Page 85 of The Lady and the Duke

Chapter21

When she entered the ladies’room Lydia saw Ellen seated at a dressing table. She went over and pulled up a chair to sit nexttoher.

“Are you enjoying your birthday celebration?” sheasked.

“Most assuredly,” Ellen said, turning to Lydia andsmiling.

“And who was that most handsome gentleman I saw dancing with you earlier?” Lydiaasked.

Ellen smiled. “Oh, yes. I know who you mean. That is one of Edwin’s dearest friends down from London for the ball. He is to be staying a few days longer, and I mean to torture him for information about London. I am hoping my birthday present from Edwin is permission to go, and a carriage ride to thetownhouse.”

“Might the young man also be a reason to stay in London?” Lydiaasked.

“He might be,” Ellen said with an enigmaticsmile.

“What is his name? He is not one of the Huntley sons,ishe?”

“Oh, heavens no. His name is Bartley Evens. And take aguess…”

“Yes?”

“His father is a publisher, and Bartley is himselfapoet.”

“Oh,Ellen…”

“Wish me luck. I am to dance the last dance of the eveningwithhim.”

“And you will have a few days to get to know one another better before he returns toLondon.”

“Ishall.”

Ellen got up from the table. “Enjoy the rest of the ball.” She started to leave but turned back. “Are you having agoodtime?”

“Very much so. It is a lovely celebration for a most worthyyounglady.”

Ellen bowed her headandleft.

As Lydia was herself, about to leave, Jenny came into the room and, seeing Lydia, cornered her and said, “Tell me your news. It is some deliciousscandal?”

Lydia laughed. “Scandal? No. Why would you suspect ascandal?

“It is the night of the ball—a night ripe for intrigue andscandal.”

Lydia laughed. “Jenny, you read too many torrid novels. I am afraid I am going to disappoint you with mynewsnow.”

“But tell meanyway.”

She nodded several times and said, “Very well, I have decided to stay in Upton Magna. I am going to work with Edwin, and he is renting me a worker’s cottage on the estate where I can live. There, that is the news. Not very shockingisit?”

“Oh, Lydia—most shocking. Are you staying because of the Doctor? Or is it because oftheDuke?

“Neither. Both. I don’t know. But it feels like the right thing to do. I shall bid a fond farewell to Aunt and I shall be a waif all onmyown.”

“Oh, Lydia, you are not alone. You have me, you have the Doctor, Ellen, my family, and you have Edwin. Sounds like a very supportive group of friendstome.”

Lydia nodded in acknowledgement. “Yes, there is much to begratefulfor.”

“But I shall miss having you live next door. We can’t just run over at the slightest whimanymore.”