“Come then, let us escort your mother and father to the other tent.” Robert offered his arm and Diana tookit.
* * *
Robert lookedat Diana as he escorted her toward the refreshment tent following her mother and father. She looked even more beautiful than he had ever seen her before if that was possible. He had to keep reminding himself that she was engaged. Blast it. But with the Queen and guests in attendance, he felt certain he would be able to distract himself from hercharms.
Within the confines of the refreshment tent, there was an area that had been set up as a reception area for Her Majesty. On one side of the tent, there were the tables where the tea, cakes, and sandwiches were being served. Opposite, was an area defined by an oriental carpet with two stuffed chairs on either side of a tea table where the Royal couple sat. Straight backed chairs and small tables lined other areas of thetent.
As Robert and Diana entered, he could see that the Professor and Mrs. Browning were already sitting in straight backed chairs chatting with theQueen.
“Might I get you some refreshment?” Robertoffered.
“Yes, please,” Diana said, as she watched her father and mother, sippingtea.
“She is much lovelier and younger than I imagined,” Diana said toRobert.
“Remember, she became queen at a very young age, and although she has been on the throne many years, she is still in her prime,” Robert said as he led her to the tea servicetable.
Robert could see Amelia watching him from where she was seated with the Viscount at a table in a corner of the tent. But he ignored her as Diana was served her tea and a plate of sandwiches andcakes.
Robert did not take any tea but led Diana as far away from Amelia as possible. They sat at atable.
“You are not taking tea?” Diana asked, as she shook out her napkin and placed it on herlap.
“Not this afternoon. I am still a little bit nervous about hosting both Her Majesty and such a largeevent.”
“It all seems to be going very well. I hope I will be able to stroll around the rest of the fete with Mother and Father later. It looks to be well organized and a lot offun.”
“That was theintention.”
“I hope the twins did not upset you by not wanting to come totea.”
Robert chuckled. “Not at all. That is what is so refreshing about them. They are spontaneous and do what they like. Unlike a certain Earl I know who is too bound by traditions andresponsibilities.”
They reached a pause in their conversation. Then Diana said, “I was able to read the first few pages of the galley proofs and your book appears to be most interesting. I am going to set aside some time tomorrow morning to get more deeply into the book before thecelebration.”
“Oh, a celebration?” Robert asked. “And I am notinvited?”
“It is for my father’s colleagues at the college to celebrate his order. You are welcome to come if you like, but I thought you might have your hands full with your ownentertaining.”
“Indeed Ishall.”
“How long will Her Majesty bestaying?”
“She leaves tomorrow afternoon. And then I intend to collapse into a stupor for at least a whole day before I start getting the estate back to its normalorder.”
“I wish I could assist you,” Diana saidquietly.
Robert felt a rush of feeling for her. “As do I, Diana.” He reached over and took herhand.
She looked up at him a little startled and withdrew herhand.
“Forgive me. I became overcome by a moment ofgratitude.”
“It is nothing,” she said looking shyly up at him. “I was just surprised isall.”
“It was careless on my part. I am mostsorry.”
Robert could see that the Professor and his wife were leaving the Queen and he said, “Your parents are leaving. You must excuse me, I need to attend to Her Majestynow.”
