She proceeded to tell him about the expiration of the leasehold and their inability to secure a new one .
“Oh, Diana, that is sad news. What is your family going to do ?”
“I have discussed this with my father and the only possible idea we can come up with is to see if you might ask your father for a loan—for my family.” Adam was silent. “I know it is a lot to ask but we could secure the loan with the house and we would be willing to pay a generous interest .”
“Then why not go to a bank for that sort of loan .”
“My father has, but our request was denied .”
“I see,” he said .
“Might you be able to help? I cannot tell you how much we would appreciate any help you could offer .”
“Diana… I don’t think it would be fitting for me to go to my father with such a proposal unless…” He hesitated .
“Unless what?” she asked, but feared she knew the answer .
“Unless we were at least engaged,” he said giving her a quick sideways glance .
“Hmm. I thought you might suggest that .”
He stopped and turned her to face him. “And what do you say? Will you accept my hand in marriage ?”
Diana bowed her head. Her mind racing with all the possible ways her family might find a solution to their problem without her having to accept Adam’s proposal. And her heart was beating rapidly as she tried to assess exactly what she felt for Adam .
Then she looked up at him and leaning her forehead against his chest softly said, “I will have an answer for you in a few days .”
Chapter 5
W hen Robert returned from his weekend trip to London he found the Daniels family still visiting, even though it was the following Tuesday .
He sought out Amelia in her rooms and bust in .
“What is the meaning of this?” he shouted .
Amelia stood regally and in her calmest voice asked, “What ever is the problem, Robert? You seem upset .”
“Those people are still here. Their visit should have been limited to the weekend. I will not have my sanctity violated during the week when I need to be working .”
“But Robert, my dear, they so missed seeing you when you promised to be here that I said they might stay a few days longer until you returned so that you could have the opportunity to meet, and get to know, the adorable Miss Charlene .”
“You had no right to do that without my expressed approval .”
“Robert, how cruel and uncaring you can be. I did not raise you to be so callus. These are delightful people and hospitality requires that you honor them while they are our guests .”
“You made this mess—you clean it up .”
“Then I shall make it clear they are to leave tomorrow .”
“Early.”
“If you wish. But you will, of course, host them at dinner this evening ?”
Robert grumbled but nodded. “Yes, if I must .”
Amelia came over and patted his shoulder. “I knew you would understand.” He started to turn to leave, but she stopped him and added, “Miss Charlene is most charming, and I am quite certain you will find her to be most sympathetic .”
“Huh…” Then he turned again and left .
*
R obert went directly from Amelia’s rooms to the library to work on ideas for his new novel. However, he was surprised to find the Daniels family sitting by the fire having tea .
“Oh…” he exclaimed, frozen as they looked over at his entrance .
“Lord Donnelly, how nice to see you,” Sir Benjamin said as he stood to greet Robert .
Robert felt his private space had been violated, as this is where he did his writing. But, of course, this was the estate’s library and his guests should expect to have access to such a splendid public room .
“Sir Benjamin. Lady Daniels. Miss Charlene,” Robert said curtly, as he nodded to each one to acknowledge their presence .
Lady Daniels turned in her chair to face Robert and said, “Lord Donnelly, won’t you sit with us? The tea is still fresh .”
“Thank you, no. I have been away for a number of days and many issues require my attention .”
“But we so missed seeing you when we arrived. Your charming sister assured us we would have time to visit with you on your return .”
Robert knew, as the host, he must spend at least a little time with them. He had hoped that his attendance at dinner would be sufficient, but there was no way he could work at his desk with them in the room so he decided to sit with them for a short time .
“Very well, one cup of tea and then I must dash off .”
He went over to the seating area by the fireplace where the family was having tea. He sat on a small sofa next to Charlene—the only free place to sit .
Miss Charlene was indeed a charming and fresh looking young lady. She was slender and shy, her head bowed and her eyes lowered as Robert sat down beside her. She looked quite charming in her modest, delicate dress. Her blond hair was skillfully arranged in braids around her head, and when she spoke, it was softly .
“Do you ride, Miss Charlene,” Robert asked, trying to open an agreeable conversation .
“She is a most accomplished rider,” Sir Benjamin spoke up .
Lady Daniels scowled at her husband and whispered. “Let her speak for herself, Benji .”
Charlene looked up and responded to Robert’s question. “I enjoy riding very much. I have done quite well in a number of junior gymkhanas .”
“How splendid .”
“With your spacious grounds you must enjoy riding very much,” Charlene added .
“I find it refreshing. I spend a great deal of time at my desk and it helps to get out and ride the borders of the estate from time to time. I need to make sure all is in order, you understand .”
“Perhaps the two of you might enjoy a ride together later this afternoon,” Lady Daniels suggested with a broad smile .
“I am afraid that will not be possible. I have many duties to attend to. However, I can certainly make a horse available to you and can provide a groom to ride with you if you like .”
That seemed to dampen the hopeful conversation, and Charlene replied, “Thank you my Lord, but I noticed there are clouds and a breeze gathering and I think I shall decline your kind offer .”
“As you wish,” Robert replied not caring one way or another .
However, upon examination, Robert had to admit that this young woman was attractive and he decided to sound her out on a few issues important to him .
“Miss Charlene, tell me do you read novels?” he asked .
“Oh, no. They are far too unsuitable for me. However, I do enjoy reading The Reverend Timothy Broadbent’s fine series of sermons. Are you familiar with his high-minded works ?”
“I am not. My tastes do not run toward the ecclesiastical, I must say. Give me a rousing adventure novel or a tale of mystery and intrigue any day and I am quite content to spend many happy hours in front of the fire lost in my imagination .”
Miss Charlene gave a little gasp, and quickly shut her mouth and looked away. No doubt shocked by Robert’s secular tastes in literature .