Robert once again found himself admiring this fine woman. She worked so unselfconsciously. He noticed she wore a simple dress and some of her hair had escaped pins and a few wisps fell about her face making her look so lovely andfree.
“I hope your new dress suits you. Have you had an opportunity to wear it in public yet?” heasked.
She looked up from her work. “Not yet. But it is so lovely. I was thinking of wearing it at the launch of your—our—book inLondon.”
“Oh, no. This is for your use now. I was planning to outfit you with an entirely new wardrobe for the launch of thebook.”
Diana looked surprised. “That is too much, Robert. I could not acceptthat.”
“Then you should re-examine your contract, for there is a clause in there that stipulates that you are to have a new wardrobe for all of the publicity events for thebook.”
“Is that so?” she asked, trulysurprised.
“Indeed itis.”
“Is that your doing? For Sir Cecil did not include that clause in my firstcontract.”
“I might have made a fewsuggestions.”
“Robert, you are far too good to me. It almost embarrasses me the way you pamperme.”
“Not at all. There is no one more deserving than you. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for your participation in this publishing project. It could not be happening without yoursupport.”
Diana gave him a look with a slight smile, “And how is your new book coming along? Are you getting work done on that, or are you still focused on the publishing of your firstbook?”
Robert hesitated and played with his sherry glass before answering. “I am ashamed to say I have barely started the new book. It seems to be more difficult to begin the second than thefirst.”
“But was not your first book based on direct experience? Is that not so for your next book as well? Or is this new one purelyfictional?”
“Ah. You have precisely hit on the point. No, my next book is not based on direct experience, and I have to say that is why I am having trouble getting intoit.”
“Then what do you plan to do aboutthat?”
“I am thinking I must travelagain.”
“That sounds sensible. And I know you enjoy it, do younot?”
“I do. And do you?” heasked.
Diana stopped and looked up as though she were watching clouds and finding images in their shapes. “It is something I have thought of often, but have never been able to do. However, Adam is arranging our honeymoon to either Italy or Greece, and finally, I shall be able to taste some of my longed foradventure.”
Robert did not like being reminded of Diana’s impending wedding, but said, “I feel certain either country will provide you with a delightfuladventure.”
Diana smiled, but did not respond for a moment, but then asked, “And where might you go for your next adventure,Robert?”
“I am somewhat attracted by the lure of India. But I do not much care to go as some government functionary as part of theRaj.”
“Then just be a traveler. Certainly, a gentleman of your status must have many contacts who could introduce you to numerous fascinatingadventures.”
“But I am also considering Africa where my parents explored, or Burma, Japan, or evenIndonesia.”
“How exciting. It sounds as though any of those places would provide you with ample places to explore,” Diana said, as she began cooking her chopped vegetables in a pot. Then she sighed. “Traveling through those countries would be so much more interesting than the quiet life I lead here in this littlecottage.”
“Then you have a sincere interest in travel?” Robertasked.
Diana turned to look at him. “Oh, yes. Mostassuredly.”
“Then perhaps you shallsomeday.”
