Page 45 of The Lady and the Duke

Chapter12

Lydia was most pleasedwhen the postman delivered a letter to her aunt from Dr. Winston. She was almost certain her aunt would now be in a good mood—at least for the next few days. Unless the letter bore bad newsandthen…

Lydia picked up the letter and examined it. It was thick and probably comprised several or more pages. That had the prospect of bearing good news. She put the letter back on the entryway table and forgot about it for the rest of theafternoon.

Tomorrow was Wednesday and her riding lesson with Ellen. Lydia was looking through her armoire for something suitable to ride in. Having never ridden before she was not really certain what was appropriate. A lady rode sidesaddle and she knew a long skirt and boots were required, but beyond that she wasuncertain.

“Oh, dear, what should I do?” she worriedaloud.

All her dresses were simple, mostly light housedresses. She had a few heavier dresses for winter. But she only had one skirt that was far too light for riding. She sat on the edge of her bed, fretting when she heard Jenny calling fromdownstairs.

“Jenny, perhaps you shall be my life saver, once again,” Lydia said as she descended the stairs to greet herfriend.

“Look, the first of the apples,” Jenny said, holding out abasket.

“I have not yet checked our trees, perhaps we already have some too,”Lydiasaid.

“No, I know our variety ripens beforeyoursdo.”

“Thank you. I shall make Aunt an apple pie. That shouldpleaseher.”

She headed with the basket to the kitchen where she transferred the apples to a bowl on thetable.

“Thank you,” Lydia said, handing the basket back toJenny.

“You said you needed me to save your life again. How, exactly am I to save youthistime?”

“Oh, Jenny, I have nothing suitable to wear to go riding. I don’t want to make a fool of myself my first lesson with Ellen. I don’t suppose you have anything suitable I mightborrow?”

“Oh, Lydia, I have absolutely nothing. Let me think a moment.” She patted the basket against her stomach as she thought. “Wait. Come.” She reached her hand out to Lydia. “I haveanidea.”

Jenny led Lydia back to herhouse.

“Mother,” Jenny shouted as theyentered.

“In here?” her mother answered from thestudy.

They went in. Mrs. Lovell was writing a letter atthedesk.

“Hello, Lydia. Goodafternoon.”

“Hello, Mrs. Lovell,”Lydiasaid.

“Mother, Lydia has aproblem.”

“Tell.”

Lydia explained the need for a riding dress orskirt.

“Any suggestions, Mother? I have nothing,”Jennysaid.

“Hum. I don’t ride either. Let me think.” She nodded. “Yes, I haveanidea.”

She rose from the desk and led the way to her room. She shuffled through some boxes in a small side room, and finding what she was looking for came into her room and put the box onthebed.

She opened it and took out a lady’s coat and long skirt. She held the skirt up and shook it out. A cloud of dust burstaroundher.

“Oh, my. This will need cleaning.” She held it up in front of Lydia at the waist. “It is far too big,” sheannounced.