Chapter 28
Diana and Robertwent into thegallery.
“Mother, might you be able to close the gallery early today? I have something I urgently need to discuss with you andFather.”
Mother looked at her with some concern. “Is there anything I should worryabout?”
Diana laughed. “Not at all. But can you close now,please?”
Mother checked the clock. I do not see why not. It has been a slow day. You go on and I will be rightin.”
Diana took Robert’s hand and led them to thecottage.
“Father,” Diana called out as theyentered.
“Yes, my dear,” he answered from the sittingroom.
Diana led Robert to where her father was seated by the fire with abook.
“Oh, Milord,” Father said as he attempted torise.
“No, please, stay seated,” Robertinsisted.
“And to what do we owe the honor?” Fatherasked.
Diana went over to his chair and kneeled down beside him. “Father, Robert and I need to have a very important discussion with you and Mother. And she is on herway.”
“Oh, my, nothing serious, I hope,” he saidanxiously.
“It is serious, Father, but notunpleasant.”
“That is a relief,” he said relaxing back into hischair.
“I can see you have not started supper yet,” Mother said a littleirritably.
“No, Mother. But I will. Come sit. Robert and I need to speak to youboth.”
Mother sat in the chair opposite her husband as Diana and Robert remained standing. Diana turned to Robert and indicated he should speakfirst.
“Professor and Mrs. Browning,” Robert began. “Your daughter and I have been working together many months. And over that time, we find that we have both developed deep feelings of affection for oneanother.”
Mother let out a little gasp. “Oh,Diana…”
“Of course, I understand that she is already engaged to Adam Hardy, but, nonetheless, I have asked Diana to be my wife and to become the Countess ofDonnelly.”
Both her parents werestunned.
“And I know that this may come as a shock and a surprise, but Diana assures me the feelings are mutual and she would like to break off her engagement to the youngman.”
Father spoke up, “Diana, is thisso?”
“Yes, Father itis.”
Father looked over at Mother. “Whoever would have thought… Mother, what do you think aboutthis?”
Mother was wringing the handkerchief in her hand. “I do not know, George. The wedding planning is well along. What do we do about that? And have you spoken to Adam?” she askedDiana.
“Not yet. Robert and I have only just now declared our love for eachother.”
