Diana smiled. “Mother, I do not need yourpermission.”
“No, I guessnot.”
“Are we to address you as the Countess of Donnelly now?” Father askedwryly.
“No, please spare me that. I am still your daughter, Diana. And I always will be. And if Ieverbecome haughty, then let me know immediately and I will come back down toearth.”
* * *
Diana hadto 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 hotelrestaurant.
“Champagne? Robertasked.
Diana laughed. “Yes, anything butPiper-Heidsieck.”
“And what do you have against that particularbrand?”
“Nothing really. But it has associations I would rather notrevisit.”
“I understand. But I preferDomso that is not a problem forme.”
Robert ordered the champagne and, unlike Adam, he let Diana choose for herself what she wanted fordinner.
“What would you think about a Christmas wedding?” Robertasked.
“That sounds lovely. Do we have enough time toplan?”
“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 threemonths.”
“But you will have a lot of important guests, will you not? Will there be enough time for them to plan with their busyschedules?”
“If not, then let them suffer theloss.”
Shelaughed.
“I should like you to come toBalfourtomorrow 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 besatisfactory?”
“Yes. That will befine.”
The waiter brought the champagne and theytoasted.
“To my futurebride.”
“To my belovedhusband.”
“And one more thing, then we can just relax and enjoy our dinner,” Robertadded.
“Yes?”
“Since Amelia is also to be married I was wondering how you might feel if we held both weddings at the sametime?”
“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’swedding?”
“No, I think she would like it and feelhonored.”
“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 offriends.”
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 withAmelia.”
