That set them bothlaughing.
Sir William led them to the dais where he sat them down and arranged their positions. Then he stood back and studiedthem.
“Excellent. Now, let usbegin.”
* * *
“How 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 marryingRobert.”
They pulled her inside the house and sat her down on the sofa and sat opposite to grill her eye toeye.
“I know. Iwasnaughty not to tell you, but I had to break off my engagement with Adam first. I am sure you can understand. I was very nervous and wanted to get it overwith.”
“And did you?” Miriamasked.
“Yes. It is all done. And now I am going to marryRobert.”
“When is the wedding?” Geoffreyasked.
“On Christmasday.”
“Aw-w-w. That isperfect.”
“And his sister is getting married at the same time,” Dianaadded.
The twins looked at each other and said, “Wellthen…
“We need to get marriedtoo?”
Diana laughed. “To eachother?”
“Might as wellbe…”
“No one else will haveus.”
“I doubt that.” Then Diana addressed Miriam, “Adam is availablenow.”
Miriam scrunched up her nose. “No, thank you. He is a bit too… pallid forme.”
“Yes, Iunderstand.”
“Not that he was not perfect foryou… but well, he is a bit dry for my particulartaste.”
Geoffrey reached over and took Diana’s hand. “We are going to miss you. You are going to ride off on Robert’s white horse and then you will forget about us peons living on a subsistence existence of grasses androots.”
Diana was having none of his nonsense. “Stop. Right now. You know absolutely that I wouldnevernot see you again. But, if you misbehave, I will tell Robert and have him chop off yourheads.”
Miriam turned to Geoffrey, “She is going to be a monster, is she not? Cruel, cunning, and ruthlessly suppressing the masses. I just knowit.”
“But if you are very good Iwillinvite you to thewedding.”
“What are the eats? Will it be worth our while to attend?” Geoffreyasked.
“It will be a scrumptious feast, I dobelieve.”
“Very well, then. We will bethere.”
