As they passed from Edwin’s property to the Earl’s property Lydia asked, “The Earl of Albemarsh… is that not the father of the two guests who are coming to stay with you laterthisweek?”
Edwin looked over. “Why,yes.”
Lydia could see he was surprised she knew this and she said, “Ellen told meallabout them.” She wanted to subtly convey that she knew the real reason Caroline Beaufort had beeninvited.
Edwin chose not to respond, so they rode on in silence until they came to the pond in question. The got off the horses and walked around the perimeter of the pond looking for a reason the pond might bedryingup.
“Do you know what the source of the pond is? Is it a spring?” Lydiaasked.
Edwin looked around the surrounding area. “No, it is fed by a stream, I believe.” He went over to a dry stream bed. “Here. This I believe is the source of the problem.” He laughed. “Or rather the lack ofsource.”
Lydia went over and traced the track of the steam. “I think I know what is goingonhere.”
“Yes?”
“Is this not the same stream that goes through your property?” Edwin nodded. “And at present, that stream is filling your new pond, isitnot?”
Edwin laughed. “Indeed. And as a result, no water is flowing out. So until my pond is filled it will not flow outagain.”
Lydia nodded. “So you may tell the Earl to be patient and his pond will soonreappear.”
“Deceptivelysimple,no?”
Lydia teased, “You were a very bad boy not to consider who might be affected down stream from yourproject.”
Edwin slapped the top of his hand. “There. I have been properly rebuked.” Lydia laughed. “Very well, there is nothing more to be done here. I think it is time for our picnic, not so? I know theperfectspot.”
“Delightful.”
They mounted their horses and headed back toward the Honeyfieldestate.
Edwin led them to a grove of mixed oak and beech. Near the edge, they found a level spot with mottled sun and shade. Lydia spread out a blanket and Edwin brought down a basket. He looked around thesurroundingarea.
“I was hoping to find a log or stump where you might sit, but I seenothing.”
“I don’t need a seat. I am quite capable of getting up and down from theground.”
“Very well. Then let us enjoy our picnic. The cook assures me it will be quiteenjoyable.”
They shared a rustic country terrine pate and slices of a flavorful local cheese, with crispy bread, poached pears, and a fresh, crispwhitewine.
After eating, they stretched out on the blanket and with their arms behind their heads looked up and watched the lazy billowy clouds gradually changing shapes andfloatingby.
“I see a lady’s face with a hooked nose and a big hat,” Lydia said of a passingcloud.
“Hmm,” Edwin mused. “It looks more like a ship in full sailtome.”
“Yes, I can seethattoo.”
They watched in silence a little longer, and then Edwin said, “And over there is an elephant.” He laughed. “But with a very shorttrunk.”
Lydia laughed. She turned to look at him and found him looking at her. They just stared at each other for a moment then turned back to look atthesky.
Suddenly it began tosprinkle.
“Where is that coming from?” Edwin shouted, as he jumped up and offered Lydia his hand. He pulled her up and they scanned the sky and there was a dark cloud that had come up from behind them that they hadnotseen.
They scrambled to put everything back into the picnic basket, folded the blanket and headed to the horses. It began to rain harder, but just as quickly as it had come, it subsided and cleared up. It was only a brief summershower.
