“And that would be what ?”
“I know you are the author of that ridiculous novel that you set your paramour up to claim as hers. What were you thinking? You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself. If that information were to be made public, you would become the laughing stock of polite society. You would be run out of Lords and you would become a pariah amongst the eligible young daughters of the nobles of the realm. You could forget about ever marrying well. I think that might be sufficient reason to sell—if I agreed to keep the information about your hoax to myself,” Ludlow countered .
Robert was too furious to speak, but when he did it was directed at Amelia. “You traitor! You tell him this for what purpose ?”
Amelia seemed to be totally prepared for his tirade. She walked over and took Ludlow by his arm. “I see that you instantly assume it was me that told him.” She paused for effect. “Well, my darling brother, it was. Ludlow has agreed to marry me if the deal goes through. And I am to get seven and a half percent of the sale price upon closing .”
Robert felt too defeated to resist. He hung his head and stood with his arms lifelessly at his sides. He knew he had no leverage and no expedient way to fight back .
“You must give me time to think about this,” he said .
“One week. I am under a deadline myself. My money people are getting restless and they want to see a sales contract or they are going to pull their financing. One week. Understand me? One week .”
Chapter 26
D iana’s stay in London kept being extended because she had suddenly become the sensation of the literary elite. Robert’s book was selling extremely well, and she was asked to any number of dinner parties, salon readings, and to the opera, concerts, and the theater. Adam accompanied her on many occasions early on, but his tolerance for what he called the stuffy set was wearing thin, and she found it necessary to call upon Sir Cecil to accompany her to later events, as Robert had unexpectantly returned to Balfour without even saying good-bye just a few days ago .
Finally, one morning Adam confronted her in the sitting room. Diana was reading a number of book reviews Sir Cecil had sent over for her .
“How much longer is this to go on?” Adam asked, standing rigidly in front of her as she read in the window seat .
She looked up, surprised by his strident tone. “Adam, what is the problem? You sound angry .”
“Because I am,” he commanded .
“Adam, this is unlike you. Tell me what is troubling you,” she said putting her reading aside and giving him her full attention .
“When is all this gallivanting around London going to cease? You are out almost every night at some event or other. Cab fares, new dresses—lunches, dinners, teas. It is costing a fortune and you are my fiancé, and I hardly ever see you anymore .”
Diana was shocked by the vehemence in his voice. “Adam, please sit down.” He sat opposite her. “First of all, Adam, the expenses are all covered by the publisher. Nothing is coming out of your or my pockets. And remember this is not going to last forever. There was a flurry of activity after the book was published but the activity is already starting to die down. In fact, I am planning to return to Cambridge in just a day or two. I have neglected my own writing long enough and I have informed Sir Cecil I must return home .”
“Oh…” He looked down sheepishly after his outburst .
“Now tell me, have you closed out your Cambridge rooms or do you need to go back to do that? Maybe we could go together if you want,” Diana suggested .
“No, I have already done that. I have no further business in Cambridge .”
“Then I shall go alone. That is not a problem .”
“I do not like the idea of you traveling alone, Diana .”
“Oh, Adam, I have traveled alone for quite a few years now. I think I can manage quite nicely .”
“That is as may be, but you are to be my wife, and I do not like the idea of that .”
Diana sighed. “Adam, truly, you seem so childish sometimes .”
“Is it childish to want your wife to be safe? To be a lady above reproach? To be …”
Now Diana was angry, and she stood up. “Adam, you are making a fool of yourself. How could you possibly think that I would do anything you could reproach me for ?”
“Well, not you. But there are any number of men who might try and take advantage of you…” he defended himself .
“I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, Adam. Now, if you do not mind, I think I shall go to my room and begin packing my trunk for my trip home .”
He got up and reached out for her. “I am so sorry. I did not mean to insult you. I am only worried about you. I care so much.” He grabbed hold of her and buried his head against her shoulder and began to cry .
Diana was astonished. “Adam? What is this?” She lifted his head with her forefinger and looked into his eyes .
He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. “It is nothing. Nothing. Forget I said anything at all .”
She took him by his shoulders. It was beginning to dawn on her what a little boy he was. He was still more boy than man. His behavior was beginning to disappoint her and she faltered for the first time—was she really going to marry this boy? She felt a new urgency to go home. She needed time to reflect on her whole life situation—not only about her marriage but about this arrangement with Robert. The strain of this book promotion was beginning to weigh on her, and she was seriously considering if she wanted to go forward with this arrangement if Robert were to write a second book .
She reached over and put her hand on Adam’s cheek. “My dear, take a moment to calm yourself and let us go for a walk in the park, shall we ?”
He shook his head. “No, I must go out. I am taking Mother shopping and then I have an appointment to have my hair cut. I will see you later this afternoon for tea—if you are not already engaged, that is .”
Diana said gently, “I shall make certain I am here for tea .”
Adam immediately seemed to bounce back and said, “Oh, that is excellent news. I shall stop by Martin’s bakery and fetch us some of their lovely apricot tarts for tea. Mummy will be so pleased you will be with us.” Then he bounded out of the room .
Diana watched him leave and shook her head. She had to admit he was a sweet man-boy, but she did wish he might be a little more mature. But perhaps that would come with time. Her mother had always said that marriage was work. It required compromise, compassion, and a tremendous amount of patience. And she was beginning to learn that her mother had a great deal of wisdom when it came to marriage. After all, she was still very patient with her father whose health and mental facilities were declining rapidly .