The evening before the dinner at Honeyfield honoring the guests, Caroline and Daniel, Lydia was doing some minor sewing repairs on the dress she would be wearing. Her mother sat opposite her at the table. Lydia had noticed at supper that her mother had something on her mind.

“Lydia, my pet, I have something I would like to discuss with you,” she said finally.

“Yes, Mother?” She looked up from her sewing.

“Mrs. Forbes, as you know is a widow—as am I—and finding that she is all alone in her very large house, has asked if I should like to move in with her. She says I shall be such great company.”

“Really? And how do you feel about that? Is that an idea you find agreeable?”

Mother hesitated but said, “I do. You know how cramped it is with the two of us living together in this tiny cottage. Just think, you could have all of this to yourself. Would you not like that?”

Lydia was not certain how agreeable it would be to live with Mrs. Forbes, but who was she to say?

“I would miss you, of course.”

“Yes, but I would still be at Honeyfield almost every day. I am sure our paths would cross frequently.”

“And what about the trap and pony? How would we manage that?”

“Well, Mrs. Forbes has her own carriage, and she assures me I might have its use whenever I like. I should be driven to and from Honeyfield each day. And she has a housekeeper, and a cook, and even a butler. It would almost be like the old days at Piddlehinton with your father—before we fell on hard times. And I am sure you can manage the trap and pony by yourself. That is, if you choose to keep it.”

Lydia thought about the proposal. It certainly would be nice to have the cottage to herself—that she had to admit. But she still had reservations about the suitability of the proposal.

“But Mother, are you not afraid you might tire of each other—with just the two of you living alone?”

“Oh, no, dear. I shall be with Her Grace during the daytime, and it would only be for a few hours in the evening that Mrs. Forbes and I should be together. And we do find each other quite agreeable. I foresee no problem.”

“Very well, then. Do you know when you should like to move in with her?”

“On my next free day. Mrs. Forbes… Cynthia… we use first names now… has arranged for her carriage to collect me and my luggage on that afternoon. I shall spend the remaining time here packing up my few belongings.”

“Very well. Let me know if I can help you in any way.”

Gingersnap pounced on Lydia’s lap causing her to prick herself with the sewing needle. “Ah… cat!” she cried out. Startled, the cat jumped back down.

* * *

Lydia was visiting with Ellen prior to the two of them going down to dinner.

“Are you excited about seeing London for the first time?” Ellen asked Lydia, sitting at her dressing table, as her personal maid was working on her hair.

“I am, but a little apprehensive as well. But quite honestly, I have no idea what to expect. All I have ever known are small rural villages my entire life. The biggest city I ever saw was when we passed through Shrewsbury on the way to Upton Magna.”

“Then, I shall take you in hand and we shall see everything together. By the time you leave, you shall be a seasoned Londoner.”

“You must advise me on what I should take to wear. I am not certain I will have the London look.”

“Never you mind. We shall go shopping. I am sure you could do with a few new frocks, no?”

Lydia grimaced. “If I can afford any at London prices.”

Ellen threw her hands into the air. “We have accounts at all the best dressmakers. Mamma just waves her hand when presented with the bills and says ‘Pay them.’ She will never know she is paying for an extra dress or two.”

“Wicked,” Lydia said laughing. “And have you yet met our guests since they arrived?”

“I have not. I know them, of course, but I was writing when they came and was not to be disturbed.”

“So what can you tell me about them?” Lydia asked.

“I have to admit, Miss Caroline is quite the beauty. A bit full of herself, but very well educated and accomplished in all the ladylike arts. My spies in London tell me she has her eyes set on our Edwin.”

“By spies do you mean Bartley?”

Ellen laughed. “Why, yes, I do. He is very useful in so many endearing ways.”

“I have a terrible feeling that you shall not be at all available in London, but shall be dallying with Mr. Evans all day and every evening.”

“That is why you are going with me. To help me restrain myself.”

“But your writing? Shall you have no time for that in London?”

“I hope to finish what I am working on before we leave. And it is my intention to use Mr. Evans to help me find a publisher. And then, when I am a famous authoress, I shall spend my mornings in bed—my afternoons writing—and my evenings being the toast of the town.”

The maid finished with Ellen’s hair. Ellen turned to Lydia, “Would you like her to touch your hair up? She has some sweet flowers she could work into it.”

“That sounds nice,” Lydia said and took Ellen’s place at the dressing table.

“You have told me about Miss Caroline, but what about Mr. Beaufort,” Lydia asked shyly.

“Oh, the Earl is quite distinguished,” Ellen said with a smile.

“I did not mean that Mr. Beaufort,” Lydia scolded, “and you know it.”

“Oh, you mean Mr. Daniel Beaufort…” Ellen teased.

“Yes, Ellen. Do not be so dense.”

“You will find he is quite presentable. He is studying law in the Temple. He rowed competitively at Cambridge, and he keeps his haberdasher happy with his expensive style of dressing. And as for his looks—you shall see quite soon for yourself.”

The maid finished Lydia’s hair. Lydia turned her head as she studied herself in the mirror.

“You look lovely,” Ellen said. “Shall we go down now?”

* * *

The Duchess and Mother were seated in a corner of the sitting room conversing with the Earl as Ellen and Lydia entered. The other guests had not yet come down.

“Mamma,” Ellen called out, as she headed across the room.

Her Grace looked up. “Oh, Ellen, you look lovely, my dear. And Miss Lydia, your mother, the Earl, and I were having the most delightful chat about crockery. Did you know that bone china is actually made with bone ash—really? I do not think I shall ever be able to drink a cup of tea again.”

“Until you are thirsty, Mamma,” Ellen reassured her. “Good evening, Your Lordship, I trust you had a pleasant journey down from London?”

“We did. Thank you, my dear,” the Earl said.

“And this is my friend, Lydia Fernside, My Lord. She is working closely with Edwin on his arboretum.”

“It is a great pleasure, Your Lordship,” Lydia said, curtsying.

“Miss Fernside,” The Earl acknowledged, but he did not rise, and she could see why. With his bulk, he barely fit into the chair. And she could see by the way he stuck out his leg, and the cane resting against the chair, that he probably suffered from gout.

“Play something for us, my dear,” the Duchess asked Ellen.

“I promise I will—after dinner. But first I want to introduce Lydia to our guests when they arrive.” And at that precise moment, they did.

Lydia watched as the sister and brother entered the sitting room. Caroline, was indeed, lovely. Her blond hair was simply set and her perfect complexion made her face seem radiant. Her pale blue eyes caught sight of Ellen and she flashed a generous smile, as the two came over toward them.

“Ellen, there you are. How lovely you look this evening,” she said, as she kissed Ellen on the cheek.

“And you, Caroline. I would like you to meet my dear friend and sister, Lydia Fernside.” She turned to Lydia. “Lydia, this is Caroline Beaufort and her brother, Daniel.”

Lydia took Caroline’s hand. It was smooth and cool.

“Delighted to meet you,” Lydia said, as she gave a slight curtsy.

“Miss Lydia, such a pleasure.”

Then Lydia turned to Daniel. He was taller than his sister, but she could see the family resemblance. He had long curly blond hair and the same robin’s egg blue eyes. He had a full mouth and a most alluring grin. And he was, as Ellen had suggested, dressed most fashionably.

Daniel leaned in and took Lydia’s hand, and without looking away from her eyes, kissed it.

“Miss Lydia, it is such a great pleasure to meet you. Edwin has been telling me all about your horticultural exploits, and how valuable you have been to his projects.”

“And Ellen has told me about your expertise at rowing,” Lydia said.

“Much exaggerated, I am sure. It is for me but a neglected hobby these days with my law studies being my main occupation.”

The butler and a footman came in with a trolley of iced champagne and he began serving the guests.

“If you will excuse us, we must pay our respects to the Duchess,” Daniel said.

“Of course,” Lydia replied.

Daniel and Caroline headed over to the Duchess.

Ellen pulled Lydia aside. “What do you think?”

“Miss Caroline is most lovely,” Lydia said,

“And Daniel?”

“Most charming.”

“And that is all?” Ellen asked, somewhat surprised.

“It is early in the evening, and at this point, we have only exchanged pleasantries.”

It was then that Edwin came into the room. He surveyed the scene and stood aside, not ready to intrude himself into the conversation between the brother, sister, and his mother.

Oliver offered Edwin a glass of champagne. Lydia watched carefully to see if she could read what Edwin’s reaction to Caroline might be, but he gave no indication.

After a moment or two, Caroline and Daniel left the Duchess. Caroline went over to chat with Edwin, and Daniel came over to Lydia and Ellen.

Daniel addressed Ellen, “I understand you will be traveling to London in the New Year.”

“Indeed that is so,” Ellen responded.

“It should be the height of the social scene. Are you planning to participate?”

“Occasionally. However, I am more interested in getting my first novel published and that will be my focus while I am there.”

Daniel nodded approvingly. “A female novelist. How very brave.”

Ellen did not seem to take well to that remark. “And how is that brave? I am not scaling any mountains or entering into battle.”

Daniel laughed. “I did not mean any offense, Miss Ellen. I was simply admiring the clarity of your vision.”

Ellen considered what he said. “No offense taken.”

Lydia was watching as Edwin chatted with Caroline. He was smiling as she put her hand on his arm and she leaned in to to speak intimately to him.

Daniel turned to Lydia. “I understand that you recently moved to Upton Magna.”

“That is so. And I feel most fortunate to be comfortably settled here now.”

“Will you be traveling to London with Miss Ellen?”

“I shall, but just for a month. My work with Edwin keeps me busy here, but as it will be the slow season, he says he can part with me for a few weeks.”

“Then the two of you must be our guests when you are there. I have a most excellent cook who does wonders with lamb.”

Lydia nodded. So far she had seen nothing in this young man to intrigue her. She looked over his shoulder and caught Edwin looking over at them. He seemed to be distracted from Caroline’s conversation. And was that a troubled look, she asked herself?

Ellen turned to Daniel and asked, “Are you acquainted with Bartley Evans?”

Daniel thought for a moment. “I think I have heard of him. I believe he is an acquaintance of a fellow of mine at the Temple. Why do you ask?”

“We have been in correspondence, and he is working to find me a publisher for my novel. And I was just wondering if you might know of him by reputation.”

Daniel shook his head. “I am sorry. I know little about him other than we have a mutual acquaintance.”

Daniel turned back to Lydia. “Tell me, do you enjoy the opera or the theatre?”

“I am so sorry to be such a country bumpkin, but I have been exposed to neither. However, I am quite fond of music and have attended a few concerts in my father’s parish church.”

“Then I look forward to introducing you to many new wonders when you come to London.”

“That indeed sounds delightful.”

Oliver announced. “Your Graces, My Lord, ladies and gentleman, please follow me, for dinner is soon to be served.”

“Shall we?” Daniel asked, offering one arm to Ellen and one to Lydia.

As they were exiting the room, Lydia glanced over to see Edwin leave Caroline and go over to escort his mother into dinner. That surprised her—but it also pleased her—until she watched as he then offered his other arm to Caroline as they were leaving. And she saw that that pleased the Duchess very much.

In the dining room, some of the leaves of the large table had been removed, and the party was greeted with a smaller, more intimate table. There were delicate flower arrangements that had been strategically placed so as not to impede conversation.

Daniel, Lydia, and Ellen were the first to enter. Ellen broke free from Daniel and went directly to the table, examining the name cards at each place. Lydia saw her switch one card with the card from the setting across the table.

The rest of the party arrived and each person searched for their place at the table. Lydia was seated on one side of the table between her mother on her left and Daniel on her right. Ellen was sitting opposite her. Lydia had to smile as she realized that Ellen had switched the name cards so that Lydia would be sitting next to Daniel rather than between Caroline and the Earl. However, she was not pleased that Caroline was sitting to the right of Edwin at his place at the head of the table.

After the first wine was served, the footmen served a brown soup from a tureen to each guest.

Mother turned to Lydia and whispered, “I was noticing how dark you have become being in the sun every day. You should take precaution, or you will lose your lovely fair complexion.”

“Mother, this is not the time,” Lydia whispered back.

“I am just saying is all.” Then she turned to converse with the Duchess who was already in conversation with the Earl, seated to her left.

Daniel turned to Lydia and asked, “What is your favorite recreational activity, Miss Lydia?”

“I very much enjoy walking. There are many fine walks through the estate and, I must say, I look forward to the day when our new pond is stabilized, for I do enjoy a cool paddle in hot weather.”

Daniel laughed. “Oh, yes, the pond. Father told us about the reason the pond on our estate was failing.”

“Yes, I believe Edwin is very embarrassed about that. However, once our pond is filled your pond will return.”

“And are you fond of reading?”

“I very much am. But unfortunately, with my work schedule, I do not have the time to read that I once had. I have a particular fondness for novels and I am so looking forward to reading Ellen’s when she is finished writing it. It is one of the reasons she is going to London—to find a publisher.”

“Yes, she mentioned that.”

“And Daniel, do you read?”

He waggled his head. “Only law books at the moment. But when I have the time I enjoy reading about foreign lands. There are many fine narrations of travel abroad. Have you ever read any of those books?”

“I have not,” she replied. “But they do sound intriguing and I would like to sample some sometime.”

The footmen removed the soup plates and began serving a new wine to go with the fish course.

Lydia looked over at Edwin. He was in deep conversation with Caroline. She noticed that, up to this point, everyone was in a localized conversation, and as yet no one had introduced a table wide conversation.

The footmen began serving the fish—Dover sole in a butter sauce.

Lydia noticed that Daniel had had two glasses of the previous wine, and was now already on his second glass of the new wine. He was conversing with his sister, who sat opposite, and Lydia noticed that he was beginning to speak a little louder and was prone to easy and more prolonged laughter. She considered he might have a drinking problem.

It was then that Edwin stood. “I should like to propose a toast.” The guests turned their attention to him. “To our guests… Your Lordship, Caroline, Daniel…” He turned to each as he mentioned their names. “Welcome to Honeyfield, and I hope this will be a strengthening of our family’s ties. Cheers.”

The guests toasted and Lydia noticed the Duchess was particularly pleased with the mention of strengthening family ties.

Then Edwin turned to Lydia. “And I should also like to toast Miss Lydia who has greatly enabled me to pursue my dream of establishing the Honeyfield Arboretum. To Miss Lydia.”

“To Miss Lydia,” the toast went up.

Lydia was surprised, shocked, and pleased.