Doctor and Mrs. Cooke had delayed their honeymoon. Winter was not the best time to travel, so they decided to take a trip to Italy in the spring and summer. That gave Jenny a completely new set of interests to get excited about.

Lydia’s first visit with Jenny, as Mrs. Cooke, was at her new home.

“Welcome, Miss Fernside, do come in,” the maid said, as she answered the door. “Mrs. Cooke is expecting you. If you will just follow me, please, Miss.”

It was somewhat disorienting to be seeing Jenny in her new home. It was finer and more formal than her family home, and Lydia had to wonder if the new circumstances would change Jenny in any way.

“Lydia!” Jenny shouted, as she sprang out of her chair and rushed over to embrace Lydia in a bear hug. “What do you think of this stuffy old house? Is it not a horror?”

It had not changed Jenny so far, Lydia realized.

“I cannot wait until I can start redecorating. This place needs light, color, air.” She twirled in a circle pointing to all the room’s many perceived faults.

Then she suddenly stopped. The maid was standing attentively at the door to the sitting room. “Tea. Yes. I must order tea.” She turned to the maid. “Janet, we will have tea now.”

“Yes, Mrs. Cooke.” She turned and left.

“How about that? I do not have to do anything for myself. I just ring this little bell and… poof, it appears.”

“You seem to be doing well,” Lydia said. “Are you enjoying married life?”

“I suppose you mean…” Jenny gave a lascivious smile and waggled her hand.

Lydia blushed. “Oh, Jenny, no. I did not mean that at all.”

“Well, it is al-l-l good, let me tell you.” Jenny suddenly threw her hands up in the air again. “Oh, come—sit. No point in standing about. Tea takes no time in this household. I believe the cook keeps the kettle on a constant boil. Tea in a moment.”

And surly enough, the door opened and Janet came in with the tea tray and placed it on the table next to Jenny’s chair.

“Are you excited about Italy?” Lydia asked? “How are you going? Through France by carriage?”

“No, we are taking a boat from Southampton to Naples. I think a sea voyage will be almost as much fun as Italy itself.”

Lydia sighed. “Oh, Jenny, it sounds wonderful. How I envy you.”

“Then marry your Duke and travel the world.”

Lydia shook her head. “You know that cannot be. He is engaged to an Earl’s daughter. What could he possibly want with me?”

The door opened and the face of Doctor Cooke peeked in.

“Hello, ladies. Just wanted to say hello between patients.”

“Oh, Reggie, how nice.” Jenny sprang up from her chair and ran over and threw her arms around her husband’s neck. She gave him multiple little kisses all over his face.

Lydia could not help but reflect for a brief moment that it might have been her living in this house and giving the doctor little kisses. But she did not regret that it was not so.

“Miss Lydia, it is grand to see you again. I understand you are soon off to London.”

“I am—and greatly looking forward to it. It is to be my first visit.”

“Have an enjoyable stay.” He turned to his wife, “I must go—Mrs. Bridge’s bunions.” He rolled his eyes.

Jenny reached out to him as he left. Lydia could see that they were truly in love. She returned to her chair.

“Tell me—is Mr. Daniel to be in London when you are?” Jenny asked.

“He is and has sent me a list of performances presenting during my stay. He has asked me which I would enjoy and plans to take me to a few.”

“So-o-o, is this about to become a serious affair?”

“He is very nice.”

Jenny shifted in her chair, tucking her legs under her. “Lydia, why do you always hedge whenever I ask about Daniel? Does he not interest you?”

Lydia did not know how to answer. “I do hedge, do I not? I like Daniel a great deal. What is there not to like. He is handsome, he has money, he is about to be a successful attorney, I expect. But… but… I… I… sorry, I just do not have a passion for him. As a gentlemanly escort, he is delightful, but that is as far as it goes for me.”

Jenny looked pityingly at Lydia. “It is still Edwin, is it not?”

Lydia lowered her eyes and nodded. “What am I to do?”

* * *

The carriage stood ready. Lydia’s and Ellen’s trunks and assorted luggage had been packed and loaded. It only awaited the two lovely ladies to climb aboard.

Mother was conversing with Lydia.

“Calder’s Rose Water. The large size. Maybe you can bring me two or three bottles.”

“Of course, Mother,”

“And if you see any of the pale blue organdy like I have in my Sunday dress, I would like at least five yards of that.”

“I will try.”

Mother leaned forward and gave Lydia a tentative hug. “Have a wonderful journey and give my very best to your Aunt Lavinia and the doctor when you see them.”

“I will.”

“Are you ready?” Ellen asked.

“Oh, yes.”

Ellen and Lydia climbed aboard the carriage, seated themselves, and then looked out the windows to wave good-bye as the carriage started up.

Lydia could see Edwin standing at the kitchen door watching as the carriage departed. Lydia gave him a faint smile and a gentle wave. He nodded back.

* * *

Doctor and Mrs. Winston had a quaint cottage at the edge of the university at Oxford. The cottage’s fine garden backed up on a section of the river Thames, which was also known in this region as the Isis. Lydia and Ellen were to break up their journey and spend two days visiting her aunt and uncle.

The carriage pulled up in the road before the cottage. Doctor Winston came out to direct the drivers where to carry the luggage. Ellen and Lydia got out of the carriage and pointed out which pieces of luggage they would need for their brief stay.

After the initial scurry of unloading, the three went inside.

Aunt Lavinia was standing in the entry hall as they came in.

“Aunt…” Lydia greeted and gave her a hug.

“Lydia,” she answered.

“How was your journey?” Bernard asked. “I hope it was not too tedious?”

“Not at all. Ellen and I played games the entire way.”

“So, you are to spend time in London, are you?” Lavinia asked. “A city of wickedness and sin. I hope you are both to be chaperoned whenever you go about.”

“Now, now, Dear. Let them be. This is no time to be preaching at them,” Bernard scolded, as he took Lydia and Ellen by the arm and led them into the sitting room.

Lydia went over to the leaded windows that overlooked the back garden and the river.

“Oh, what a lovely view you have,” she said.

Bernard came over and stood next to her. “Exactly. And it is this view that sold me on the cottage. It is a place of peace and respite. And I hope you will rest up during your stay.” He winked at her, “But not too peaceful. I intend for us to have a bit of fun as well. I’ve arranged a dinner at the college for all of us. And they do an outstanding side of beef I think you will enjoy.”

“Delightful, we look forward to it.”

“But come, you ladies must want to refresh yourselves after your journey. Let me show you to your room. You do not mind sharing, do you? It is a very small cottage and we only have the one guest room. But there are two beds so I hope you will be comfortable.”

* * *

They were having dinner in a private dining room for professors and fellows at Bernard’s college. The table was beautifully set with china and crystal. The wine was from the college’s cellar and was of the first quality.

And how is my dear friend, Edwin?” Bernard asked Lydia at dinner.

Aunt Lavinia leaned in, “You should call him, His Grace,” she admonished.

Ellen answered. “No, he much prefers being called Edwin. He is most informal when it comes to his title.”

“You know he is to be married?” Lydia asked.

Bernard leaned back in his chair, “No-o-o, I did not know that. To whom?”

Lydia could not bring herself to directly utter the woman’s name. “The daughter of the Earl of Albermarsh.”

“Well, well… When is the happy occasion?” he asked.

Ellen answered, “Later this month. It is to be held at Honeyfield. But it is to be a small affair. Just immediate families. Edwin feels there is just too much fuss with a big wedding.”

“That is a shame,” Lavinia said. “One should celebrate such an occasion grandly if one is able.”

Lydia pressed her lips tightly together and looked at her wine.

The servers came in, wheeling a trolley with the roast beef under a silver dome.

“Ah, the beast!” Bernard exclaimed.

One server topped the wine glasses, while another carved the beef, served the potatoes and vegetables, and a third delivered the plates to each guest.

Bernard was looking at Lydia when he asked, “And how is your new position at Honeyfield working out? Are you enjoying yourself?”

Lydia forced a smile. “Yes, very much so. I have renovated the orchard and am planning an expanded kitchen garden for next year.”

“When I was visiting Honeyfield, Edwin went on long rambling talks about his vision and plans for his arboretum. And how is that going?”

“It has been delayed for a time.”

“Oh, I am sorry to hear that. He was so excited and enthusiastic.”

Lydia did not want to mention money problems in front of Ellen, feeling it would be indiscreet. “I believe the wedding plans have intervened.”

“Of course.”

“Do you still have that cat, Gingerbread?” Lavinia asked.

“Gingersnap, and yes I do.”

“We now have two cats,” she said. “I became quite enchanted with yours, and as Bernard likes cats too, we each have one sitting on our laps every evening.”

“Are there any walks in the area?” Ellen asked. “I think Lydia and I would both enjoy a long bracing walk tomorrow. We were cooped up so long in the carriage, and we still have a long way to go the day after.”

“There is a delightful walk along the river, and, of course, it is always pleasant for one to visit the various colleges.”

Ellen turned to Lydia. “Let us make a day of it tomorrow, shall we? Perhaps a walk along the river in the morning and a rest, and then tour the colleges in the afternoon.”

“I should enjoy that very much.”

* * *

Lydia was exhausted from the journey by the time they neared London. But once they reached the outskirts, Lydia perked up and became fascinated, as they drove through the teeming city.

Their destination was Belgrave Square where the Duke’s townhouse was located. The carriage pulled up in front of number twenty-seven. Immediately, two footmen came out to unload and collect the luggage, followed by the butler to greet them.

The butler helped Ellen and Lydia down from the carriage. Lydia felt stiff and stretched to take out the kinks.

The butler said, “Miss Ellen, it is a great honor to see you again. It has been such a long time.”

“Yes, Hammond, it has been. But it is exciting to be back.”

“If you will follow me, they are expecting you in the first parlor for afternoon tea. Will that be to your liking?”

“Yes. However, may we go to our rooms first? I feel the need to freshen up.” Ellen turned to Lydia. “And you?”

“Yes, I would like that too,” Lydia replied.

“You have the Jonquil room as you requested,” Hammond said, “And Miss Lydia shall be next to you in the Windsor room.”

“Perfect.”

Ellen turned and started up the front steps. Lydia followed.

In her room and alone, Lydia went to the window that was overlooking the wooded square from the second floor and opened it. She studied the park and then the surrounding rooftops. She had never seen a scene like this before. House after connected house—one right after another marched around the outside of the square. How did people live like this, she wondered? They had no front gardens. And how did they get to the back of their houses? There must be roads or alleyways—otherwise, they would have no place to keep their horses.

Oh, my, she did have a lot to discover and learn about. Even the simplest facts of everyday living in the city mystified her.

But she did not linger. The footmen had brought her luggage and a maid immediately appeared.

“Shall I unpack for you, Miss?” she asked.

“That would be nice. And your name?”

“Nancy, Miss.”

“Nancy, thank you, and, if you please, put the books beside the bed.”

“Yes, Miss.”

“Where might I freshen up?” Lydia asked.

“Through that door.”

Lydia went over and went inside. There was a basin of water, a commode, and even a bathtub. Lydia had never seen such an arrangement. She poured some water into the basin and washed her face. She felt much refreshed.

Lydia then went next door to Ellen’s room—awash in a sunny, bright, lemony yellow. There was a writing desk by the window with the lovely view of Belgrave Square Park.

“Is that where you shall write?” Lydia asked.

Ellen stood between the desk and the window. “Yes, is it not a lovely place to work? I do look forward to getting back to my writing.”

“But did you not finish your novel? I thought you wanted to show it to publishers.”

“I have just a chapter more to write, and then I shall be finished. In any case, I need to send it to a copyist so that I might have copies to leave with publishers if they request it.”

“It is a lovely room,” Lydia said, as she gazed around.

“Are you ready for tea?” Ellen asked.

“I am.”

“What do you think of London so far?” Ellen asked as they went down the staircase to the first parlor.

“It is both exciting and overwhelming. I feel like I am in another country where I know none of the customs and recognize nothing familiar.”

“You will become accustomed to it before you know it.”

They entered the parlor and Ellen was surprised to see Bartley Evans standing at the tea table with a large smile.

“Bartley,” she exclaimed and rushed toward him. “I was not expecting you.”

“I wanted it to be a surprise,” he said. “I have so been looking forward to seeing you, and then I saw you come into the house and disappear. I was uncertain what I should do. So I decided to just wait, as your people said they would be serving you tea in here.”

“I am so pleased you did not rush away,” Ellen said, as she took hold of Bartley’s arm.

He turned his attention to Lydia. “Miss Lydia, it is a pleasure to see you again. I look forward to hearing all the news about progress on the Honeyfield arboretum.”

Lydia smiled and nodded. “And it shall be my pleasure to inform you.”

A door opened and several footmen entered with the tea service, followed by Hammond.

There was the tea itself, plus small cakes, peeled cucumber and shrimp paste sandwiches, a pot of clotted cream, and strawberry and apricots jams.

After Hammond served the tea he came over to Lydia and presented her with a letter on a small silver server.

“This came for you this morning, Miss,” Hammond said.

Lydia took the letter. It was from Daniel. “Thank you,” she said and slipped the letter into her pocket. This was not the time to read it.

Ellen and Bartley were in a bright conversation and were oblivious to Lydia until Ellen suddenly realized her manners and turned to Lydia, and asked, “You received a letter?”

“I did. From Daniel.”

“And what does he have to say?”

She patted her pocket. “I have not read it yet. But I expect it to be about scheduling some entertainments while we are visiting.”

Bartley spoke up. “Miss Lydia, I would like to request both of your presences at a dinner party I shall be giving at Rules in a week and a half. It should be well attended and I am expecting a number of West End celebrities from the world of theater, dance, and the concert stage. I hope you will both accept the invitation.”

Ellen played coy. “We will need to check our calendars, but if we can squeeze it in we shall.”

Bartley seemed to see right through her little tease. “I do not know what other engagement you might possibly have, as all the very best people will be at my party.”

Ellen was not about to be played by Bartley. “Ah, but I may be planning such an event myself. It all depends on the date of your party.”

“The twenty-third.”

Ellen touched her forehead as though she might be calculating dates. Then she looked up. “Yes, I believe we shall be able to attend.” She turned to Lydia. “Unless you have something scheduled for that time?”

Lydia laughed. “You know I do not.”