Page 121 of The Lady and the Duke

The next morning,when Lydia showed up for work, she found the promised workers digging the holes for the new trees. Lydia had carefully staked out where each tree would go so they would know where to dig. But Edwin was notwiththem.

Lydia introduced herself and pitched in and began to dig alongsidethemen.

It was going very well and it was about ten o’clock when Lydia stopped to wipe her brow with a handkerchief. She stood resting on her shovel when she saw Edwin come out of the house, followed by Caroline in her riding costume. It was clear they were to go riding together—withoutEllen.

Lydia remembered the day of their picnic and a stab of jealously and regret surged through her. But there was nothing to be done. She knew and understood the situation. It seemed the Duchess had a much firmer grip on the family than Lydia had firstrealized.

And she was haunted and thought back to what Edwin had told her just before he left her lastnight.

They were nearly done with digging the holes, but the shipment of new trees had not arrived yet. And as Edwin was off riding with Caroline, she decided to take the afternoon off and go visit Jenny. The workmen said they could easily finish the job in the next few hours. She needed to see her friend and seekcommiseration.

* * *

Lydia pulledthe trap up in front of the Lovell house. She tied off the pony and went to the door. It was Jenny who answered herknock.

“Oh, Lydia… just the person I wanted to see.Comein.”

Jenny ushered her inside and led her to the kitchen. “Cuppa?” sheasked.

“Absolutely.”

“I miss your wonderful biscuits,” Jenny said. “I always knew when to visit you when I smelled the aroma of your deliciousbaking.”

“Fear not,” Lydia said, as she reached into her bag and pulled out a batch of biscuits wrapped in a napkin that she had baked forJenny.

“Oh, my dear. You are a fairy godmother, are you not?” Jenny opened the napkin and smelled the fresh biscuits. “Sesame?” sheasked.

“Yes. Here, let me have one.” Jenny reached out and took one from the batch which was stillslightlywarm.

“I have news,” Jenny said, as she started preparingthetea.

“Yes?”

“Someone has made an offer on your aunt’shouse.”

“Oh. That was sudden. Have you met thebuyers?”

“I have. A charming young couple with two little girls. He is a carpenter, I believe. And she seems to be just delightful. I think I am about to replaceyouwith anewbestfriend.”

“You dare not,” Lydiainsisted.

Jenny shook her head. “No.Never.”

“And Doctor Cooke? Any newsthere?”

Jenny shot her a look. “Over tea. When we aresettled.”

“It must be good news then,” Lydia saidsmiling.

“Let us go outside into the garden,” Jenny said as she completed makingthetea.

They traipsed into the back garden and sat at a wicker table in the shade of a largebeech.

Jenny played mother as she poured, and then handed Lydiahercup.

“Now, then…” Lydia insisted. “DoctorCooke.”

It was clear Jenny was savoring the news as she took her time, building the suspense. Then she just looked at Lydia with ahugegrin.