Page 74 of The Lady and the Duke

“Yes, that was myconcerntoo.”

“Balderdash,” Bernard exclaimed. “If the Duke feels you are worth that fee, then you mustacceptit.”

However, Aunt had another concern. “This whole business seems very unladylike to me. The idea of you climbing around in trees, tilling the soil, and I don’t know what all… And working alone with a man, even if he is the Duke… I don’t think it is entirelyproper.”

“Oh, Lavinia, this is the modern age. Certainly, women are stretching the boundaries these days. They are asserting themselves and creating new pathways. Is thatnotso?”

Lavinia pursed her lips and sat with her hands clenched in her lap. “I don’t know what the town will say at such business. But far be it from me to have a say. I am only her aunt, not herparents.”

Lydia acknowledged their thoughts. “I shall certainly give your views my fullestconsideration.”

* * *

Lydia decided notto tell Doctor Cooke about Edwin’s offer of employment just yet. It was enough to celebrate her aunt’s upcoming wedding, which had been arranged at Honeyfield, just as Bernard hadsuggested.

Lydia was greatly enjoying the climb up, what Reginald called, ‘their Shropshire mountain,” although it was barely more than a moderate climb up amodesthill.

She had gathered a handful of heather to form a bouquet for her aunt when she and Bernard went to post their banns of marriage at the parishchurch.

“As you can see there is a nice vista of the valley and the river from the top here.” Reginald swept his arm across the horizon and pointed to their village. “There, can you see your house? It is just to the right of that big tree at the end of HighStreet.”

“Yes. It is lovelyuphere.”

“It is not too breezy for you?” He adjusted the shawl around her shoulders and let his hand linger on hershoulder.

“No. I am fine, thank you.” She pulled the shawl more tightly around her and laid her hand onReginald’sarm.

He smiledather.

She turned from him and wandered to look at the view from the other side ofthehill.

Lydia said, “Charming walk. I see myself enjoying this very much. Thank you. And I believe you promised meanother?”

“Certainly. Are you ready toleave?”

“Yes.”

He led the way down the hill and they headed toward the tributary withthemill.

“What are your plans once your aunt is married? Will you still be livingwithher?”

“I am not certain. I am exploring my severaloptions.”

“You must certainly have been surprised by her nuptials? To marry at her age isunexpected.”

Lydia ran her hand along the tall grasses by the side of the road. They were soft and silky and made her feel languid andrelaxed.

“Yes, it was unexpected. Life is always filled withsurprises.”

They followed the path by the tributary until they came to the mill. It was still in operation. The wheel was turning, fed by the sluice, and they could hear the grinding of the millstonesinside.

“Charming, is it not?” Reginaldasked.

“Very. But it makes me feel a little melancholy,”shesaid.

“And whyisthat?”

“I do not know. It seems to be the end of an era. One hears about the many new inventions these days. It seems that work is becoming increasingly mechanized, and I fear there is a dehumanization in all of that. This is such a tranquil and comforting sight, and I am concerned that one day this will become a relic ofthepast.”