Page 145 of The Lady and the Duke

“He is and has sent me a list of performances presenting during my stay. He has asked me which I would enjoy and plans to take me toafew.”

“So-o-o, is this about to become a seriousaffair?”

“He isverynice.”

Jenny shifted in her chair, tucking her legs under her. “Lydia, why do you always hedge whenever I ask about Daniel? Does he notinterestyou?”

Lydia did not know how to answer. “I do hedge, do I not? I like Daniel a great deal. What is there not to like. He is handsome, he has money, he is about to be a successful attorney, I expect. But… but… I… I… sorry, I just do not have a passion for him. As a gentlemanly escort, he is delightful, but that is as far as it goesforme.”

Jenny looked pityingly at Lydia. “It is still Edwin, isitnot?”

Lydia lowered her eyes and nodded. “What am Itodo?”

* * *

The carriage stood ready.Lydia’s and Ellen’s trunks and assorted luggage had been packed and loaded. It only awaited the two lovely ladies to climbaboard.

Mother was conversing withLydia.

“Calder’s Rose Water. The large size. Maybe you can bring me two or threebottles.”

“Of course,Mother,”

“And if you see any of the pale blue organdy like I have in my Sunday dress, I would like at least five yardsofthat.”

“Iwilltry.”

Mother leaned forward and gave Lydia a tentative hug. “Have a wonderful journey and give my very best to your Aunt Lavinia and the doctor when youseethem.”

“Iwill.”

“Are you ready?” Ellenasked.

“Oh,yes.”

Ellen and Lydia climbed aboard the carriage, seated themselves, and then looked out the windows to wave good-bye as the carriagestartedup.

Lydia could see Edwin standing at the kitchen door watching as the carriage departed. Lydia gave him a faint smile and a gentle wave. Henoddedback.

* * *

Doctor and Mrs. Winstonhad a quaint cottage at the edge of the university at Oxford. The cottage’s fine garden backed up on a section of the river Thames, which was also known in this region as the Isis. Lydia and Ellen were to break up their journey and spend two days visiting her aunt anduncle.

The carriage pulled up in the road before the cottage. Doctor Winston came out to direct the drivers where to carry the luggage. Ellen and Lydia got out of the carriage and pointed out which pieces of luggage they would need for theirbriefstay.

After the initial scurry of unloading, the three wentinside.

Aunt Lavinia was standing in the entry hall as theycamein.

“Aunt…” Lydia greeted and gave herahug.

“Lydia,” sheanswered.

“How was your journey?” Bernard asked. “I hope it was not tootedious?”

“Not at all. Ellen and I played games theentireway.”

“So, you are to spend time in London, are you?” Lavinia asked. “A city of wickedness and sin. I hope you are both to be chaperoned whenever you goabout.”