“What will happen if your book does not sell as you expect? Will you end the agreement? Will you require repayment of the down payment? And if that happens, will I return to publishing under my own nameagain?
Robert laughed. “That was more than onequestion.”
“Correct.Sorry.”
“I promise you will not suffer financially in any way. But what I suggest is that you and your parents come to dinner atBalfourFriday next. My sister and I are having a dinner party and I will invite Sir Cecil, so we can sit down after dinner and answer all your questions—to your complete satisfaction. Then we can work out the exact paperwork that needs to be signed. Is that agreeable toyou?”
“I shall ask my parents, but I am quite certain that will besatisfactory.”
“Then you will accept the proposal if all your questions are answered to yoursatisfaction?”
“Provisionally, yes,” Dianareplied.
Robert smiled broadly. “I am so pleased we shall be workingtogether.”
“Thank you. And now a celebratorysherry?”
“That would bedelightful.”
Diana went to the sideboard and poured two glasses ofsherry.
“To all of our successes,” Robert toasted after receiving hisglass.
“To success,” Dianaresponded.
“And your friend—Adam—is thatcorrect?”
“Itis.”
“Will he be happy with yoursuccess?”
“I expect he will be,” Diana said, but hesitated before adding, “But I must tell you, he is no longer just myfriend.”
“Oh, has there been a rift?” Robert asked with a touch ofexpectation.
“Oh, no. We have become engaged and are to be married by theautumn.”
“Ah…” Robert said, turning away from Dianabriefly.
She looked at him and sensed that he was upset for somereason.
“Does the sherry not please you?” sheasked.
He turned back to her. “Oh, no, the sherry is fine. And congratulations,” he said, lifting his glass to her. “You must be veryexcited.”
Diana hesitated, and then said, “It is a happy event,indeed.”
“Then does that mean you will be living inLondon?”
“I expect so, eventually. But the marriage is still some timeaway.”
“And will you continue yourwriting?”
Robert seemed concerned about that, Diana realized, and she answered, “Oh, I expect to. Adam’s father is a publisher and Adam plans to go into the business. I feel certain he will want me to continue with mywriting.”
Robert stood and looked at Diana with sad looking eyes. “Then all is well,” hesaid.
“Yes, all iswell.”
