Page 96 of The Lady and the Duke

“Veryjolly.”

Edwin turned to the coachmen and arranged for the luggage and trunks to be loaded onto thewagon.

Edwin then turned to Mother. “Mrs. Fernside, what a pleasure to meet you. I thought, at first, that you must be Lydia’ssister.”

Mother blushed. “Oh, Your Highness, you aretookind.”

Lydia leaned in to her mother and whispered. “He is called Your Grace, not YourHighness.”

“Oh.”

Edwin laughed. “Now, then, if you ladies are ready, we shall head to thecottage.”

Lydia turned to Jenny. “Come by later if you can. I am dying to hear all about the wedding and any other current stories that are goingabout.”

“I just need to do a few errands for mother and then I shall come over. I am sure you can use some helpunpacking.”

“Good-bye. Untillater.”

Edwin helped Mother and Lydia onto the wagon. There was just enough room for all three on the driver’s seat—although it was a tight fit. But Lydia did not mind, as she was snuggled up close to Edwin. She could feel his elbow inherside.

“I shall have you home shortly,” Edwin said to Mother. “You must be exhausted after your longjourney.”

“I mostly just want a cup of tea,” she said, as she clung toLydia’sarm.

Edwin drove up to the cottage and helped the ladies down from the wagon. Two of the Honeyfield footmen were waiting to unload theluggage.

They went into the cottage, and Lydia was surprised to see the cottage was spotlessly clean with fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit, and hung curtains that had not been therebefore.

“Edwin, the cottage lookslovely.”

“Not my doing. You must thank Ellen, who spent all yesterday preparing the cottageforyou.”

Mother leaned to Lydia and whispered, “You call the Duke, Edwin? That isdisrespectful.”

Lydia whispered back, “No, Mother. And I’ll explain whylater.”

“Ladies, will you do us the honor of dining with us? I am quite certain you did not bring any food with you to prepare for thisevening.”

“That would be very kind, Your Grace,” Motherreplied.

“Please, call meEdwin.”

Mother was shocked but nodded. She looked at Lydia who nodded in return with an ‘I told you so’smile.”

“I will leave you ladies now. Shall we say seven-thirty for an eight o’clockdinner?”

“Thank you. We look forward to it,” Lydia replied, as she escorted Edwin to thewagon.

“How kind you are, Edwin,” she said, as he climbed onto the wagon and took thereins.

“I am so happy you are back,” he said. “I have missed youverymuch.”

“And I shall be ready to start work tomorrow—if I still have a position,thatis.”

“You most certainly do. However, I am now working full time on the construction of thenewpond.”

“Do you still want me to concentrate on the orchard?” sheasked.