Page 133 of The Lady and the Duke

And that is all? No holding of hands? No stolen kisses on the carriageridehome?”

“There was some hand holding, but I am ashamed to say I fell quite asleep and slumbered on his shoulder most of the way back to UptonMagna.”

“How romantic. Did he seemtomind?”

“No. He was every bit thegentleman.”

Jenny studied Lydia. “And Edwin? Is that completely over for you? Has Mr. Daniel supplanted Edwin in yourheart?”

“I would not say that. But Daniel is engaging. And I am willing to get to know him. That is all I can sayaboutthat.”

Lydia leapt up. “But why are we talking about me when we should be focusing exclusively on your lovelywedding?”

* * *

Edwin had saidthey should not work the day of the engagement dinner. But Lydia needed to water the trees and went over early in the morning and spent an hour lugging water to theorchard.

As she was leaving, Daniel came out of thehouse.

“Miss Lydia, I am about to go over to our house to oversee the preparations for this evening’s dinner. But before I do, might I ask you to accompany me inside? I have my cousin’s gowns for you toinspect.”

“Oh, yes.Certainly.”

They went inside, and as they were ascending the stairs toward Daniel’s room she asked. “Have you seen the gowns? Are they something you would admire on ayounglady?”

“They are quite lovely. I think you will bepleased.”

They entered his sitting room and went over to a table where a large box lay. He opened the box and took out three gowns and draped them across a smallloveseat.

“There what do you think? Anything you fancy?” Daniel asked as he stood back to regard thegowns.

There was a lemony yellow gown, one in a forest green, and one in apalepink.”

“I love yellow, but it is not a good color for me. And pink makes me look twelve-years-old. But I very much admire the green dress. It looks quiteladylike.”

“Then that is the one you shall have. And I quite approve. It is the one I would have chosenaswell.”

“And how shall I return it tomorrow?” sheasked.

“Oh, no. It is for you to keep. As I say, my cousin never wears the same gown twice. Please accept it asagift.”

“How kind and generous. Please thank herforme.”

“Ah, but you shall have the opportunity to thank her for yourself in just a few shorthours.”

Lydia nodded. “Then I shall see you later thisevening.”

“And how are you planning to get to our estate? It is too fartowalk.”

“I can takethetrap.”

“No. Let me send our carriage. It would be my honor. Say seveno’clock?”

“I shall beready.”

* * *

Lydia spentthe afternoon making a few alterations on the gown and took a short nap. Her mother was attending the dinner as well and returned about five o’clock to dress for theevening.