Page 13 of The Lady and the Duke

“How can this have happened?” she exclaimed, bereft that she had disappointed the Doctor by not appearing for dinner, and with no explanation. It upset hergreatly.

But there was nothing she could do at this hour, so she undressed and got back into bed. But she slept fitfully and ended up getting back up after only a few hours of thrashing and beating on herpillow.

She sat at the window and enjoyed the river and the flushing dawn until it was a decent hour to go down to breakfast. She was hungry, as she’d missed her supper lastevening.

She entered the dining room with some trepidation, as she was certain to find the Doctor upset with her. She saw him sitting at a table and sheepishly went over togreethim.

When he saw her he jumped up with a pained expression onhisface.

“Oh, my dear, I am so dreadfully sorry,” heexclaimed.

“Whatever for?” she asked, “It is I who am sorry beyondwords.”

They stared, not comprehending each other’s statement, for a moment until Lydiaspoke.

“Excuse me, Doctor, it is I who is at fault for missing dinner lastevening.”

The Doctor’s expression changed and he let out a hearty laugh. “No, it was I who missed dinner. I ammortified.”

Then Lydia laughed. “You misseddinnertoo?”

“I did. I had a terribly upset stomach from what I guess must have been an off piece of fish at dinner last noontime. I asked the innkeeper to contact you. Did he not find you inyourroom?”

Lydia laughed again. “I lay down for a nap and didn’t wake until this early morning. If he tried to knock at my door I neverheardhim.”

“Well then, shall we have breakfast? I am famished now,” theDoctorsaid.

“Yes,metoo.”

* * *

Later that afternoonthe carriage was within a few miles of reaching Upton Magna. Lydia was both excited and nervous. Her father had written ahead to Aunt Lavinia with Lydia’s travel schedule and time of arrival, but Lydia had no idea if she was to be met or if she must find her own way to her aunt’shouse.

The Doctor turned to her. “My dearest child. It has been such a pleasure traveling with you.” He handed her his card. “If you would be so kind as to write your new address on the back of my card then I shall send you an invitation for tea with the Duchess when I can work out a dateandtime.”

“That would be lovely.” She wrote the address and returned the card to theDoctor.

He then handed her another card. “And this is my card for youtokeep.”

The carriage pulled up in front of the Upton Magna Inn where there was a scurry of new passengers eager to board. Lydia and the Doctor exited the coach, and the Doctor was greeted by one of the Duke’s footmen, taking his luggage, and gesturing him toward the Duke’scarriage.

“Do you need any assistance before I leave,” the Doctorasked.

“Oh, no thank you. I am sure I can find my way if there is no one to greet me.” Lydia looked at the group of people around the carriage hoping to catch a glance from someone who might have come togreether.

“But you have a trunk and several cases,” the Doctor added. “How will you manage? I can’t leave you herealone.”

Lydia became flustered. “I am sure my aunt must have made arrangements. Please don’t bother yourself. The Duke must be waitingforyou.”

The Doctor glanced at the footman who was waiting for him. “Are you quite certain there is nothing I can do for you? Perhaps the footman might be able toassist.”

“No, thank you, Dr. Winston. Youmustgo.”

“Very well, my dear. I look forward to meeting you again at teaquitesoon.”

“Thank you for your assistance, and enjoy your visit,” Lydia called out as the Doctorretreated.

There was a great deal of scurry and scuffle as the passengers loaded into the carriage and their well-wishers departed as the carriagedroveoff.