Page 104 of The Lady and the Duke

Chapter25

Lydia walkedthrough the next few days in a partial trance. She was determined to continue on with her work and did so admirably. Edwin went directly to the pond site every morning and did not return until late afternoon—and sometimes not at all before Lydia left when her work was done fortheday.

Their only point of meaningful contact was when Edwin told her the Duchess agreed to take her mother on as her companion. Lydia was pleased for her mother. And her mother began attending to the Duchess the nextmorning.

Lydia had a far sterner constitution than she had imagined. Some deep part of her always knew any type of romantic relationship between her and Edwin was an impossibility and, as such, had never completely given herself overtohim.

Of course, Lydia could not confide about such matters to her mother, as she would never have imagined such a possibility could have existed in the first place and would have chided Lydia to no end for even thinking it might bepossible.

That left Jenny as her only ally andconfidant.

It was difficult not having Jenny next door anymore, whenever she needed to chat. And it was not possible to know when Jenny might be home, as she was spending more and more time with Doctor Cooke. But Lydia knew that Jenny could be found at the market most mornings, so she took a morning off and headed for the market to see if she could find her. She really needed to confide in someone about the situation withEdwin.

She planned the trip into the village so that she might do some marketing of her own. While she was able to get all the produce she wanted from the estate garden, there still were items she and her mother needed from the shopsintown.

Lydia bought the few items on her list early, so that she could be on the lookout for Jenny without beingdistracted.

Lydia came out of the post office, after sending off a letter to Lavinia and Bernard, when she spotted Jenny purchasing onions, potatoes, and acabbage.

“Jenny,” Lydia called out as she came overtoher.

“Lydia, how lovely to see you. Are you in town for themarket?”

“That, and to see you. It has been far too long. I so miss having you next door for aquickchat.”

“Me too. May I offer you some tea?” Jenny asked. “I would love to have a goodgossipychat.”

“Twistivants,” Lydiaasked.

“Perfect. Let me just finish up my shopping here and we canheadover.”

“Now, then,” Lydia started after they had ordered their tea. “How is the good Doctor Cooke? Is he stillattentive?”

Jenny smiled. “Oh, yes, he is. In fact, I fully expect him to make a proposal anydaynow.”

“Then we shall be planning for anotherweddingsoon.”

Jenny inclined her head. “I will be Mrs. Cooke, can youimagine?”

“I am really very happyforyou.”

Jenny scowled slightly. “You don’t feel bad about Reggie turning his attentionstowardme?”

“Not at all. I was ambivalent about the two of us at best. I think the two of you are a much bettermatch.”

Jenny reached over and put her hand on Lydia’s. “Thankyou.”

The tea served—they both took a moment to prepare their cups the way theylikedit.

“Now, tell me about you. How is your mother faring in a new and strangecommunity?”

“Very well. She has taken on Aunt Lavinia’s position as companion to the Duchess and is most pleased. She is not as sour and is much chattier than my aunt was, and the two of them seem to get along likesisters.”

“How about that.” Jenny had a twinkle in her eye as she then asked, “And Edwin? Might there be a marriage soon in yourfuture?”

Lydia dropped her eyes and was silent for a moment. “I am afraid not, Jenny.” She then went on to explain about the devastating conversation she had had with Edwin soon after she returned toHoneyfield.

“He’s a beast,” Jenny saidemphatically.