Page 59 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
Diana looked disappointed, considering she would be removed from her brother, but she seemed to perk at the idea of ladies of Reedley being impressed and interested in her.
"Well, I do not mind meeting new people in social settings. I'm sure I have plenty of stories and humor to share and entertain them over dinner, and I suppose I could share a dance or two with the men of Reedley," she observed, smiling and turning her attention to the window, hoping to size up the area and its people as they passed by.
Anne and Noah shared a look, knowing the realities of what Diana was more likely to experience that evening.
"Perhaps you will leave a place on your dance card for Charles and myself," the Baron suggested in good humor.
"Yes, of course," Diana replied. Then, she looked at Anne and Noah looking at one another and said, "Though I ask that Noah and I have the first dance together to introduce a few things that are popular in London that might not have made their way here yet."
Noah cleared his through and said, "Perhaps, I am limiting my dancing that evening, depending on how my ankle feels. Even this afternoon, I only intend to enjoy the city so far as my pain levels can tolerate."
"Of course, brother," Diana agreed.
Though her tone and words were understanding enough, Anne felt like Diana looked at her and Noah strangely. She looked from one to the other, and Anne felt Diana sort of glared at her before holding her gaze on her brother.
Anne said, "You mentioned wanting to help with the floral arrangements for the banquet. Do you prepare a lot of arrangements for your home or parties in London?"
"I suppose I cannot say that I do, but I can say that such colorful arrangements of wildflowers are not the fashion of London. At home or if I were to take tea with some of the ladies, the arrangements tend to be a bit neater and more cultivated," replied Lady Diana.
Noah leaned toward Anne and said, "The over manicured greens and whites of our garden that I mentioned to you found their way to every vase of every home."
He and Anne laughed a little and shared an understanding look between them. Anne relaxed a little, and Diana tensed.
"I believe my brother means to say we enjoy things that are a bit more pristine than what seems to be the countryside fashion. However, if it is popular here, I suppose it does not matter. No one of status will be at this banquet anyway I imagine," she replied.
In keeping with her word, Anne attempted to placate Diana's wishes.
"Still, I would appreciate your insight. Perhaps you can help myself and the ladies of Reedley raise the local standard, so we are not viewed poorly if another member of society from London should visit. Perhaps we could make a few nice arrangements in white and purple," she suggested. "We could walk the garden together, and you can give me your opinions."
"The flowers are from your garden?" Diana asked.
"Yes, the Drowtons have a lovely estate with remarkable trees, flowering plants, shrubs, and all manner of edibles," affirmed Noah.
"If the flowers throughout the house are from your garden, I suggest we visit a florist," said Diana.
"Very well," agreed Anne. "We can inquire while we are in town."
Noah continued, "I do not believe a florist could manage what is needed with so little time to prepare."
The Baron seemed pleased and said, "We welcome your ideas, but unfortunately, this close to the event, most of the arrangements have already been made. There are too many parts in motion to make large changes, but there are smaller tasks we must manage today."
Diana looked like she wanted to press to have her way, but she held her tongue.
She remained silent until the carriage stopped.
Before anyone could stand, the door opened with Charles waiting to assist Lady Diana from the carriage, to offer her his arm, and to offer to buy her sweets.
"His Grace has been so helpful to me while he has been here. Someday I will need to fill Grandfather's shoes, and I should never have been prepared to do so if your brother had not arrived at Reedley Manor. My sister took care of him, and he tutored me," the young man said excitedly.
"How fascinating," Diana replied though she did not seem interested at all.
However, Charles was too eager to be in her presence to notice. He was captivated by her noble air and the fragrance of her soaps and perfumes.
"You smell lovely," he complimented.
"Thank you," Diana replied, looking around.
Jeremy exited the carriage next. Then, Noah came out and offered his arm to assist Anne.
