Page 132 of The Lady and the Duke

Chapter31

Graham answeredthe door leaning onacane.

“Oh, hello, lovely Lydia, Jenny is up in her room,”hesaid.

“Graham. And how are you today? I have not seen you since the ball. Where have you beenhiding?”

“You haven’t heard? I am working with Father at the bank. Just a lowly clerk, mind you, but it provides me with a bit ofscratch.”

“And why are you not at work today?” Lydiaasked.

“Bum foot. I was roughing with the lads and twisted the old ankle.” He nodded tothecane

“Poorbaby.”

He laughed. “Go see the Jenny monster. She is waitingforyou.”

Lydia went upstairs and found Jenny sprawled out on her bed with a dozen fabric samplesbeforeher.

“And what is all this?” Lydiaasked.

“For my dress. What do you think? I did not know there were so many different colors of white. I have been studying them for hours. And now they all look the same. I feel like I am trapped in a snowstorm. Help me,Lydia.”

Lydia fell forward onto the bed and rested her head in herhands.

“What are you looking for? What effect are you tryingtomake?

I want a white dress that says this is a wedding with the man I love. Is that too much to ask for?” Jenny sighed, rolling over ontoherback.

Lydia took her fingers and sorted through the samples. She made a few selections and said, “Here. This would look nice.” She placed a lace sample over a satin sample. Jenny turned back overtolook.

“What’s that?” sheasked.

“The lace is light and transparent over the shine of the satin for the body. It would give a nice layered look. And maybe this nice creamy cambric for the sleeves. What do youthink?”

Jenny studied thesamples.

“Oh, yes. I like that. I shall take these samples to the dressmaker’s tomorrow morning. See, that is why I chose you as my chief bridesmaid. I just knew you would solve all myproblems.”

“All your problems? Oh, no. I don’t know about that. And how are things with you and Reginald? Any second thoughts before it istoolate?”

“Absolutely none,” Jenny said swinging around and sitting on the edge ofthebed.

“And have you inspected his house? “Will it be a nice placetolive?”

“Typical bachelor’s house. Disgusting furniture and absolutely no style. But he assures me he will allow me free reign in making it allright.”

Lydia smiled. “And are you ready for the weddingnight?”

Jenny bounced off the bed and went to her armoire where she pulled out a most enticing nightdress. “What do you think? Will this enflame his doctor’sheart?”

“Very saucy,” Lydia answered and collapsed intogiggles.

“And speaking of saucy men, what do you have to tell me of Mr. Daniel? Was the trip to Shrewsbury a success? You know I have not met him yet. Is he veryhandsome?”

Lydia sat with her hands folded between her legs. “Yes. Tolerably handsome.” And Shrewsbury was quite delightful. But I have to say I have quite fallen in love withopera.”

Lydia thought about telling Jenny about her episode with Edwin in the office but felt it would be indiscreet, given that Edwin would soon be announcing his engagement to Caroline, and knowing Jenny’s sometimes improvidenttongue.