Lydia walked through the next few days in a partial trance. She was determined to continue on with her work and did so admirably. Edwin went directly to the pond site every morning and did not return until late afternoon—and sometimes not at all before Lydia left when her work was done for the day.

Their only point of meaningful contact was when Edwin told her the Duchess agreed to take her mother on as her companion. Lydia was pleased for her mother. And her mother began attending to the Duchess the next morning.

Lydia had a far sterner constitution than she had imagined. Some deep part of her always knew any type of romantic relationship between her and Edwin was an impossibility and, as such, had never completely given herself over to him.

Of course, Lydia could not confide about such matters to her mother, as she would never have imagined such a possibility could have existed in the first place and would have chided Lydia to no end for even thinking it might be possible.

That left Jenny as her only ally and confidant.

It was difficult not having Jenny next door anymore, whenever she needed to chat. And it was not possible to know when Jenny might be home, as she was spending more and more time with Doctor Cooke. But Lydia knew that Jenny could be found at the market most mornings, so she took a morning off and headed for the market to see if she could find her. She really needed to confide in someone about the situation with Edwin.

She planned the trip into the village so that she might do some marketing of her own. While she was able to get all the produce she wanted from the estate garden, there still were items she and her mother needed from the shops in town.

Lydia bought the few items on her list early, so that she could be on the lookout for Jenny without being distracted.

Lydia came out of the post office, after sending off a letter to Lavinia and Bernard, when she spotted Jenny purchasing onions, potatoes, and a cabbage.

“Jenny,” Lydia called out as she came over to her.

“Lydia, how lovely to see you. Are you in town for the market?”

“That, and to see you. It has been far too long. I so miss having you next door for a quick chat.”

“Me too. May I offer you some tea?” Jenny asked. “I would love to have a good gossipy chat.”

“Twistivants,” Lydia asked.

“Perfect. Let me just finish up my shopping here and we can head over.”

“Now, then,” Lydia started after they had ordered their tea. “How is the good Doctor Cooke? Is he still attentive?”

Jenny smiled. “Oh, yes, he is. In fact, I fully expect him to make a proposal any day now.”

“Then we shall be planning for another wedding soon.”

Jenny inclined her head. “I will be Mrs. Cooke, can you imagine?”

“I am really very happy for you.”

Jenny scowled slightly. “You don’t feel bad about Reggie turning his attentions toward me?”

“Not at all. I was ambivalent about the two of us at best. I think the two of you are a much better match.”

Jenny reached over and put her hand on Lydia’s. “Thank you.”

The tea served—they both took a moment to prepare their cups the way they liked it.

“Now, tell me about you. How is your mother faring in a new and strange community?”

“Very well. She has taken on Aunt Lavinia’s position as companion to the Duchess and is most pleased. She is not as sour and is much chattier than my aunt was, and the two of them seem to get along like sisters.”

“How about that.” Jenny had a twinkle in her eye as she then asked, “And Edwin? Might there be a marriage soon in your future?”

Lydia dropped her eyes and was silent for a moment. “I am afraid not, Jenny.” She then went on to explain about the devastating conversation she had had with Edwin soon after she returned to Honeyfield.

“He’s a beast,” Jenny said emphatically.

“Oh, Jenny. He is not. I knew in my heart that any romance between us was impossible. He has family responsibilities he must respect.”

“And does that include the dreaded Stafford?”

“Perhaps. I do not know. I have not seen her lately. Perhaps she finally understood Edwin’s not too subtle message.”

“Then where is he to find a wife?”

“London? I know they have a townhouse there. Perhaps he will accompany Ellen after the first of the year and go wife shopping.”

“Oh, Lydia. I am so sorry. And how are you still able to live and work there? It must be dreadful.”

“But it is my livelihood. I cannot just give that up. Besides, right now we rarely see each other. He is focused on building the pond and I am working on the orchard and garden. Our paths rarely cross.”

“But they will eventually.”

Lydia nodded. “Yes, they will, and I believe we are both adult enough to be able to work together in a professional manner.”

Jenny studied Lydia. “Are you being entirely honest with me? How can you not be affected by his presence—by the memory of his declaration to you?”

“Then I shall just have to find out, will I not?”

* * *

Mother was very chatty these days. She seemed to be thoroughly enjoying her new position with the Duchess. She had given up, for the time being, the notion that she might find her own accommodations. It was so convenient to be able to just take a short walk and be at Honeyfield with no need for transportation.

“What would you think about a trap and pony?” Mother asked one morning during breakfast.

“You mean for us?”

“Yes. We both need to go into town and get about. I should like to make some local friends and it would be ever so useful if we were free to travel as we liked.”

“But where would we keep a pony? We have no outbuildings.”

“Oh, Her Grace said we could use the stable for both the pony and the trap.”

“You talked to her about this before you talked to me?” Lydia asked, a little annoyed.

“I needed to see if it was feasible before I spoke to you. And as we both have incomes now, might it not make life a lot easier for both of us?”

Lydia thought about that and quite liked the idea. It would certainly make life easier for her. She could market, and visit Jenny with much greater ease.

“Actually, Mother, I think that is a splendid idea. I shall ask Edwin where we might obtain both and how much they will cost. I assume you are willing to split the costs.”

“Of course, my dear. Although, you do make more than I do,” she added with an edge.

“Then let us see how much each of us uses the trap and we can make adjustments if appropriate. Yes?”

Mother nodded.

* * *

It had been several weeks since Edwin had spoken to Lydia about how things were to be between them. Lydia was not to be deterred and threw all her efforts into her work on the orchard and the garden.

Lydia had seen little of Ellen, but taking a break one morning she saw Ellen heading toward the stable.

“Ellen,” Lydia shouted out.

Ellen stopped and looked over. “Lydia, it has been far too long. Come riding with me. I have been so engrossed in my writing I have totally neglected my poor horsey.”

Lydia walked over to Ellen.

“I would love to, but look at me. I am a bedraggled mess. I have been climbing trees and hauling branches like a farmhand. You would make me ride a quarter of a mile behind you so as not to be seen with me.”

Ellen laughed. “You do not look that bad. But I suppose you are in the midst of work.”

“I am. But I have missed seeing you. Can you come sit with me in the office so we can catch up?”

“I would love to.”

They walked to the office and sat at the table.

“How is your writing going? Would you ever let me read anything?” Lydia asked.

“I am reluctant to let anyone see what I am working on, but I do have a few short stories I could let you read.”

“I would like that,” Lydia said, as she tried organizing the cluttered table. “And are you keeping up a correspondence with Bartley?”

Ellen sat back in the chair and beamed. “Oh, yes. And I cannot wait until January when I go up to London.” She suddenly had an idea. “Lydia, why not come with me? We would have the jolliest time.”

Lydia was surprised by the suggestion. “Oh… That sounds delightful, but my work…”

“It will be January. What work in the garden will there be for you to do? It will be all frozen and bleak. No. Come with me.”

“I would have to get Edwin’s approval,” she said.

Ellen waved her hand. “Oh, Edwin. I can handle him. Not to worry—you shall come with me.”

“Yes, that sounds like a great deal of fun. But it could only be for a limited time. There will be a lot of work to do getting ready for spring planting.”

“A month. Can you free yourself for a month?”

Lydia thought about that. “I do not see why not.”

“Excellent.”

“And your Mamma will not object?” Lydia asked.

“Oh, no. She is in her scheming mode.”

“How so?”

“She has totally given up on Pamela Stafford as a possible wife for Edwin.”

Lydia felt a jolt in her stomach at that announcement. “Oh? Does that mean Edwin is free to find his own wife?”

Ellen guffawed. “Oh, Lydia, I can see you have not yet grasped the extent of the Duchess’s grasp and control. No, she has found a new prospect.”

Lydia’s stomach jolted once again. “Are you at liberty to tell me?”

Ellen smiled. “But you are my friend. Of course. The name of the newly selected lady is Miss Caroline Beaufort. Her father is the Earl of Albemarsh and his estate abuts ours. However, they primarily live in London, and the lady seems disinclined to visit for fear the hem of her gown might be soiled in the wilds of Shropshire.”

Lydia chuckled. “Poor dear. And has Edwin been informed of his intended?”

“He has.”

“And his response?”

“One might say cool to chilly.”

“I see.” Lydia lowered her eyes.

Ellen suddenly realized what this new information might mean to Lydia. “Oh, my dear, I have been most insensitive. You have feelings for Edwin, do you not?”

Lydia shook her head. “No. I have no expectations where Edwin is concerned.”

Ellen thought for a moment. “Miss Beaufort has a most charming younger brother. I believe they are quite close. And I understand that, despite Caroline’s misgivings, they have been persuaded to come to Honeyfield for a visit next week. I feel certain you will find the young brother most charming.”

“And his name?”

“Daniel.”

* * *

“I understand that you and your mother desire to acquire a pony and trap,” Edwin said, as he and Lydia sat at the office table reviewing the seed catalogues she had ordered.

“It would give us a great deal more freedom. It seems my mother has Her Grace’s permission for us to keep them in the stable—if it also meets your approval.”

Edwin considered. “Of course, we have plenty of room. And have you found what you want to buy yet?”

“No. I am not sure where to enquire.”

“Let me help you with that. I have several sources and I will enquire and obtain you the best deal. If you wish it, that is?”

Edwin was being exceedingly polite and formal, Lydia observed.

She nodded. “That would be greatly appreciated.”

“Do you have a fixed sum you wish to spend?”

“I have no idea what these things cost.”

“Then I shall give you the prices before I go ahead and purchase them.”

Lydia nodded. It was clear they were bending over backward to be polite and civil with one another, with no spillover from their awkward last meeting.

However, they had business to deal with. It was time to order the seeds and plantings for the spring vegetable garden. Lydia handed Edwin a list of what she wanted to order.

“These new additions should provide a diverse and interesting garden for next season. Of course, there are all the standard vegetables you and your family would expect, but I have also added many new treats that you should enjoy.”

Edwin studied the list. “Most interesting. Yes, I shall accept your suggestions and shall order these and have everything shipped to arrive at planting time.”

“Excellent.”

“And how is the orchard?” he asked.

“I am almost finished, except for the fall planting. Have you ordered the additional trees I suggested?”

“I have, and they should be arriving any day now.”

“Wonderful.”

It seemed their business was concluded and it appeared that neither one of them had anything further to add. However, Lydia made an effort.

“And how is the pond coming along? Do you expect to be finished before winter?”

“I do. And once it is completed it will take several months for the water to fill the pond to its limit. You must take a ride with me one day to inspect the progress.”

“I have seen it. I often walk the estate and have passed by several times. It looks to be splendid.”

“Thank you.”

“And what will your next project be when it is completed?”

“I was thinking to begin work on expanding the greenhouse over the winter. I very much want to start my tropical collection.”

“Let me know if I can help you in any way,” Lydia said, as she stood.

“Perhaps I might consult with you about what might be planted around the pond besides the trees I have selected. I was thinking we should plant a number of aquatic plants. What do you think?”

It seemed to Lydia that he was struggling to find a way to connect with her that did not involve romance but still included friendship. She felt sad but wanted to maintain any non-threatening closeness they might achieve.

“Let me look through my catalogues and I will come up with some suggestions.” She was ready to leave. “I must get back to the orchard. I am so close to finishing the pruning now and I am anxious to get on to planting the trees.”

She started to leave.

“Wait. One moment.”

She stopped. “Yes?”

Mother has invited guests to stay with us at Honeyfield for a number of days next week, and we have decided to have a dinner and invite a few locals for them to meet. We would be honored if you and your mother could join us.”

Lydia nodded. “I am sure my mother will be attending to your mother, in any case.”

Edwin nodded. “Yes, but I still would like you to attend.” He suddenly seemed to realize she might not want to. “If it suits you, of course.”

“I should be honored. And the guests are?”

“The Earl of Albemarsh, his son, Daniel Beaufort, and his daughter, Caroline. They will be down from London. The Earl owns the estate adjoining ours to the north.”

“And the mother?” Lydia asked.

“She is deceased.”

Lydia was not sure she wanted to do this, but she would. She would very much like to see this Miss Caroline Beaufort. And then there was Daniel.