Graham answered the door leaning on a cane.

“Oh, hello, lovely Lydia, Jenny is up in her room,” he said.

“Graham. And how are you today? I have not seen you since the ball. Where have you been hiding?”

“You haven’t heard? I am working with Father at the bank. Just a lowly clerk, mind you, but it provides me with a bit of scratch.”

“And why are you not at work today?” Lydia asked.

“Bum foot. I was roughing with the lads and twisted the old ankle.” He nodded to the cane

“Poor baby.”

He laughed. “Go see the Jenny monster. She is waiting for you.”

Lydia went upstairs and found Jenny sprawled out on her bed with a dozen fabric samples before her.

“And what is all this?” Lydia asked.

“For my dress. What do you think? I did not know there were so many different colors of white. I have been studying them for hours. And now they all look the same. I feel like I am trapped in a snowstorm. Help me, Lydia.”

Lydia fell forward onto the bed and rested her head in her hands.

“What are you looking for? What effect are you trying to make?

I want a white dress that says this is a wedding with the man I love. Is that too much to ask for?” Jenny sighed, rolling over onto her back.

Lydia took her fingers and sorted through the samples. She made a few selections and said, “Here. This would look nice.” She placed a lace sample over a satin sample. Jenny turned back over to look.

“What’s that?” she asked.

“The lace is light and transparent over the shine of the satin for the body. It would give a nice layered look. And maybe this nice creamy cambric for the sleeves. What do you think?”

Jenny studied the samples.

“Oh, yes. I like that. I shall take these samples to the dressmaker’s tomorrow morning. See, that is why I chose you as my chief bridesmaid. I just knew you would solve all my problems.”

“All your problems? Oh, no. I don’t know about that. And how are things with you and Reginald? Any second thoughts before it is too late?”

“Absolutely none,” Jenny said swinging around and sitting on the edge of the bed.

“And have you inspected his house? “Will it be a nice place to live?”

“Typical bachelor’s house. Disgusting furniture and absolutely no style. But he assures me he will allow me free reign in making it all right.”

Lydia smiled. “And are you ready for the wedding night?”

Jenny bounced off the bed and went to her armoire where she pulled out a most enticing nightdress. “What do you think? Will this enflame his doctor’s heart?”

“Very saucy,” Lydia answered and collapsed into giggles.

“And speaking of saucy men, what do you have to tell me of Mr. Daniel? Was the trip to Shrewsbury a success? You know I have not met him yet. Is he very handsome?”

Lydia sat with her hands folded between her legs. “Yes. Tolerably handsome.” And Shrewsbury was quite delightful. But I have to say I have quite fallen in love with opera.”

Lydia thought about telling Jenny about her episode with Edwin in the office but felt it would be indiscreet, given that Edwin would soon be announcing his engagement to Caroline, and knowing Jenny’s sometimes improvident tongue.

And that is all? No holding of hands? No stolen kisses on the carriage ride home?”

“There was some hand holding, but I am ashamed to say I fell quite asleep and slumbered on his shoulder most of the way back to Upton Magna.”

“How romantic. Did he seem to mind?”

“No. He was every bit the gentleman.”

Jenny studied Lydia. “And Edwin? Is that completely over for you? Has Mr. Daniel supplanted Edwin in your heart?”

“I would not say that. But Daniel is engaging. And I am willing to get to know him. That is all I can say about that.”

Lydia leapt up. “But why are we talking about me when we should be focusing exclusively on your lovely wedding?”

* * *

Edwin had said they should not work the day of the engagement dinner. But Lydia needed to water the trees and went over early in the morning and spent an hour lugging water to the orchard.

As she was leaving, Daniel came out of the house.

“Miss Lydia, I am about to go over to our house to oversee the preparations for this evening’s dinner. But before I do, might I ask you to accompany me inside? I have my cousin’s gowns for you to inspect.”

“Oh, yes. Certainly.”

They went inside, and as they were ascending the stairs toward Daniel’s room she asked. “Have you seen the gowns? Are they something you would admire on a young lady?”

“They are quite lovely. I think you will be pleased.”

They entered his sitting room and went over to a table where a large box lay. He opened the box and took out three gowns and draped them across a small loveseat.

“There what do you think? Anything you fancy?” Daniel asked as he stood back to regard the gowns.

There was a lemony yellow gown, one in a forest green, and one in a pale pink.”

“I love yellow, but it is not a good color for me. And pink makes me look twelve-years-old. But I very much admire the green dress. It looks quite ladylike.”

“Then that is the one you shall have. And I quite approve. It is the one I would have chosen as well.”

“And how shall I return it tomorrow?” she asked.

“Oh, no. It is for you to keep. As I say, my cousin never wears the same gown twice. Please accept it as a gift.”

“How kind and generous. Please thank her for me.”

“Ah, but you shall have the opportunity to thank her for yourself in just a few short hours.”

Lydia nodded. “Then I shall see you later this evening.”

“And how are you planning to get to our estate? It is too far to walk.”

“I can take the trap.”

“No. Let me send our carriage. It would be my honor. Say seven o’clock?”

“I shall be ready.”

* * *

Lydia spent the afternoon making a few alterations on the gown and took a short nap. Her mother was attending the dinner as well and returned about five o’clock to dress for the evening.

“Oh, that is quite lovely,” Mother said as she saw the green gown slung over a chair by the table. “You did not purchase that, did you? I did not know you had extra money to throw around.”

“No, Mother, I did not buy it. It is a gift.”

Mother pursed her lips. “A gift? From whom, might I ask?”

“A cousin of the Beauforts. She never wears the same ball gown twice it seems, and has gifted it to me.”

“We do not accept charity in this family, Lydia.”

“It is not charity, Mother. She does not even know who I am.”

“Then how did you come by this?”

“Mr. Daniel arranged it for me, as I was not planning to attend the dinner and he wanted me there.” Lydia was becoming cross with her mother’s interference. “Mother please, leave it alone. This is my business—not yours.”

“Well, excuse me. I shall butt out then, shall I?”

“Yes, please do.”

And Mother went into the bedroom to sulk, Lydia suspected.

Having an afternoon off had been nice. Lydia had even read a novel she had not had time for in quite some while. Later she made tea and served her mother with no comment and then at six o’clock began to dress for the dinner.

* * *

The Duchess was sending the family carriage to pick Mother up before Edwin, the Duchess, and Ellen were to be taken to the Beaufort estate.

Daniel’s carriage arrived as promised, and Lydia was taken toward the Beaufort’s. She had not given it a lot of thought, but now she had time to ruminate on the evening ahead, and she realized she was dreading it. However, she decided to concentrate on how kind Daniel had been to her, and she promised herself she would at least try and enjoy the evening.

The Beaufort estate house was very different from Honeyfield. It seemed to be more under the influence of the French than the English style of architecture. There were a number of towers with conical roofs and large windows allowed a great deal of daylight to enter. The front was almost completely covered by vines, which gave the feeling of an older building.

The Templeton carriage had already arrived ahead of her, and she saw the family leaving their carriage. There were several carriages ahead of her, but finally, she arrived and stepped outside.

Daniel was there to greet her.

“Oh, my, that gown was the perfect choice. You look most stunning, Miss Lydia.”

“Thank you, Daniel.

He offered her his arm and they ascended the stairs to the entry.

“How many guests this evening?” Lydia asked.

“I think there are about twenty.”

“Not a large gathering then.”

“No, we wanted to keep it intimate. It is to be a special occasion.”

“Oh, might I know?”

“Soon.”

The guests were gathering in the sitting room, which had all of its doors opening onto a patio where champagne was being served. And as the evening was unusually warm and pleasant, most of the guests were gathering outside to take in the pleasant evening and the sunset.

Daniel directed Lydia outside where they were served champagne. They walked out into a fine formal garden were several of the guests were wandering and enjoying, what would prove to be, the last summer evening.

“Have you finished with your work on the orchard?” Daniel asked.

“Mostly. But I must carefully monitor the newly planted trees until they are well established. However, autumn is just around the corner, and then begins harvest and the shutting down of the vegetable garden for the winter.”

“You truly seem to enjoy this work. When you speak of it, your eyes light up and you have so much enthusiasm.”

Lydia appreciated that remark. “Thank you, I do enjoy my work and consider it a calling as well as a job.”

“And what will follow the harvest in your calendar?”

“I must speak with the Honeyfield cook, but if she is not already putting up the fruits of the harvest, then I will set up that process and make certain nothing goes to waste. And now, with all these new fruit trees, there will be plenty to preserve in the coming years.”

Daniel smiled and said gently. “You will make some lucky gentleman a delightful and useful wife with your charm and your husbandry.”

Lydia smiled and wondered if he was referring to himself or some other abstract ‘gentleman?’ “Thank you. It is nice to be appreciated for one’s work.”

“Lydia—Daniel,” they heard someone calling. They looked up and saw Ellen coming toward them.

“Lydia, you vixen, where did you find that gorgeous gown? No shop in Upton Magna would have such a gem.”

Lydia shot a glance at Daniel. It seemed he was not going to betray her little secret about the dress.

“Let us just say—a benefactress. A lady must keep some secrets. Do you not agree?”

Ellen laughed. “Oh, yes, indeed I do.” She turned to Daniel. “My dear man, are you pleased with your sister’s engagement?”

Daniel reacted with surprise and nervousness and he cast his eyes in Lydia’s direction. “There, you have ruined the surprise,” he said to Ellen.

“Oh, I am sorry.” She pouted her lower lip, but turned to Lydia, and shook her head, “But it really was no surprise to you, was it?”

Lydia lowered her eyes. “No, not so much of a surprise. Edwin told me of the pending engagement.”

Ellen gave Lydia a pitying look, which Lydia did not need.

“Well, then—let us celebrate,” Daniel said, raising his glass. “And I am almost out. More champagne, Lydia—Ellen?”

“Please,” Ellen said.

They headed back to top off their glasses. The evening sky was turning a darker rose color now, with streams of red and yellow shot through the sunset.

Servants were bringing out lanterns to light the service table.

As they were approaching the table, Lydia caught sight of Edwin and the Duchess through the doors to the sitting room—both dressed most elegantly. It caused Lydia a slight shock to see Edwin so formal looking. She was so used to seeing him in his casual work clothes. He was chatting with the Duchess, with Lydia’s mother by her side fanning her gently.

And then Caroline appeared. Lydia had to admit she was radiant. Her hair was ornately woven with ribbons and flowers. Her gown was gold and silver. And, as she approached the two, she easily took Edwin’s arm, leaning in as she did so, and nuzzled his arm with her cheek.

Lydia turned away. And as she did, she caught Ellen examining her.

“Are you alright?” She asked, as she came over and put her hand on Lydia’s shoulder.

Lydia took a deep breath. “Oh, yes, I am fine. But I did not plan to be here. It was only because Daniel invited me—catching me in a lie and practically shaming me into coming.”

Daniel returned with the wine. “Ladies. Another toast to the end of summer,” he turned to Lydia, “and a fine and generous harvest.”

They toasted.

The butler began walking through the sitting room and out onto the terrace, asking the guests to please take their seats for dinner.

Daniel offered Lydia his arm. “Shall we?”

Ellen had trotted off to accompany her family into dinner.