Chapter26
Lydia felt quitesmart as she and her mother took their new trap into Upton Magna. Even though it was used, it was in good condition, and the pony was not too old and certified to be in goodhealth.
Mother beamed and appeared very ladylike as they trotted into the village and pulled up next to the inn where it was possible to leave the trap with an attendant, as they were to be in town for more than a fewerrands.
The first point of business was for Lydia to see Doctor Cooke, as a scratch on her arm from the pruning had becomeinfected.
“Mother, feel free to start the market shopping if you like and I shall find you after I have consulted with DoctorCooke.”
“Oh, do not mind me. I have several errands myself at the milliners and the chemists. If we miss each other let us meet at that charming little tea shop you introduced me to. I feel quite parched and it will be nice to be seenintown.”
“Verywell.”
Lydia went to Doctor Cooke’s office and sat in thewaitingroom.
There was only one other person, and it did not take long for Lydia to be ushered into theexaminationroom.
“Miss Lydia, how delightful to see you. I hope this is only a social call. It would pain me to think you mightbeill.”
“Alas, it is a professional visit, but not too serious Itrust.”
She held out her arm for the Doctor toexamine.
“Ah, you are correct. Not too serious. Let me just treat that and then perhaps we might haveachat.”
Doctor Cooke provided his treatment, and after bandaging her arm sat back in his chair and smiledather.
“I understand your relationship with Miss Lovell is progressing nicely,”Lydiasaid.
“You have had reports, have you?” he asked,jovially.
“From the primary source,herself.”
“Ah, Miss Jenny. Of course, the two of you must chatoften.”
“We do. We are each other’sconfidant.
“Then you must also know that I am thehappiestman.”
Lydia nodded. “And I am most happy for you. You certainly deserve such a finewoman.”
“Thankyou.”
Lydia hesitated but said. “I hope you have forgiven me for rushing off so suddenly when I needed to go home without offering you a personal good-bye. But I was under a great deal ofstress.”
“Yes. I am so sorry you lost yourfather.”
“Thank you. However, I am certain you will soon be meeting my mother as she has a tendency toward imaginary illnesses. And I am sure when she sees how charming you are she will find numerous maladies to flauntbeforeyou.”
Reginald laughed. “I shall beprepared.”
Lydia stood. “Thank you for your help this morning. And I insist on paymentthistime.”
“Very well. Five shillingsplease.”
Lydia took out her coin purse andpaidhim.
“I have missed our walks,” he said, as he stood after putting the coins in his deskdrawer.
