Page 100 of The Lady and the Duke

“I just want to let you know that I understand I have not been able to attend to my duties as I should, and I will do everything in my power to catch up on the work in the orchard. It shall have my full attention goingforward.”

Edwin nodded. “And my full attention will be on building the pond. You shall need to work mostly alone. Will that be a problemforyou?”

There was something in his tone that worried Lydia, but she dismissed it as a fancy onherpart.

“Not at all. I am used to working alone, and it shall focus me on the work at hand. And quite soon I should like to discuss the vegetable garden with you. By autumn I should be ordering seeds and plants for next spring. And I need to know how you would like me toproceed.”

Edwin’s face clouded for a moment. “Yes. We can discuss that later. But, as I said, my full attention now is onthepond.”

She felt like her concerns were being dismissed, but she would not let that deter her from enjoying this lovelyevening.

After dinner, the group returned to the sitting room where Ellen was to serenade them with more pianoforteselections.

Lydia sat next to her mother, who was continuing her conversation with the Duchess. They seemed to be greatly enjoying each other’scompany.

Edwin was standing behind Ellen as she played, turning the pages of the music for her whenrequired.

After the recitation was completed, Ellen rose and excused herself, explaining she had some writing she wantedtodo.

Edwin was putting away the sheet music as Lydia came overtohim.

“Edwin, it has been most interesting to see your mother and mine so eagerly engaged inconversation.”

Edwin looked up and studied them briefly. “You are correct. They do seem to be intimatelyengaged.”

“It occurred to me that since Aunt Lavinia has left your mother’s employ, and I know she is seeking another companion, do you think she might consider my mother for theposition?”

Edwin thought about that. “Yes. That is an excellent idea. But do you think your mother might be interested in such aposition?”

“Let me enquire of her and I will let you know heranswer.”

“And I shall do the same of my mother. It might be the perfectsolution.”

* * *

After her motherwent to bed, Lydia stepped outside the cottage to gaze up at the star filled sky. It was almost September but the evening was still balmy and she needed a moment alone with herthoughts.

What a whirlwind the last few weeks had been. She had had hardly any time to herself. Her full attention was focused on her family—father, mother, sisters, and little time forherself.

Now she was established in her new home. No longer under the instruction of her aunt, she was free to be herself—except for her mother’s needs. She was determined not to let her mother rule her again. She was willing to assist her but she was not going to let her runherlife.

Then her thoughts turned toEdwin.

Edwin, Edwin, Edwin. What to do about Edwin?Ever since he had declared himself to her at the office there had been no opportunity for them to be alone to explore what that declaration meant for both of them. First, she had been whisked away to her family home for several weeks, and then, this evening, they had spent a formal supper in polite chat with no time or place to meetprivately.

She sighed. It was obvious she would need to be patient. Perhaps tomorrow morning they would have that opportunity when she appeared, ready to tackle theorchard.

She clenched her fists and put her hands against her neck for warmth. She was feeling cold but was unready to go back inside just yet. She looked up at the starry heavens. How lovely, she thought. She took a moment to appreciate her new home. Her new life, and… well, the rest would just have to take care ofitself.

* * *

The next morning,Lydia was outside fetching some wood for the kitchen fireplace. She needed to get used to this new way of cooking. There was no stove and everything needed to be prepared in the fireplace. Fortunately, there was a large stacked woodpile behind the house. No doubt, Edwin’sdoing.

As she came back into the cottage she saw her mother was up andabout.

“Good morning,” shegreeted.

Mother was standing in the middle of the kitchen examining hersurroundings.