Page 162 of The Lady and the Duke

Chapter38

“And what amI expected to do about my position with the Duchess?” Mother fussed, in her room at Honeyfield, after Lydia told her about the marriage. “I can hardly expect to be the Duchess’s companion as mother of the Duke’s wife, nowcanI?”

“No, Mother, I expect not. I did discuss this matter with Edwin and we agreed to let you have my cottage as your home after thewedding.”

“And am I expected to pay rent?” She fussed some more, fiddling with the contents of her sewingbasket.

“Of course not. You are now as much a part of the family, asIam.”

That seemed to settle hermothersome.

“Then what shall I do with myself all day, alone in thecottage?”

“You can make friends. Entertain. Travel. Read. Study. Whatever you like. And you shall have the pony and trap asyourown.”

Mother nodded as she considered the implications of her newposition.

“Well, that all sounds quite agreeable. But what about the Duchess? Who will attend tohernow?”

“I expect she will ask you to help her find areplacement.”

Mother suddenly smiled. “I think I shall suggest Mrs. CynthiaForbes.”

“But she is the mayor’s widow. Why do you think she would accept such aposition?”

“Because she lives on a pittance. I know. She would jump at the chance to be associated with theDuchess.”

Lydia laughed. “Justrewards,no?”

Mother suddenly shifted. “Oh, and my rose water? Were you able tofindit?”

“I did. But there was no organdy in the color you desiredavailable.”

“Not even for readymoney?”

“Not ascrap.”

“Oh well. I shall probably not need it now. I shall order a new gown for the wedding. Something in blue to go withmyeyes.”

* * *

Lydia had not hadtime to write Jenny with the news of the engagement. And, in fact, she was glad now she had not, as she was greatly anticipating telling Jenny inperson.

Lydia was shown into the master bedroom where Jenny was studying fabric samples that she had strewn across the bed, reminiscent of the time she was choosing fabrics for her weddingdress.

“Jenny,” Lydia saidsimply.

Jenny jumped and spun around. “Oh, Lydia, I did not hear you come in. You gave me such astart.”

“Is this part of your redecorating?” Lydia asked, gesturing to thesamples.”

“You are back!” Jenny exclaimed, jumping up and down. “I did not expect you so soon. Were you not to stay another week in London until after the wedding?” Jenny stopped and put her hand sharply to her mouth. “Oh, I am sorry. I should not have mentioned that. Poor Lydia.Areyou here for the weddingafterall?”

Lydia smiled. “Why, yesIam.”

“Are you devastated? Why ever would you come back for Edwin and Caroline’swedding?”

“I did not come back for their wedding,” she said, still holding a subtlesmile.”