“Are you traveling far?” the woman askedLydia.
“To Shropshire,” Lydiaanswered.
“Oh, that will take several days willitnot?”
Lydianodded.
The woman rummaged in a large traveling bag. “Would you like an oatmeal and raisin biscuit? I made them for the journey. They are my Cynthia’s favorite. Oh, I am Betsy, and this is my daughter,Cynthia.”
“I am LydiaFernside.”
“Pleasure,” Betsyanswered.
“Thank you, but I am not hungry just now. I am still a bit upset about leaving my parents and my home.”Lydiasaid.
“Oh, Iamsorry. That must be difficult,” she said as she handed her daughter thebiscuit.
“Itis.”
“Where are you going in Shropshire?” She closed her bag and set it on the seat between her and herdaughter.
“Upton Magna. I am staying with mygreat-aunt.”
“For an extendedvisit?”
“Permanently. It is to be mynewhome.”
“Oh, my. That is a big change. Are you very fond ofyouraunt?”
“I have never met her. But she is kindly taking me in. She is elderly and I will be lookingafterher.”
“That is very kindofyou.”
“Oh no, it is she who is being kind. My sisters are married and it seems it is time for me to be out in the world and earning myliving.”
“You are not engaged, then?” Betsy asked, with just the slightest hint ofdisapproval.
“I am not,” Lydia answered firmly, and with no hint of anapology.
“Well, perhaps you will meet a suitable gentleman in Upton Magna. It is quite a lively community with many respectable citizens. I am sure your aunt will be able to introduce to many suitablegentlemen.”
“Anything ispossible.”
Lydia had had quite enough of this conversation, and she turned and stared out the window at the passing countryside. Soon they entered another village and the carriage slowed down andstopped.
A new passenger boarded—an elderly, and rather heavyset, gentleman. And as the carriage started up again he introducedhimself.
“Ladies,” he said, tipping his hat. “I hope you have had a pleasant journeythusfar.”
Betsy nodded. “Agreeable enough. And where may you be heading, sir, if you do not mind measking?”
“Not at all. I am on my way to visit the Duke of Shropshire, Edwin Templeton. Do you know him,perhaps?”
“I am not of that area,” Betsy said, “But our traveling companion, Miss Fernside, will be residing in Upton Magna, quite near the Duke’s residence,HoneyfieldHall.”
“Indeed. But you must excuse me. Let me introduce myself. I am Doctor Bernard Winston, at your service,ladies.
“Betsy Butley, and my daughterCynthia.”
