The next morning, the clouds, cold wind, and rain had disappeared and there was a freshness in the air. Lydia opened her casement window and stood to admire the bright sunshine.

She went to the dining room for a light breakfast and Doctor Winston nodded to her as she entered. He offered to share his table with her but she chose to sit alone as she wanted to enter an entry into her journal.

Waiting in front of the inn for the carriage to arrive with fresh horses, Lydia got into conversation, once again, with the professor. He reminded her of her father, as they were of the same age, and he too had rosy cheeks and a pleasant smile.

“How nice that we shall be traveling all the way to Upton Magna together,” he said. “I am sorry I was not of much company yesterday, but I am afraid Mrs. Butley put me off with her prying questions.”

“I quite understand,” Lydia said, “she seemed to disapprove that I was neither married nor engaged at my age.”

“Then let us have a pleasant travel day with light banter, or none at all, as we feel in the moment,” the Doctor replied.

The carriage finally arrived, their luggage was loaded, and they were soon on their way for the next leg of their journey. Fortunately, they had the carriage to themselves and they alternately gazed at the countryside, chatted, or retreated into their books.

They stopped at an inn for a light noon dinner and this time Lydia accepted the offer to dine with the professor.

During the conversation over Dover sole, boiled potatoes, and peas, Lydia asked, “Was Mr. Templeton a good student?”

“Oh yes, a fine student. He graduated with honors, although he seemed much more interested in horticulture than the classics. He was always bringing in cuttings, seedlings, or small packages of seeds into our tutorials. Many were the times when I would discover a dead plant or dried dirt between the cushions of the sofa. When focused on his studies he often became absent minded—not unlike me—and would leave without collecting all of his belongings.”

“So he is a man of the natural world?” Lydia asked.

“More specifically, flora. He was never one to dissect frogs or collect bugs on a pin.”

“I too love to garden. I am hoping my aunt will have space to put in a garden if she does not have one already.” She was almost on the verge of tears, once again. “We have the most beautiful orchard back home. I shall miss that most awfully.”

“Do not fret, my dear, every place has its own charms and I am sure you will find yourself right at home before you know it.”

“Thank you, Dr. Winston, you are most kind.”

After their meal, they continued their travels in silence for a short while before Dr. Winston suggested, “I have an idea, why not come visit me during my visit at Honeyfield, and I can introduce you to the Duke and his mother, the Duchess. She is somewhat indisposed, but I am certain we can all have tea together some afternoon.”

“That would be lovely. But I will need to consult with my aunt first to see what her needs will be before I can commit. After all, I am going there to serve her.”

“Certainly. But it would be a great treat to see you again before I go back to Oxford.”

After their repast and the recommencement of their journey, the Doctor soon drifted off into an afternoon nap and Lydia picked up her journal to make an entry, but the carriage was shifting and bouncing too much to write legibly and she soon put the journal aside and enjoyed the vistas outside the window.

Lydia had rarely travelled far from Piddlehinton so it was a treat to see other areas of the country. The rolling hills, streams, rivers, and vast fields, moors, and wooded areas delighted her. Soon she found herself dozing as well.

And then, while it was still light, they arrived at their next destination—The Golden Hind Hotel and Pub. The inn was on a lively rushing river and the soothing sound of water led Lydia to believe she would sleep soundly that night.

“If you are free and so inclined, shall we share the evening supper in the dining room?” the Doctor asked.

“Certainly, Dr. Winston, I would be delighted.”

“And I would like you to be my guest. I know traveling can be expensive. The Duke has kindly sent me my traveling expenses, and they are way in excess of my modest needs, so I hope you will accept my offer.”

“Very kind. I will accept, thank you.”

Lydia was directed to her room. It was quite small, with a rather suspect bed, but the window at the back of the hotel opened onto the river that provided a lively and most pleasing sound.

Lydia removed her bonnet, opened her traveling valise, and removed her journal and wrote the entry she’d not been able to write in the carriage.

It was still an hour until she was to meet the Doctor for dinner, and, as she was tired, she lay down on the bed for a short nap.

When she awoke it was completely dark. She struggled to light a candle and checked the timepiece her father had given her as a parting gift. It was two o’clock in the morning.

“How can this have happened?” she exclaimed, bereft that she had disappointed the Doctor by not appearing for dinner, and with no explanation. It upset her greatly.

But there was nothing she could do at this hour, so she undressed and got back into bed. But she slept fitfully and ended up getting back up after only a few hours of thrashing and beating on her pillow.

She sat at the window and enjoyed the river and the flushing dawn until it was a decent hour to go down to breakfast. She was hungry, as she’d missed her supper last evening.

She entered the dining room with some trepidation, as she was certain to find the Doctor upset with her. She saw him sitting at a table and sheepishly went over to greet him.

When he saw her he jumped up with a pained expression on his face.

“Oh, my dear, I am so dreadfully sorry,” he exclaimed.

“Whatever for?” she asked, “It is I who am sorry beyond words.”

They stared, not comprehending each other’s statement, for a moment until Lydia spoke.

“Excuse me, Doctor, it is I who is at fault for missing dinner last evening.”

The Doctor’s expression changed and he let out a hearty laugh. “No, it was I who missed dinner. I am mortified.”

Then Lydia laughed. “You missed dinner too?”

“I did. I had a terribly upset stomach from what I guess must have been an off piece of fish at dinner last noontime. I asked the innkeeper to contact you. Did he not find you in your room?”

Lydia laughed again. “I lay down for a nap and didn’t wake until this early morning. If he tried to knock at my door I never heard him.”

“Well then, shall we have breakfast? I am famished now,” the Doctor said.

“Yes, me too.”

* * *

Later that afternoon the carriage was within a few miles of reaching Upton Magna. Lydia was both excited and nervous. Her father had written ahead to Aunt Lavinia with Lydia’s travel schedule and time of arrival, but Lydia had no idea if she was to be met or if she must find her own way to her aunt’s house.

The Doctor turned to her. “My dearest child. It has been such a pleasure traveling with you.” He handed her his card. “If you would be so kind as to write your new address on the back of my card then I shall send you an invitation for tea with the Duchess when I can work out a date and time.”

“That would be lovely.” She wrote the address and returned the card to the Doctor.

He then handed her another card. “And this is my card for you to keep.”

The carriage pulled up in front of the Upton Magna Inn where there was a scurry of new passengers eager to board. Lydia and the Doctor exited the coach, and the Doctor was greeted by one of the Duke’s footmen, taking his luggage, and gesturing him toward the Duke’s carriage.

“Do you need any assistance before I leave,” the Doctor asked.

“Oh, no thank you. I am sure I can find my way if there is no one to greet me.” Lydia looked at the group of people around the carriage hoping to catch a glance from someone who might have come to greet her.

“But you have a trunk and several cases,” the Doctor added. “How will you manage? I can’t leave you here alone.”

Lydia became flustered. “I am sure my aunt must have made arrangements. Please don’t bother yourself. The Duke must be waiting for you.”

The Doctor glanced at the footman who was waiting for him. “Are you quite certain there is nothing I can do for you? Perhaps the footman might be able to assist.”

“No, thank you, Dr. Winston. You must go.”

“Very well, my dear. I look forward to meeting you again at tea quite soon.”

“Thank you for your assistance, and enjoy your visit,” Lydia called out as the Doctor retreated.

There was a great deal of scurry and scuffle as the passengers loaded into the carriage and their well-wishers departed as the carriage drove off.

Suddenly Lydia found herself alone with her trunk, three cases, a lunch basket, and her travel valise. The sun was glaring, and her bonnet provided little protection. She shaded her eyes with her hand and nervously scanned her surroundings. She had no idea where her aunt lived. All she had was her address on a piece of paper. She would need to ask a stranger if they could direct her. But what was she to do with her luggage? She couldn’t just leave it here in the road in front of the inn. Perhaps the innkeeper would allow her to store it inside until she could arrange for its transport.

Once again she felt her eyes tearing up. This was not the welcome she had hoped for, and she regretted ever leaving Piddlehinton. But there was nothing to be done about it but take a deep breath and move forward.

As she was turning to enter the inn and request storage of her luggage, she spotted a young woman in a green dress running toward her and waving. Lydia stopped.

As the woman approached she laughed and said, “You must be Lydia.”

Lydia felt a wave of relief wash over her.

“Yes, I am.”

“I am so-o-o sorry to be late. I spilled coffee on my dress and had to change.”

“And who are you?” Lydia asked giggling.

The woman waved her arms frantically in the air. “How absolutely stupid can one be? I am Jenny Lovell. Your aunt asked me to greet you and help you to your new home.”

Lydia smiled broadly. “Well, it is a pleasure to meet you, Jenny Lovell. And as you must know by now, I am Lydia Fernside.”

“Of course, you are.” Jenny leaned in and embraced Lydia. “I just know we are going to be fast friends.”

“Do you work for my aunt?”

“Oh no, I live next door with one horribly stupid and bumbling brother and a fairly decent mother and father. No sisters, so I shall look upon you to be mine.”

“I should like that. I’ve left two sisters behind so I shall be in need of another.” Lydia liked this new person immediately.

“So, let’s get you home, shall we?” Jenny asked. She looked around and waved to a young man passing by. She called out. “Thomas!”

The man turned and started toward them. “Jenny… good afternoon. And how are you this fine and glorious day?”

“Stop flirting, Thomas Allen. We need your help.”

Thomas’s smile disappeared and he tipped his hand to his forehead in a kind of salute. “How may I be of service?”

“This is my new friend, Lydia Fernside.”

Thomas’s smile instantly reappeared as he studied Lydia. “Thomas Allen," he said.

Jenny continued. “We need you to recruit a few more lads to help us take this luggage to Lavinia Daw’s house. There will be a beer for each of you after.”

Thomas nodded. “I think I can round up a few louts to help. There are always a few malingerers at the alehouse.” He turned and left.

“Is my aunt at home?” Lydia asked.

“No, that is why she asked me to greet you. She’s with the Duchess today, as she often is. She’s her companion, you know.”

“Yes, I believe I did know that. But I didn’t know how often she was in attendance.”

Thomas and two other men approached and began to gather up the luggage.

“Lead on,” Thomas said.

Jenny turned to Lydia. “Come. Let’s take you to your new home.”