“I am sorry, that is none of my business. Please disregard myquestion.”
She seemed conflicted as she said, “No. I do not mind you asking. It is just… I did a terrible thing which Iregret.”
“You?”
“I lied to Adam about the beautiful pearls you gave me. I told him they were mymother’s.”
“Diana…”
“I was in the middle of the book launch when he asked me about them and I did not want to get into a whole explanation about you giving them to me. I knew it would upsethim.”
“I see now it was inappropriate for me to give you those. I never thought… I just wanted to show you my sincerest appreciation for all you have done… are doing forme.”
Just then the waiter approached the table. “What might I bring you this afternoon—sir,madam?”
Robert was annoyed at being interrupted at just that moment. “Later,” hesnapped.
The waiterretreated.
“Robert… that wasunseemly.”
He shook his head. “Yes. Yes, it was. So sorry. It isjust…”
“Have I upset you in some way,” she asked, leaning insympathetically.
Robert stopped, put his hands on the table, and took a deep breath. “I think we are both a bit agitated by the events of the day. It has been an emotional time for both of us. You with your pending marriage and your new responsibilities with the book. And me with the book and…” He caught himself about to say something he might regret andstopped.
“What? What other than the book? Is it something to do with Amelia? Or your business interests inLondon?”
Robert was right at the edge. If he took the next step there would be no going back. If he said what he wanted to say to her he might jeopardize his arrangement with Diana and throw the publication of his book in turmoil. But instead of speaking he signaled for the waiter toreturn.
“Forgive my outburst just now, my good man. We are ready toorder.”
Robert ordered the tea and used the time to get a better hold of himself. If he revealed his feelings for Diana he knew he could ruin both of their lives. He must stop and not utter a single word to her about how deeply he cared forher.
After the waiter left with the order, Robert smiled and said, “You really were splendid at the book launch this morning. I can see that my faith in you wassound.”
Diana seemed somewhat disoriented by their sudden shift in conversation but said, “Yes, I, too, felt it went well. It was most satisfying to interact with my readers. I have not had the opportunity before to listen to their reactions to my other books. It was mostgratifying.”
“And do you have a sense of how they might react to your newdirection?”
“I have to say they seemed somewhat puzzled as to why I would make such a change when what I was writing was already so wellreceived.”
“And do you foresee aproblem?”
Diana was thoughtful before replying, “Our explanation for going in this new direction has always seemed to me to be a bit tenuous. I think we will just need to wait andsee.”
The waiter pushed his cart forward and served the tea and accompanying cakes andsandwiches.
“Now that you are past the Queen’s visit, have you been able to do any writing?” Dianaasked.
“I can give you a dozen excuses—I have been preparing for the book launch—I have been attending to my properties—I have been doing research. But they would all be only excuses. And the simple answer is that I am completely blocked. I can see my limitations, and my belief is that I must adventure once again if I wish to write onceagain.”
Diana laughed and seemed to be more at ease than she was when she first arrived. “I do understand. And to be quite honest, I, too, have stalled on the Christmas chapter I am writing for Sir Cecil. However, I do have a legitimate excuse. You see---you are my problem,” she saidteasingly.
However, Robert felt a jolt as his first response to what she said was that she might be battling with feelings for him, as he was battling with his feelings forher.
“However do you mean?” he finally managed toask.
