why waste all the work you did organizing the trip ?”

  Adam smiled. “What a splendid idea. I like that. There is this really capital young lady who works in my department at work. We chat all the time and she tells me how much she wants to travel and see the world. What a jolly good idea .”

  Diana was shocked that he could be considering such a thing right after they broke up, but she also understood that she had
been right about Adam. He was too immature to be ready for marriage. But she smiled, and also understood Adam would land on his feet and be just fine .

  * * *

  “I do not understand. What kind of a surprise is this? Where are we? This seems a rather dubious place,” Diana said as she and Robert took the stairs to the third floor of a shabby old building in a less than savory part of London .

  When they reached the top floor, Robert knocked at a door which was shortly answered by a rather dapper older gentleman in a painting smock and a rakish cloth hat .

  “Ah, Milord. Exactly on time. Please come inside .”

  Diana and Robert entered a large room that revealed itself to be an artist’s studio. There was a large north-facing window that was part of the roof but also continued down the side of the wall to give ample light for painting. The light flooded a dais with two throne-like chairs and a fabric backdrop .

  “Diana, this is Sir William Sargent, perhaps our finest British portrait painter .”

  “Miss Diana…” he said offering his hand .

  “Sir William .”

  “We are to have our wedding portrait painted,” Robert said, then turned to Diana. “Do you remember the dinner where we discussed your portrait ?”

  Diana laughed. “And that is why you requested I wear this gown ?”

  “It is. And you still look stunning in it. Perfect for your portrait—with no thought of scaring away the foxes .”

  That set them both laughing .

  Sir William led them to the dais where he sat them down and arranged their positions. Then he stood back and studied them .

  “Excellent. Now, let us begin .”

  * * *

  “H ow could yo-o-o-u?” Geoffrey growled at Diana. “Not a word. Not a hint. Nothing .”

  Miriam came screaming to the door and threw her arms around Diana. “YOU ARE GOING TO BE A COUNTESS!” And she began to cry. “Where have you been? We went looking for you and it was your mother who had to tell us. You are very naughty going away to London and not letting us know you are marrying Robert .”

  They pulled her inside the house and sat her down on the sofa and sat opposite to grill her eye to eye .