Page 11 of The Lady and the Duke

“Ladies.” He tipped his hat onceagain.

“Miss Fernside,” Lydia said ingreeting.

“And you are from Upton Magna,” he said. “Then you must know His Grace,theDuke.”

“I am afraid I do not. This is my first visit,” sheresponded.

“Ah… Then you are in for a most pleasant surprise. It is quite a charmingvillage.”

“And you are a Doctor of…” Betsyasked.

“Philosophy. I am a professor at Trinity College, Oxford. Latin, Greek, andclassics.”

“Do you know His Grace well?” Betsy asked. “I understand he only recently inherited histitle.”

“Quite so. Unfortunately, the old Duke passed away less than a year ago. And the young Duke is still finding hisbearings.”

“Have you come on business with the Duke?” Betsyasked.

“He was my student. It is just a friendlyvisit.”

“How nice that you have been able to keep close ties,” Betsy continued. “So many young men these days just fritter away their educational opportunities in partying, drinking and... other activities, she saiddiscretely.

“Quite unlike the Duke, I assure you,” the Doctor said ratherfirmly.

Lydia did not wish to engage in this conversation as she observed that Mrs. Butley seemed to be more interested in gossip than serious enquiry. And it appeared that Doctor Winston felt the same, as he soon withdrew into readingabook.

The rest of the day’s journey was mostly uneventful. Lydia was still too upset to enjoy any of the food her mother had prepared, but she thought she might have that for dinner and not need to spend any money the rest oftheday.

Just before dark, the carriage arrived at the PostHouseInn

where they were to spend the night. This was the final destination for Mrs. Butley and her daughter and they bidfarewell

Dr. Winston invited Lydia to dine with him in the Inn’s dining room, but she declined, as she was still emotionally distraught and extremely exhausted after the long day’sjourney.

Later that evening she ordered a barley water from the dining room, ate a cheese sandwich, and retired to bed quiteearly.