Just then the gallery doorbell jangled and they turned to see who had entered. It was the Goodwinsisters.
“Oh, hello—Kitty, Abigale. What a nice surprise. If you are looking for Mother she is laid up with a summercold.”
“Yes, we know. Your father told us,” Kitty replied as she held her reticule close to her chest, seeing the stranger in thegallery.
“Are you with a customer?” Abigaleasked.
“No, this is my friend RobertDonnelly.”
“Good morning,” the sistersgreeted.
“Ladies.”
“Is there something I can do for you?” Dianaasked.
“No, but there is something we can do for you,” Kitty said with a twinkle in hereye.
“Oh,yes?”
“We are here to help you. Your father told us you have no time for your writing and we thought we might be able to watch the gallery for you so you can write. Would you likethat?”
Diana appeared to tear up. “Oh, my… That would be so lovely. You have no idea. Then you have forgiven me for my terrible treatment ofyou?”
“Of course we have, my dear. And if you will just show us what we must do, we will be happy to help however wecan.”
“And besides what else do we have to do at home, except feed the cat, water our aspidistra, and do our needlework?” Abigaleadded.
“Perhaps I should leave you now,” Robert offered. “I am sure you are anxious to get back to yourwriting.”
“Wait, one minute, please,” Dianapleaded.
Diana briefly instructed the sisters on what needed to be done to greet the visitors and asked them to come and fetch her if there was a sale. The sisters sat in chairs, pulled out their needlework, and were ready to take care ofbusiness.
“Come,” Diana asked Robert and they wentoutside.
“It was lovely to see you again,” Robert said. “I just wanted to say hello and check in with you about thefete.”
“I am free for that stroll through the meadow now, if you still have time,” Diana suggestedshyly.
“But what if there is a sale? The sisters will not be able to findyou.”
“We do not have sales all that often. We have many more browsers than buyers. I can take a few moments for a quickvisit.”
“I should likethat.”
“Let me first check on my mother and I shall be rightback.”
“I willwait.”
Diana disappeared and Robert realized how good he felt just being in herpresence.
Soon she returned, a shawl thrown around hershoulders.
“I am quite ready now,” she said, taking his arm as they headed down the street toward thestile.
“I am excited about the fete,” Diana said. “How are the preparations going for theevent?”
“All will be well. But with the addition of Her Majesty’s visit, it is putting quite a strain on our otherwise tranquilhousehold.”
