As she was leaving, she spied Robert’s orchid and went over and touched one of its delicate blooms. “Robert plays with these from time to time. He calls it his hobby .”
As Amelia turned away, Diana had to stifle a smile as she saw her Mother stick out her tongue at Amelia’s back. Apparently, that was her reaction to Amelia’s condescending visit .
Amelia directed the carriage to the tea shop. After arriving, they entered and were finally shown to a table Amelia could tolerate after rejecting several suggestions .
The tea shop was most elegant. Its high vaulted ceilings, large windows, and lightweight, cream-colored draperies gave it a distinguished air. The tables had white tablecloths, napkins shaped like swans, and a staff in formal wear .
“No need for a menu,” Amelia said to the waitress while removing her gloves once again. “We will have the cream tea with salmon paste and cucumber sandwiches and your best assortment of tea cakes.” She cast her gaze to Diana. “India or China?” she inquired .
Diana knew she was asking what kind of tea and replied. “Indian for me, please .”
“Yes, make that two,” Amelia said, and waved her hand, dismissing the waitress .
Amelia placed her elbows on the table, clasped her hands, rested her chin on her hands and said, “Now, then. Is this not fun ?”
Diana smiled. “Yes, indeed it is. And is there an occasion for this tea ?”
“Oh, my, no. It is just an opportunity for us to get to know one another. That rather unfortunate dinner party gave us no time to visit together—just you and me. And how cozy is this?” she said with an exaggerated shiver to show how enthusiastic she was .
“Then let me ask…” Diana started but was interrupted .
“Robert tells me you and a couple of your friends are to be honorees at the Donnelly fete in a few weeks .
Diana laughed. “Oh, no, he was just joking. He just wanted us to be there. We might judge some baked goods, but nothing more .”
“And just who are these friends of yours? Are they people I should know ?”
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 into mischief .”
Amelia did not appear to support that sort of carrying on and simply said, “Oh …”
“Totally inconsequential .”
“Oh, I thought they might be of the blood. People I might know .”
“Just folks—like me and my family .”
“I see. Then why are you honorees at the fete ?”
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 ask him .”
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 tea cozy .
The two ladies then added their cream and sugar and stirred before reengaging in conversation .
“Are you a reader, Miss Amelia?” Diana asked, as she took two finger sandwiches and a teacake .
“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 frivolous fiction .”
“That must disappoint your brother since he is a novelist .”
“We do not see eye to eye on his writing endeavors .”
“But certainly that is his prerogative, is it not? After all, he is the 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 on fluffery .”
“Fluffery. I like that word. I must use it in my inconsequential writing.” She picked up her tea cake and took a small bite .
Amelia appeared to realize she was not dealing with a creampuff and would need to sharpen her weapons if she was to challenge Diana more effectively .
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 for you ?”
“Yes, please .”
Amelia poured .
“I have noticed that Robert has been visiting you frequently .”
“Yes, we have had a lot to discuss regarding his book .”
“Hmm. And that is all ?”
“How do you mean, Amelia ?”
“It is important that there not be any romantic expectations on your part .”
“But I am engaged to be married, Miss Amelia,” Diana said with not so subtle edge to her voice .
“Engagements can be broken, is that not so ?”
“They may. That is true. Then are you implying that I am an adventuress stalking your brother ?”
Amelia took a deep breath. “Not the words I would use, perhaps. But Robert is a 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 that mistake .”
“Is that a threat ?”
“No. A friendly warning. And believe me, you will find me a most worthy adversary if you should choose to disregard that warning .”
Diana laughed. “Oh, Amelia, how little you understand me. I admire and respect Robert. He has been most cordial and generous with me in our business dealings. But I assure you, his interest and my interests are purely business. There is absolutely no romantic entanglement on either of our parts .”
“I would not be so sure of that,” Amelia said cryptically .
“Well, I can assure you there is no romantic expectation from me. I am happily engaged and plan to marry a delightful young man .
“And let it remain so. You are totally unsuited to be Lady Donnelly and I want you to be totally clear on that fact .”
“My dear, Amelia. Let me remind you that Robert is the Earl of Donnelly and is quite capable of making his own decisions. And unless he sent you here, specifically, to give me that message, you are wasting your time and alienating one who could be an ally and a friend .”
Amelia sat back in her chair. “I am not used to being spoken to in that manner, Miss Diana .”
“Nor am I, Miss Amelia.” Diana stood. “Thank you for the tea. Give my warmest regards to your brother. And I shall find my own way home. Good day .”
*
D iana was not upset by her encounter with Amelia—she was resolute. But it did focus a light on the feelings she did have for Robert. She had denied any romantic attachment, but in her deepest heart, she knew her denial was not true. However, whatever feelings she had must be denied. She was to be married. And she must write .
The next morning as soon as breakfast was over she was at her desk, determined to finish her Christmas chapter for Sir Cecil .
It was Christmas Eve and Tommy had been working hard for the butcher all week. As exhausted as he was, he still felt exhilarated to know that there would be a wonderful Christmas dinner on the table for the whole family. His mother was a good cook and he knew, that even with tripe, the meal would be festive .
“Son,” the butcher said, “I need you to go to the cellar and fetch two buckets of coal and take them upstairs to the fireplace. Misses says she feels a chill .”