Page 122 of The Lady and the Duke

“Did he?” Lydia askedfinally.

Jenny nodded. “He wants a Christmaswedding.”

“Oh, before I leave for London. Howsplendid.”

“And will you be my chiefbridesmaid?”

Lydia was hushed. “Are youcertain?”

“Absolutely.”

“Of course, I will,” Lydiaenthused.

“Where is the wedding going tobeheld?

“Saint Andrew’s, and the reception will be attheinn.”

“Not here?” Lydiaasked.

“Not enough room. Reggie is inviting his whole family and they will be staying at his house, with spillover at the inn. And they can supply the food and drink, and take care of all thedetails.”

“Then we need to make lists,” Lydia insisted. “We need to make sure we do not miss anydetail.”

“We can do that, but first tell meyournews.”

Lydia told Jenny about her mother moving over to Mrs.Forbes.”

“Oh, Lord, the Widow Forbes? Truly? I hope your mother is extremely patient, for the Widow is very demanding. She has gone through any number of elderly women she has taken in to live with her. But then she ends up treating them like indenturedservants.”

“Oh, dear. I must warn her immediately. She is planning to move in with the lady this very afternoon. But I do not know if she will take my advice. She can be as stubborn as me, and I am concerned she will disregard mywarning.”

“Then you best be prepared to take your mother back, for I fear her stay with the widow will not beforlong.”

Lydia sighed. “I was afraid something like that might happen. I was not impressed with the lady when I first met her. But my mother was taken with her fine house and impressed that her husband had been themayor.”

“And how is Edwin? Any news from you on thatfront?”

Lydia shook her head. “Oh, Jenny, there is no good news there. The Duchess has her mind set on Edwin marrying Miss Caroline Beaufort. The Beaufort’s are visiting for a whole week. And this very morning I saw Caroline and Edwin go riding off into the sunset… or rather, the sunrise together.” Lydia shook herself as though to rid herself of these thoughts. “But let us not concern ourselves with Edwin Templeton. We have much more joyous plans for your wedding toattendto.

* * *

Lydia pacedthe little pony as quickly as he would go. She needed to talk to her mother about Mrs. Forbes. It was already mid-afternoon and she knew Mrs. Forbes’s carriage would be coming shortly to collect her mother and herluggage.

She left the trap outside the cottage. She did not have time to take it to the stablesfirst.

“Mother,” she called out as sheentered.

“Yes, dear?” Mother answered. She was in the bedroom completing her packing. Lydia stood atthedoor.

“I have just been to seeJenny…”

“And how is she? She was so lovely to me when I first arrived in UptonMagna.”

“She is fine, but I have something very important to sharewithyou.”

“Very well, but can it not wait until later? Mrs. Forbes’s carriage shall be here shortly and I am not quiteready.”

“No, mother it cannot wait. It is about your move that I need tospeak.”