Page 77 of The Lady and the Duke

“Verywell.”

They went up to Ellen’s rooms and she rummaged through her armoire and a few dresser drawers but turned to Lydia and said, “Oh, I am so sorry. I seem to have nothing suitable. But perhaps one of the footmen might have something, or the stablehands.

Lydia threw her hands up in the air. “Thank you, but I believe I will pass. Not sure I want to bother them with myforgetfulness.”

“I am sosorry.”

“Then I shall wander over to your brother’s office and see if he isthereyet.”

She headed toward the door but Ellen asked, “Will I see you atluncheon?”

Lydia stopped and turned back. “I think not; I really must make up some time lost from the other day. Autumn is not that far off and there is a lot of work to be done on theorchard.”

“Very well,” Ellen said. “And oh, I was thinking that until the ball and wedding are over we should forego any more riding. I have a feeling that both of us will be fartoobusy.”

“Most wise. I must help Aunt pack her things for the move to Oxford. Plus, help my friend Jenny with her gown for the ball, and assist in the wedding plans. One’s work isneverdone.”

“And what about you? What are your plans once your aunt is married?” Ellenasked.

“I am still undecided,” Lydia answered, but she came back toward Ellen and sat in a chair. “Doctor Winston has invited me to come live with him and his new bride in Oxford. However, I am quite certain that would not please my aunt. And, I am not sure that interests meeither?”

“What would you do if you went toOxford?”

“Exactly what I am doing now, take care of the house and my aunt and soon Doctor Winstonaswell.”

“Is that whatyouwant?”

“I amnotsure.”

“But I thought you were going to be working with Edwin? That seems like a much more interesting occupation to me. Certainly, you are not going to abandon him,areyou?”

Lydia thought that was an amusing way toputit.

“No, I am not planning to abandon him,” she responded. “But to be quite honest we really haven’t started yet, so I am not sure I would be abandoninganything.”

Ellen hesitated for a brief moment, then she looked up at Lydia with a sly look. “I probably should not tell you this, but my brother has been asking meaboutyou.”

Lydia blushed. “Askinghow?”

“He asked me if I knew if anyone wascourtingyou.”

“Do you mean romantically?” Lydiaasked.

“I believeso.Yes.”

“Oh, my… and what did youtellhim?”

“I said I was not aware of any one. Are you? Seeing any one?” Ellenpushed.

Lydia looked down. “Not officially, no. But there is a gentleman who I have been taking walks with. And there seems to be an interest onhispart.”

“But not yours?” Ellenasked.

“Perhaps. But it is too early to say with anycertainty.”

“Is he a worthygentleman?”

“It is Doctor Cooke. I believe he would be consideredworthy.”