Page 70 of The Lady and the Duke

“Excuse me, Lydia, I was just trying to get past you. I can see if we are to work together I must get a larger office.” He smiled at her and passedonby.

Lydia found her breathing had increased and her heart was racing. Doctor Cooke never made her feel like this. And now she began to wonder how she might be affectingEdwin.

It was at that moment Ellen returned. Ellen had, without knowing, rescued Lydia at the moment she was most vulnerable. Lydia needed to get farther away from Edwin’s physical influence and went to pour herself a glass ofwater.

“I am so sorry,” Ellen said, as she took hold of Lydia’s elbow. “I meant to come back to help you, but I got caught up in cleaning out my armoire when I was looking for something suitabletowear.”

Lydia glanced over at Edwin, who smiled, and nodded with an ‘I told youso”look.

“But I see you are not working yet. Tell me what I can do,” Ellencontinued.

Edwin spoke up. “We have abandoned work for today in honor of Doctor Winston’s arrival and the luncheon we shall soon be sharingtogether.”

“Oh, splendid,” Ellen said, her eyes dancing. “Then come with me Lydia and we shall chat before we assemble for lunch.” She turned to her brother. “What do you say about that, Edwin? May I steal her awayfromyou?”

Edwin scratched the stubble on his chin. “I shall miss her terribly, but if you insist, I cannot deny you Miss Lydia’scompany.”

Lydia was surprised, but most pleased by what he hadjustsaid.

“Come then, sister,” Ellen said, grabbing hold of Lydia’s hand and dragging her out of theoffice.

As they left, Lydia turned to Ellen and said, “I should very much like to spend some time visiting with Doctor Winston, before luncheon. Might that bepossible?”

“Certainly. He is jolly company, however, when I last saw him he was in deep conversation with your aunt—much to the displeasure of my mother, I might add. Mamma riles when she is not the center ofattention.”

Lydia laughed heartily. “Oh, I should not laugh, should I? It isdisrespectful.”

Ellen patted Lydia on the arm. “No need to fret. You are family now, and we are allowed a snicker or two behind each other’sbacks.”

Ellen and Lydia spent an hour in her rooms chatting until it was close to the time for lunch. Then Ellen escorted Lydia to the sitting room where Mamma, Aunt, and Dr. Winston were gathered forsherry.

“Miss Lydia, how splendid. Come join your aunt and me. We shall be having luncheon soon,” DoctorWinstonsaid.

Lydia went over and sat with them. Ellen went to entertain hermother.

“Doctor Winston, Aunt Lavinia—are the two of you having a pleasantvisit?”

Aunt was blushing as Dr. Winston heldherhand.

“By Jove, Miss Lydia, it is delightful to be here.” He turned to Lavinia, “and my darling Lavinia and I have been entertaining each othersplendidly.”

“Bernard…” Aunt said shyly, as she lowered her eyes and swatted lovingly athisarm.

Lydia looked over and saw the Duchess glowering at them. Lydia surmised the Duchess resented that her aunt was not giving her full attention to HerGrace.

“How long will you be staying in Upton Magna, Doctor?” Lydiaasked.

Bernard glanced at Lavinia. “As long as it takes,” he said. “As delightful as she is, your aunt can bestubborn.”

“Oh?”

Lavinia looked up at the Doctor and shook her head to stop him from speaking further. Then she turned toLydia.

“The good Doctor and I are getting acquainted. Some things cannot berushed.”

The Doctor nodded inacquiescence.

Edwin came into the sitting room. He had cleaned himself up and was looking particularly handsome. He had even combed and slicked back his hair. Lydia caught her breath and looked away as he cast his eyesather.