Page 119 of The Lady and the Duke

Chapter28

After dinner,and when the gentlemen had again joined the ladies, the three elders gathered together for a game of cards, while the youngsters stood around the pianoforte as Ellen played songs that everyone might know, to encourage them to sing along as sheplayed.

Edwin and Caroline stood on one side of the pianoforte. Lydia stood next to Ellen to turn the music pages for her. Daniel stood at the far end of the instrument and gazed over towardLydia.

Ellen encouraged Lydia to join her on a few songs, but the others did not sing. Finally, Ellen had had enough and stood up and said, “Very well, you have had your entertainment from me. Now… it is your turn toentertainme.”

“Shall I dance a jig?” Edwin asked as he attempted a few awkward dancesteps.

Lydia noticed that Caroline stood away from Edwin with a look ofdistaste.

“Oh, brother, please, you look rather like acamel.”

“And just how many dancing camels have you seen?” hejoked.

“Absolutely none, but I canimagine.”

The concert ended, Daniel went over to Caroline and they stepped asidetochat.

Ellen went to a side table where there was a coffee service and the butler prepared heracup.

Edwin came over to Lydia. “Are you having an enjoyableevening?”

“Yes, very.” He stood close to her and she could feel the warmth of his body and caught the musky scent that she recognizedashis.

She looked up at him. “I appreciated your toast,” she said, “But it was totallyunnecessary.”

Edwin smiled and put his hand on her shoulder. “It was totallydeserved.”

“Edwin,” the Duchess called out from the card table. “We need you to settle adispute.”

He looked over, but a look of irritation flashed across his face. “Very well,” he answered, and then he turned back to Lydia. “Her Majesty commands.” He went over to hismother.

Lydia was alone and unsure what she wanted to do. She saw that Ellen was sitting alone with her coffee so she went to sit with her after refillinghercup.

“Are you enjoying Daniel’s company?” Ellenasked.

“He is mostcourteous.”

Ellen looked at Lydia. “Courteous? And thatisall?”

“Heconverseswell.”

“Oh, my dear—damning with faintpraise.”

Lydia whispered. “I fear he might have a slight drinking problem. He consumed a great deal of wine atdinner.”

“Perhaps prompted by the exuberance of the occasion. You do not find him finelooking?”

Lydia nodded. “He is well puttogether.”

Ellen laughed. “Lydia, you do have a funny way of saying things.” She considered for a moment. “Give him some time. He might grow on you. Or are you too taken with mybrother?”

Lydia blushed and shook her head. “No, not that.” She looked up and saw the Duchess pointing toward Caroline. Edwin nodded and started toward her, but he turned his head and looked at Lydia and smiled. Shelookedaway.

The Duchess was not one for a late night, and she stood up—Mother following—and bid everyone good-evening. She left the room on Mother’s arm. That left the Earl alone at the card table, and he soon painfully stood and also bade good-night, and hobbled out of thesittingroom.

Edwin spoke up. “Unless any of you would like to play a hand of cards, I suggest we call it an evening. What do youallsay?”