Page 23 of The Lady and the Duke

“I certainly am. And what a pleasure it is to meet you. Jenny has not stopped talking about you. You will find her in the kitchen. She is struggling with a chicken at the moment, Ibelieve.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Lovell. It is a pleasure tomeetyou.”

“Youtoo,dear.”

Lydia found the kitchen and Jenny in the middle of trussing a largecapon.

“Oh, Lydia. Thank heavens. Do you know anything about these beasts? I seem to be all thumbstoday.”

“I’ve not had a lot of experience with cooking. As the daughters of the local vicar, we were taught to leave such matters to the domestics. But maybe we could figure this outtogether.”

When they had finally managed to truss the bird, it looked more like a hanging than a meal. Both Jenny and Lydia stood back to admire their work. In both instances their hair was disheveled and they looked more like skivvies than youngladies.

Jenny turned to Lydia andsmiled.

“Did you come to see me about something special?” sheasked.

Lydia laughed, having completely forgotten her mission. “Oh, yes. I have been invited to have tea tomorrow with my friend Doctor Winston and the Duke and Duchess. And I have no idea what to wear. Can youhelpme?”

“I believe that might be possible. Shall we go see whatyouhave?”

“Oh, no, nothing suitable at all. I had no idea there would be any social activity in my new position. All I have is plain daydresses.”

“I see.” Jenny stood back and took a look at Lydia. “I believe we are about the same size. Let us go raid my armoire and see what we can find that might be suitable to meet a Duke—and especially ahandsomeone.”

Laughing, they fled the kitchen and flew up the stairs toJenny’sroom.

“Not this… not this… no, that certainly will not do…” Jenny was examining one dress after another. Then she found one she liked and pulled it out and held it up for Lydia to examine. “You likethisone?”

Oh, my. Thatissplendid. But might it not be a little too dressy. After all, it’s only tea, notaball.”

“Yes, quite right.” Jenny put the dress back and reached foranother.

“Ah, just the one.” She held it up to show Lydia. It was simple but very pretty. It was several shades of blue—elegant but not ostentatious—perfect for the afternoon. “Tryiton.”

It fit perfectly, and as Lydia studied herself in the full length mirror, Jenny came over and put a simple but elegant necklace with turquoise and sapphire stones around her neck. Lydia turned and looked atJenny.

“What do you think? Does it work? Is ittoomuch?”

“Just perfect. I think you will please the Duchess, overwhelm the Doctor, and certainly catch the eye oftheDuke.”