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She enjoyed her bath, Annie assisting her, and then the maid helped Dru dress again. She rang for a footman to carry her valise downstairs. Judson met her, saying the carriage would be ready at any moment.

Lucy came and kissed her goodbye. “Have a wonderful time while you are in town.”

It struck her that she had not been to London but the one time, ten years ago. She might actually take in a few of the sights, as well as seeing the orphanage.

“I will accompany you to Aldridge Manor,” Judson offered.

She thought it quite kind of him to escort her. They waved goodbye to Lucy, and the carriage began rolling along the lane.

“I dashed off a note to Martindale, asking him to come next Monday for the beginning of the harvest.”

“How long does it take?” she asked.

“We should be done in two days’ time,” her brother-in-law told her. “If it spills into a third day, it will not be a problem. That third day, though, we will be celebrating at Huntsworth. There is to be a large, outdoor feast, along with music and dancing.”

“That sounds marvelous, Judson. We never did anything such as that at Marleyfield.”

“Different estates carry out various customs. I have been gone from Huntsworth for many years. This is something Wayling, my steward, had the tenants engage in during my time away.”

“You seem quite content now in the country after your years in the city.”

He smiled. “That is all because of Lucy,” he explained. “I did not have much of a home life, Dru. My mother died giving birth to me. My father was ill most of my childhood and died when I was but ten years of age. His brother, my uncle, became guardian of me and the estate after that.”

Judson’s mouth thinned, and his jaw tightened. “He was a harsh, cruel man. Once I left for university, I chose never to return home again. I did not have fond memories of Huntsworth and could not picture myself ever living there for any length of time.”

He chuckled. “I thought I would have a marriage of convenience, leaving my wife buried in the country while I remained in town. Little did I know I would fall head over heels for your sister. While Lucy enjoyed being in town for the Season, she favors the country.” He smiled.

“And I favor my wife. I will go wherever she wishes us to be. Lucy believes raising our children in the country will be good for them. After being here with her and experiencing the happiness I already have, I heartily agree.”

A deep yearning filled Dru. While she was thrilled that her sister had found such a good man, she was slightly jealous of their close relationship.

Though Dru had thought of a husband as more of a jailer, she realized now that did not have to be the case.

That she could share her life with a partner.

They arrived at Aldridge Manor, Ariadne and Julian greeting them.

Her cousin embraced her, saying, “Oh, I am delighted that you wish to come to town with us tomorrow. I cannot wait for you to meet Miss Darnell, along with the orphans who reside there.”

“You have spoken so fondly of your work there. Thank you for extending the invitation, Ariadne.”

“I must get back,” Judson said. “Let me know when you return, and I will come and fetch Dru.”

“Do not trouble yourself, Judson,” Julian told him. “We will deliver Dru safely back to you and Lucy.”

She went inside the house, a footman bringing her valise along and taking it up the stairs.

“I know Annie needs to stay to look after Lucy, so you and I will share my maid while you are here and we are in town,” Ariadne told her.

Julian excused himself, and her cousin led them into a small parlor off the foyer, where they took a seat.

“Do you go often to town?” Dru asked.

“We try to do so once a week, now that Penelope has arrived. The carriage ride was a bit too much for me during my final months of increasing. It is a blessing that Julian’s country seat is located in Surrey, putting us so close to town.

It only takes a couple of hours for us to reach London.

Because of that, we like to go as often as possible.

Our commitment to the orphanage is strong, as well as a program we have started which helps provide clothing donations to the needy. ”

“Does Penelope go with you?”

“At first she did, but we have found it is best that she stay behind for the two days we are gone. She does better when she is kept to a schedule. Of course, it will be different when we return to town for several months when the Season starts.”

“I have heard of your pact with my siblings. That you wish for them to bring their own children to town each spring.”

“I look back on that magical week we ten cousins had together,” Ariadne said.

“It was ever so much fun spending time with all of you. Not only do I wish to have my own children with me and not leave them for months at a time, alone in the country, but I think it is an excellent idea for all my cousins’ children to come together and share experiences with one another over the years. ”

Ariadne paused, scrutinizing Dru. “Lucy tells me that you do not seem to have an interest in a husband or bearing children. If that is your decision, I respect it. I only hope that you, too, will come to town each spring to share time with all of us.”

“I have decided to go ahead and make my come-out,” she explained.

“I will not actively pursue a husband. Being at Huntsworth, though, and seeing how a good marriage can work may have changed my mind regarding the institution. I will admit, however, that it would need to take a very special man for me to enter the bonds of matrimony. I fear you and Lucy have snagged two of the best.”

“I think it wise you will keep an open mind as you attend the Season,” her cousin said.

“And yes, there are numerous gentlemen who would not make for good husbands for you. Let me say this. You do not have to wed after your first Season. There are girls who come back two, three, even four times before they settle into marriage. Marriage is not to be taken lightly. I know you would never rush into anything. Simply be comfortable and enjoy the various social events.” Ariadne smiled.

“You never know when you will find the right one.”

Dru wanted to say that she thought she had discovered a possible candidate, but she kept silent.

Only time would tell if she and Lord Martindale might suit.