Page 50 of The Lady and the Duke

Chapter13

“Promptly as promised,”Doctor Cooke said, tipping his hat, as Lydia opened thefrontdoor.

“Reginald. Welcome. Are you ready for our littleadventure?”

“I am. And what a splendid morningitis.”

“Is it far to where we will walk?” Lydia asked as she closed the front door and took the Doctor ’sarm.

“I know you want to walk on a regular basis, so I have chosen a few walks that are close by and easilyaccessible.”

“Splendid.”

The Doctor led Lydia along High Street to an access way between two shops. That led to a road that was used by wagons to service the shops. And that quite quickly transitioned to a country road at the edgeoftown.

“The first walk I would like to introduce you to is the river walk. It is one of my favorites, and is particularly lovely in the summer heat when the arching trees and river cooltheair.”

“That soundsdelightful.”

Shortly, the Doctor led the way to a path that cut through a wooded area toward the river. The ground was covered with fern and bracken. Even before reaching the river Lydia could feel the cool air and could tell this was a walk she would muchenjoy.

As they reached the river, Reginald pointed out the path alongthebank.

“In that direction, you head further into the country, and if you go in the other direction you will eventually find your way back into the near end of town. I suggest we go in the direction leading to the country so I may show you morewalks.”

Lydia nodded. “That wouldbefine.”

Before leaving, Lydia walked to the edge of the river and studied it for a moment. It was a gentle, shallow river, and she could see a few minnows darting along the shore. She leaned over and picked a smallflower.

“This is a lovely spot. I know I shall enjoy this walkverymuch.”

They walked in silence for a short distance then Lydia asked, “Reginald, I assume your profession occupies most of your time andattention.”

“Indeeditdoes.”

“And what activities are able to distract you from your work? Certainly, you have interests other than yourpractice.”

“I enjoy reading medical books and making anatomical drawings,” Reginald said as he swung a stick he had picked up alongthepath.

“But those activities are directly related to your work. Certainly, you must have other interests like music, literature, gardening, or even such manly activities as horses, hunting, or the activity my father so much enjoys—fishing.”

“I like solving puzzles,” he said, giving her a sidewaysglance.

“What kind ofpuzzles?

“Mathematical puzzles. There are a few journals that publish themregularly.”

Lydia found this most strange. However, it was not for her to judge, as she didn’t even know what such a puzzlemightbe.

“Perhaps you could show one to me sometime. I have to say, I am totally unaware of suchrecreation.”

“I would be happy to. They are quite intriguing and once you get hooked, it is difficult to stop of an evening. I find myself not going to bed until two or three of a morning,occasionally.”

The path diverted from the side of the river and led them back to the road they had walked earlier. They stopped by the side oftheroad.

Reginald pointed. “You see that field over there, just past the farm house, and bordering thewoodedarea?”

“Yes.”