Page 93 of The Lady and the Duke

“Then what can be done?” Lydiaasked.

“What is your situation in UptonMagna?”

“I have been living with Aunt. But she is marrying and moving to Oxford with her new husband. I have just rented a small cottage on the estate where I will be working, but I have not even moved in there yet. I am still very much establishingmyself.”

“Would there be a place for your mother?” he askedhesitantly.

Lydia needed to think about that. “Oh, Papa, I don’t know. It is a very small cottage. There is just one main room, a kitchen, and a small bedroom. Might she not be able to stay on here if she had help? Maybe Lucy couldcomeback.”

“That is the other thing I need to tell you. When I go, there will be no estate—only debt. And as I will no longer be serving the parish as the vicar, this house will go to the next clergyman when he is given thisparish.”

“Oh, I had not thoughtofthat.”

He nodded. “It is the fact, I amafraid.”

“How long will she have until the next vicararrives?”

“Perhaps amonth.”

“I see. Then I shall do what I can,” Lydia said, sitting up straight and facing the reality of thesituation.

“I have put aside a small amount of money that I want you to take so that it is not counted in the estate, for it would surely be gobbled up by the creditors. It may be enough to help you establish your mother, however youseefit.”

Lydia nodded. “I shall do myverybest.”

“I know you will.” He turned toward the bookcase on the right of the fireplace. “Over there, in the Herodotus, you will find what I have saved. Take it now, please and say nothing to the others. This is to be for just you and yourmother.”

Lydia went to the bookshelf, took down the Herodotus and took out the money. She folded it and put it in herpocket.

“Thank you, my dear.” He looked at her lovingly. “I am sorry, but I must cut our visit short, as I am suddenly verytired.”

“Ofcourse,Papa.”