Chapter 26
Diana’s stayin London kept being extended because she had suddenly become the sensation of the literary elite. Robert’s book was selling extremely well, and she was asked to any number of dinner parties, salon readings, and to the opera, concerts, and the theater. Adam accompanied her on many occasions early on, but his tolerance for what he called thestuffy setwas wearing thin, and she found it necessary to call upon Sir Cecil to accompany her to later events, as Robert had unexpectantly returned toBalfourwithout even saying good-bye just a few daysago.
Finally, one morning Adam confronted her in the sitting room. Diana was reading a number of book reviews Sir Cecil had sent over forher.
“How much longer is this to go on?” Adam asked, standing rigidly in front of her as she read in the windowseat.
She looked up, surprised by his strident tone. “Adam, what is the problem? You soundangry.”
“Because I am,” hecommanded.
“Adam, this is unlike you. Tell me what is troubling you,” she said putting her reading aside and giving him her fullattention.
“When is all this gallivanting around London going to cease? You are out almost every night at some event or other. Cab fares, new dresses—lunches, dinners, teas. It is costing a fortune and you are my fiancé, and I hardly ever see youanymore.”
Diana was shocked by the vehemence in his voice. “Adam, please sit down.” He sat opposite her. “First of all, Adam, the expenses are all covered by the publisher. Nothing is coming out of your or my pockets. And remember this is not going to last forever. There was a flurry of activity after the book was published but the activity is already starting to die down. In fact, I am planning to return to Cambridge in just a day or two. I have neglected my own writing long enough and I have informed Sir Cecil I must returnhome.”
“Oh…” He looked down sheepishly after hisoutburst.
“Now tell me, have you closed out your Cambridge rooms or do you need to go back to do that? Maybe we could go together if you want,” Dianasuggested.
“No, I have already done that. I have no further business inCambridge.”
“Then I shall go alone. That is not aproblem.”
“I do not like the idea of you traveling alone,Diana.”
“Oh, Adam, I have traveled alone for quite a few years now. I think I can manage quitenicely.”
“That is as may be, but you are to be my wife, and I do not like the idea ofthat.”
Diana sighed. “Adam, truly, you seem so childishsometimes.”
“Is it childish to want your wife to be safe? To be a lady above reproach? Tobe…”
Now Diana was angry, and she stood up. “Adam, you are making a fool of yourself. How could you possibly think that I would do anything you could reproach mefor?”
“Well, not you. But there are any number of men who might try and take advantage of you…” he defendedhimself.
“I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, Adam. Now, if you do not mind, I think I shall go to my room and begin packing my trunk for my triphome.”
He got up and reached out for her. “I am so sorry. I did not mean to insult you. I am only worried about you. I care so much.” He grabbed hold of her and buried his head against her shoulder and began tocry.
Diana was astonished. “Adam? What is this?” She lifted his head with her forefinger and looked into hiseyes.
He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. “It is nothing. Nothing. Forget I said anything atall.”
She took him by his shoulders. It was beginning to dawn on her what a little boy he was. He was still more boy than man. His behavior was beginning to disappoint her and she faltered for the first time—was she really going to marry this boy? She felt a new urgency to go home. She needed time to reflect on her whole life situation—not only about her marriage but about this arrangement with Robert. The strain of this book promotion was beginning to weigh on her, and she was seriously considering if she wanted to go forward with this arrangement if Robert were to write a secondbook.
She reached over and put her hand on Adam’s cheek. “My dear, take a moment to calm yourself and let us go for a walk in the park, shallwe?”
He shook his head. “No, I must go out. I am taking Mother shopping and then I have an appointment to have my hair cut. I will see you later this afternoon for tea—if you are not already engaged, thatis.”
Diana said gently, “I shall make certain I am here fortea.”
Adam immediately seemed to bounce back and said, “Oh, that is excellent news. I shall stop byMartin’sbakery and fetch us some of their lovely apricot tarts for tea. Mummy will be so pleased you will be with us.” Then he bounded out of theroom.
Diana watched him leave and shook her head. She had to admit he was a sweet man-boy, but she did wish he might be a little more mature. But perhaps that would come with time. Her mother had always said that marriage was work. It required compromise, compassion, and a tremendous amount of patience. And she was beginning to learn that her mother had a great deal of wisdom when it came to marriage. After all, she was still very patient with her father whose health and mental facilities were decliningrapidly.
