Miriam and Geoffrey appeared to be awestruck as they gazed at the magnificence of the Earl’slibrary.
Geoffrey turned to Diana and whispered, “Have you ever been here before? It is very grand. Why ever does he knowyou?”
“Yes, Geoffrey, I have been here and he knows me because we are fellow writers and I am helping him with one of hisprojects.”
“Oh…”
“Have something to drink and just enjoy yourselves,” Diana said, giving him a shove toward the caviar andchampagne.
“And try not to make a complete fool of yourself,” Miriam cautioned him as she led himaway.
Robert was conversing with her father and mother so Diana sipped her champagne and she went to the table to take several toasts with caviar. Amelia came up beside her, and turning slightly toward her asked, “You are going to be a good little girl today, are younot?”
“I beg your pardon,” Diana said indignantly. “Does your brother know you speak to me likethis?”
Amelia smiled sweetly. “Just a reminder. You are an engagedlady.”
“I do not need reminding ofthat.”
“And where is your fiancé this morning? I would have expected him to be at yourside.”
“He is finishing his dissertation so he can graduate next week. It is a very trying time for him and he decided he could not take the timeaway.”
“Hmm. Industrious youngchap.”
Diana looked over and saw Robert looking at them. He nodded slightly andsmiled.
“If you will excuse me, I need to be with my parents now,” Diana said, as she walked away from Amelia without saying anotherword.
As she approached her parents, Robert held out his hand in welcome. “What a great deal of formality, is there not?” hesaid.
“Indeed.” She patted her father’s arm and he smiled ather.
“Did you receive the galley proofs?” Robert asked. “I received mineyesterday.”
“As did I,” Diana responded. “And I do look forward to readingit.”
“It will take me a few days to restore some semblance of order once Her Majesty leaves, but then I should like us to meet to discuss the book and the publicity schedule. If that isagreeable?”
Robert smiled at her and Diana did not feel the coldness he had exhibited at the end of their lastmeeting.
“Of course. I am at yourdisposal.”
