Page 79 of The Lady and the Duke

She thought about that. It was one of her biggestconcerns.

“Yes, I believe Imight.”

“Then we could work together, as weplanned?”

Shenodded.

“Good. Then let me suggest this to you. I have several small worker’s cottages on the estate that are currently vacant. If I offered one of those to you would you be interested intakingit?”

“What would therentbe?”

“They are in good repair, but they aresmall.”

“There will only be me and Gingersnap,” Lydia added. “I don’t require a lot ofspace.”

“Gingersnap? And who mightthatbe?”

“Mycat.”

“Ah… Well, then for you and Gingersnap shall we say three pounds a month. I could take that from your fee, and it would be nothing out of pocket. What doyousay?”

“May I see themfirst?”

“Of course. Shall we go take alooknow?”

“Should we not be working?” sheasked.

“We should, but I believe it is more important to get you settled in your mind first. I want you to be here with me, and I want you to be content and secure. I totally understand your agitation with the many changes taking place for youthesedays.”

What had he just said? He wanted herwithhim?

“Is it within walking distance?” was all she could thinktoask.

“Itis.”

“Then the sooner we leave, the sooner we can come back and gettowork.”

“But first I need to know if you accept the fee I offered you. Twenty-five amonth.”

Lydia smiled. “As my good friend Doctor Winston advised me, ‘one never worries about too much, only about too little.’ Yes, I shall accept youroffer.”

Edwin slapped both hands down on the table. “Excellent. Then let us proceed to the cottages.” He stood up and took a set of keys out of a drawer in thetable.

The path leading to the cottages led partially through a wooded area. The sun was blazing and it felt cool when they entered the shade. They had been walking in silence, when Lydia turned and asked, “How do you feel about Ellen wanting to move to London andwrite?”

Edwin glanced at her. “I have offered her the use of the London house. I hardly ever go there, but Mamma feels it is important to have a Londontownhouse.”

“Has Her Grace consented to her living inLondon?”

“Her Grace rarely consents to anything anybody else wants, so we have learned to just go ahead and do what we please. We must endure Mamma’s rants and tantrums—but they pass as she gets used to the idea, and finds some new cause toprotest.”

Lydia laughed. “Have you read anything Ellen has written? Does she have any hope ofsuccess?”

“I have read her work and I believe it to be excellent. And I have several acquaintances in London who have connections and may be able to assist her in finding apublisher.”

“That isexciting.”

Edwin pointed forward. “There are the cottages. Which of the two do you have apreferencefor?”