Page 127 of The Lady and the Duke

“Why can you not follow yourheart?”

Edwin paced, struggling with how to answer. “I should not tell you this, but I feel you deserve to know. My father, before he died, made some investments that tied up a great deal of our capital. And we have only recently discovered that those investments have failed. Everything I wish to do for Honeyfield is in jeopardy, not to mention our very livelihood. Lydia, my dear, I have no choice. I must marry into the Beaufort family. The marriage comes with a great sum of money that will prevent my family from experiencing acatastrophe.”

“Oh, Edwin… I am so sincerely sorry.” She was genuinely concerned for him. She went over and placed her hand on his arm. He then placed his hand on topofhers.

“As am I. Both for my family andforus.”

“But Edwin, we could never have been together. You are a Duke and I am but a modest vicar’s daughter. I have no title, no living. You could never make an alliance with one suchasme.”

“Then you do not know me, Lydia. I never cared about such superficial conventions. If it were not for this crisis, I would gladly ask you to bemywife.”

“Oh, Edwin…” She removed her hand from his and steppedbackward.

“Forgive me. But I know you are a strong woman, capable of understanding andaccepting.”

Shenodded.

“If you feel that we can no longer work together, I would understand. And know that you may remain in the cottage as long as you like. I would never force you fromyourhome.”

Lydia then asked, “And how doyoufeel about us working together? Would you rather Ileave?”

Edwin shook his head. “Never. I cannot tell you how much I value your many fine qualities, and you have aided me without measure. If you can find it in yourself to stay, then I begyouto.”

Lydia turned away, went to the office door and stared outside while she considered. Then she turned backtohim.

“Yes, Edwin I shall stay. There is still a lot of work to be done here before the end of the season. And I would like to see that completed. However, I will definitely need the break when I go to London with Ellen. And might I request that if you are to marry Miss Caroline, that you do it while I am in London. I would not like to be here for thewedding.”

“But Ellen, I know, will want to be hereforthat.”

“I could remain in London if she is to travel home—if that is agreeable. I hope youunderstand.”

“Ofcourse.”

“And then I shall return after. Will you be residing at Honeyfield or at the Albermarshestate?”

“Why, here, of course. This is where my home is, my work, and…” He could not complete the thought and looked away. “And what of Mr. Daniel, it seems clear to me that he has taken an interest in you. Is thatnotso?”

“Yes, Ibelieveso.”

“And is his interestreciprocated?”

“Oh, Edwin, my heart is not so easily won. As you know, I have already given my hearttoyou.”

“Lydia, you know we can only be friends and co-workers. Please give Daniel a chance. He is afineman.”

“He is escorting me to the opera at Shrewsbury the day aftertomorrow.”

Edwin nodded. “Excellent. I hope you have an agreeableevening.”

Lydia wanted to leave but lingered. “When shall you announce the engagement to Miss.Caroline?”

“Mother wishes to announce it within the week. We are trying to decide how to do it. Traditionally such an announcement is made at a ball or a large party. However, with our new financial constraints, she is suggesting that the Earl hold an event where the announcement canbemade.”

“Then please make certain I am not invited,” Lydiainsisted.

“But Ellen will be upset at yourabsence.”

“Then it will be up to you to explain thattoher.”