Page 86 of The Lady and the Duke

“But that might be a blessing. We both are far too likely to distract ourselves and not get any seriousworkdone.”

“So you will be living on the estate? Is it a nicecottage?”

“I think so. It is small, but will suit Gingersnap and me quitenicely.”

“But how will you get about? What about shopping andvisitingme?”

“I can walk. I am quite used to it and enjoy it, even. I may not get into the village quite as often, but I canmanage.”

“On the back of Edwin’s horse, perhaps,” she said,grinning.

“Oh, Jenny, please… that was a one-time event. Remember he is my employer and a gentlemanofrank.

“And you are a very attractive and eligibleyounglady.”

Lydia put her hand up to stop Jenny from saying anything further and said, “I must go. I have promised Doctor Cooke another dance, and the evening is windingalong.”

“Very well.” Jenny looked a little sad. “And let me know if you need any help with the wedding or packing foryouraunt.”

Lydia turned to leave the room and raised her hand to acknowledge Jenny’soffer.

As Lydia entered the ballroom she realized how stuffy it was, and she wandered over to where the French doors were open to the balustrade. She stood and found some relief in the cool breeze lightly waftinginside.

It was the custom in this part of Shropshire to play a signature dance just before the last dance of the evening, signaling that the evening was about to end, and the orchestra had just begun playing that dance. Lydia realized that if she was to have her last dance with the Doctor she must find him now. She scanned the room and saw him comingtowardher.

“This is our last chance for another dance. Shall we?” he asked, offering herhishand.

“Certainly, thank you,Reginald.”

He led her to the edge of the dance floor, ready to begin dancing when the current dance hadended.

Already many of the older couples were beginning to head toward the entrance, hoping to fetch their carriages before the crush attheend.

When the current dance ended, Reginald smiled and escorted Lydia to the floor. The last dance of the evening. Couples were lined up ready to begin. The orchestra started up the opening bars of the music when Lydia looked behind Reginald and saw Edwin tapping him on his shoulder. Reginald looked around and sawtheDuke.

“I am so sorry, Doctor Cooke, but might I have this last dance with Miss Lydia. I have not had the opportunity to ask heruntilnow.”

Lydia could see the disappointment on Reginald’s face, but what could he say? It was the Dukeasking.

“Of course, Your Grace.” And he stood back and away, and let Edwin stepforward.

Lydia looked up into Edwin’s eyes as he took her hand and they began to dance. And as they danced she could not look away. They did not speak but simply looked at each other. They followed the steps as if in a dream. Lydia was not aware of any of the other dancers. It was like they were dancing in a halo of their own light. All else was in darkness. She could feel the warmth of his hand, and the intensity of his gaze, and yet she was calm. There was no surging emotion, but only a quiet feeling of peace. There was a rightness to his touch, to his strength, to his total captivation of her heart. Itjustwas.

After the dance was over, Edwin kissed the back of her hand and bowed. He smiled his sweet smile, and then said, “Shall I see you again on Friday? I thought we might work on the pear trees. I noticed the other day they seemed to have some abnormal growths that might needaddressing.”

Lydia nodded, but couldn’t answer. He turned and walked toward his Mother andEllen.

What had just happened? Lydia felt like she had just been cast out of heaven. One moment she was in a blissful state of euphoria and grace with Edwin, and the next moment she was being asked to think about abnormal growths on the pear trees. Had their dance meant nothing to him? Was what she had felt been completely one sided? She did not see how that could be. But what else could explain his startlingbehavior?

She was jolted out of her thoughts by Jenny takingherarm.

“Father is ready to leave,” Jenny said. “And Mother is feeling quite tired. Let me just round up Graham and we canbeoff.”

“Very well,” Lydia just managedtosay.

Lydia drew her shawl closer around her shoulders as they waited on the entrance steps for their carriage. It seemed to take forever and all Lydia wanted to do just then was to go home and fallintobed.

Mercifully, Jenny was preoccupied with her mother, as Lydia could not imagine dealing with Jenny’s prattle or questions about the ball or anything else at thatmoment.