Page 7 of The Lady and the Duke

Lydia was again inshock.

“Not as a housekeeper, exactly, but rather as one who can help her maintain a stable home,” Mother said. “She attends the Duchess Patience Templeton of Honeyfield Hall most days, and it is a great strain for her to maintain her own home as well. She has replied in the affirmative, but she says she would not be able to pay you much. But youwouldhave a home and a living. And, in addition, there is a small living from her husband that she has indicated would go to you when she is no longerwithus.”

“If there is any remuneration I shall, of course, pass it on to you, to help in these difficult times,” Lydia said, as her mind whirled with all the implications of these changingcircumstances.

“That would not be necessary,”Fathersaid.

“That would be most useful,” Mother insisted, giving her husband asternlook.

“When is this to take place, and how am I to get to… Where exactly does AuntLavinialive?”

“Upton Magna inShropshire.”

“So it has been arranged and confirmed?” Lydiaasked.

Father answered. “It has. And you are expected as soon as possible after Margaret’s weddingnextweek.”

Lydia could no longer hold back and she began to cry, turning away from her parents and looking out the window at the beautiful garden she must now leave and would sorely miss. She pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbed athereyes.

Her father came over and put his hands on her shoulders and leaned his forehead against the back of her head. “I am so very sorry, my princess. It is my entire fault. But think of it as an adventure and a new life. Surely, you will make new friends and have many wonderfulencounters.”

“Harcourt, leave her be,” Mother said to her fathersternly.

He turned to her and said, demanding—not requesting. “Abigail, don’t you need to see tosupper?”

“Humph,” she uttered and lefttheroom.

“How am I to get there?” Lydia asked, turning to her father and putting her handkerchief back in her sleeve. She was ready to accept the inevitable andmoveon.

“Post carriage. It will require several days and a change of carriage or two but it shouldn’t be too tedious, Itrust.”

“And where shall I stay alongtheway?”

“The trip includes accommodations, although, I suspect they will not be very elegant.” Her father went to his desk and opened a drawer. “I have put aside a few pounds for your expenses, which might be able to afford a nicer room ifpossible.”

“No, Father. I will not take your money when the family is in dire straits. I have a little money put aside myself, and I shall use that. As I said before, I will do everything I can to send you money. I may be able to take in some sewing work or be able to make some additional money helping some gentlewoman or other once I am settled in UptonMagna.”

Father came over and put his hand on Lydia’s cheek. “You are the precious jewel of my life. I will miss yougreatly.”

“Papa, I fear for your health. You must promise me to take great care of yourself and Mamma.” She leaned in andembracedhim.

“I promise. Although, at my age, there are aches and pains sprouting up more frequently than weeds in thegarden.”

Lydia kissed her father on both cheeks. “There, that will ward off all toils and troubles, until I can once againcomehome.”