She watched as Adam left the building then turned back to Sir Cecil just as Robert joined them. Sir Cecil asked Robert, “How do you feel the launch went ?”
Robert appeared to be slightly distracted but he said, “I think it went well. Diana, you handled the opening statement superbly. And what a crowd surrounded you after the speech !”
“We have any number of requests for interviews and Diana and I were just going to sort them out. Do you want to join us?” Sir Cecil asked .
Robert considered then said, “I think not. I have an urgent property issue I must deal with, but Diana, might we meet later before you return to your fiancé’s? I should like to hear about your experience with the launch in more detail. Tea perhaps ?”
“I am expected back for lunch shortly, but I could meet with you later. Say four o’clock ?”
“At Fortnum’s ?”
“That will be fine. Until then .”
Chapter 25
R obert stood at the back of the crowd at the book launch. He did not want to be too conspicuous or seem to be connected with the book in any way. He found himself to be surprisingly calm, even though it was his book that was being launched. The early reviews were good and he had high hopes that the book would have a solid readership. He did think that Sir Cecil went on a bit too long with the introduction, but he had always tended to be long-winded .
He was very proud of Diana. She was calm and steady, projecting a quiet confidence as she spoke about the book. She was so convincing, he almost believed she had written the book instead of him. He was so absorbed in the presentation he had forgotten that Amelia had agreed to meet him here until he felt her hand on his arm and heard her speak .
“Is it going well?” she asked .
He turned to her and was shocked to see the Viscount standing beside her, their arms linked together .
“Amelia… Ludlow,” Robert greeted, coolly .
“Your little protégé looks quite sweet and charming,” Amelia said as though she was sorting through soiled laundry .
“What are you doing here? I did not know your tastes ran to literature,” Robert said to the Viscount .
“Oh, my interests are varied,” he replied. “And I might ask the same question of you. Why the sudden interest in this fair damsel? Is she a new conquest ?”
Robert whipped around to face Ludlow. “You are crude and insulting to both me and the young lady .”
“Oh, Robert, do not be such a prude. I was only jesting .”
Robert was angry. “I must ask you to leave .”
Amelia intervened, reaching over and patting Robert’s shoulder. “Now, now, gentlemen, sheathe the swords. We are all friends here. No one is accusing anyone of anything.” Then she pulled Ludlow aside and had words with him which Robert could not hear .
Shortly they returned. By now Diana had finished speaking, and the crowd began to shift toward the drinks table or toward her. Robert wanted to go over to her and support her but Amelia restrained him, pulling him aside, and whispered, “You should be kinder to poor Luddy. He means well, but he tends to be indelicate in his speech .”
Robert looked at her askance, and then asked, “And what exactly is he doing here? What possible interest could he have in the book launch ?”
“He escorted me, and you know I came to support you,” she said soothingly, as she straightened his cravat .
Robert was unconvinced by her slithery manner. He knew her wiles too well. “I am, of course, happy that you attended the launch of the book, but you must excuse me now. I need to support my protégé, as Ludlow likes to call her. I will see you later back at the house for dinner .”
“Very well .”
Robert turned to leave but stopped. “Is he going to be there?” he asked, nodding his head toward the Viscount .
“I had thought to ask him, but if you would rather not …”
“I would rather not,” he said emphatically .
“As you wish,” she said, and then returned to the Viscount .
*
R obert was at Fortnum and Mason’s early enough to secure a nice table before Diana should arrive for tea. As part of his trip to London, he had arranged several meetings with his property managers and had spent the afternoon in discussions with one about several of his properties that needed repairs. He studied the proposals and bids as he waited for her .
Finally, she appeared .
“Good afternoon, Robert,” she greeted, as she took her place at the table. “Did you have a productive afternoon ?”
“It was—tedious, but necessary and relatively successful .”
Diana took a deep sigh, as she settled into her place. “What a day. Not only was the morning noteworthy, but I ended up in a deep discussion with Adam at lunchtime over the plans for our honeymoon. Really, he can be so difficult at times .”
“Forgive me for asking, but are there troubles?” he asked gently .
Diana seemed reluctant to speak about it, and Robert regretted his question almost immediately .
“I am sorry, that is none of my business. Please disregard my question .”
She seemed conflicted as she said, “No. I do not mind you asking. It is just… I did a terrible thing which I regret .”
“You?”
“I lied to Adam about the beautiful pearls you gave me. I told him they were my mother’s .”
“Diana…”
“I was in the middle of the book launch when he asked me about them and I did not want to get into a whole explanation about you giving them to me. I knew it would upset him .”
“I see now it was inappropriate for me to give you those. I never thought… I just wanted to show you my sincerest appreciation for all you have done… are doing for me .”
Just then the waiter approached the table. “What might I bring you this afternoon—sir, madam ?”
Robert was annoyed at being interrupted at just that moment. “Later,” he snapped .
The waiter retreated .
“Robert… that was unseemly .”
He shook his head. “Yes. Yes, it was. So sorry. It is just …”
“Have I upset you in some way,” she asked, leaning in sympathetically .
Robert stopped, put his hands on the table, and took a deep breath. “I think we are both a bit agitated by the events of the day. It has been an emotional time for both of us. You with your pending marriage and your new responsibilities with the book. And me with the book and…” He caught himself about to say something he might regret and stopped .
“What? What other than the book? Is it something to do with Amelia? Or your business interests in London ?”
Robert was right at the edge. If he took the next step there would be no going back. If he said what he wanted to say to her he might jeopardize his arrangement with Diana and throw the publication of his book in turmoil. But instead of speaking he signaled for the waiter to return .
“Forgive my outburst just now, my good man. We are ready to order .”