“And just who are thesefriendsof yours? Are they people I shouldknow?”
Diana laughed again. “Nothing like it. The twins—Miriam and Geoffrey, and I grew up together. We laugh and giggle a great deal and mostly just get intomischief.”
Amelia did not appear to support that sort of carrying on and simply said, “Oh…”
“Totallyinconsequential.”
“Oh, I thought they might be of the blood. People I mightknow.”
“Just folks—like me and myfamily.”
“I see. Then why are you honorees at thefete?”
Diana thought Amelia was belaboring the issue and answered, “Because we are all so handsome and beautiful, Robert thought we might lend some class to the event.” She could hardly keep herself from laughing. “But maybe you should askhim.”
The waitress brought a tiered tray with the cakes and sandwiches and set it on the table before them. Then she returned and poured their tea and left the pot behind, covered in a frilly teacozy.
The two ladies then added their cream and sugar and stirred before reengaging inconversation.
“Are you a reader, Miss Amelia?” Diana asked, as she took two finger sandwiches and ateacake.
“I browse a few periodicals from time to time, but I am far too engaged in important issues to distract myself with novels or other forms of frivolousfiction.”
“That must disappoint your brother since he is anovelist.”
“We do not see eye to eye on his writingendeavors.”
“But certainly that is his prerogative, is it not? After all, heisthe Earl of Donnelly and may do as he pleases,no?”
Amelia gave Diana an icy stare. “He may. But his title comes with immense responsibilities and it behooves him not to fritter his time away onfluffery.”
“Fluffery. I like that word. I must use it in my inconsequential writing.” She picked up her tea cake and took a smallbite.
Amelia appeared to realize she was not dealing with a creampuff and would need to sharpen her weapons if she was to challenge Diana moreeffectively.
Amelia dabbed at her lips with her napkin then draped it carefully across her lap. Then she poured herself a second cup of tea. “Another foryou?”
“Yes,please.”
Ameliapoured.
“I have noticed that Robert has been visiting youfrequently.”
“Yes, we have had a lot to discuss regarding hisbook.”
“Hmm. And that isall?”
“How do you mean,Amelia?”
“It is important that there not be any romantic expectations on yourpart.”
“But I am engaged to be married, Miss Amelia,” Diana said with not so subtle edge to hervoice.
“Engagements can be broken, is that notso?”
“They may. That is true. Then are you implying that I am an adventuress stalking yourbrother?”
Amelia took a deep breath. “Not the words I would use, perhaps. But Robertisa handsome, wealthy, and titled bachelor who any woman might aspire to marry if she could get her clutches on him. And I would so hate for you to make thatmistake.”
