Chapter29
Lydia decidedshe would not say anything to Edwin about her encounter with Caroline. It was not appropriate for her to be involved. So a few days later when the fruit trees arrived, she and Edwin planned to spend the day planting. It was exciting for Lydia to see the trees going into the ground. She intended to water them every day until they were well established and tend to them withgreatcare.
Lydia was at the orchard before Edwin that morning. The trees had been placed, each beside its intended hole, and she was preparing for the planting when she spotted Daniel heading toward her. He looked casually handsome, with no hat—his blond curls high-lit by the sun. Her first thought was that he was going to give her a dressing down because of her conversation withCaroline.
“Good morning, Miss Lydia,” Danielgreeted.
“Mr. Beaufort,” she said, shading her eyes against themorningsun.
He studied the site where the trees were to beplanted.
“Most impressive. You are going to have a first class orchard here, areyounot?”
“It isourhope.”
“And you are plantingtoday?”
“Quite so,” she said, hoping he would quickly get to the point. Was he going to scold herornot?
Daniel had a strange grin when he said, “My sister told me about your recentconversation.”
“Oh, yes?” Lydia was not going to make this easyforhim.
“It sounds to me like you didn’t let her give you any guff. Jolly for you.” Helaughed.
That surprised Lydia. “You think that,doyou?”
“I do. She thinks she is the princess royal. At times she can be insufferable—and I say that as her lovingbrother.”
“I hold no animosity toward her,” Lydiastated.
Daniel gathered his thoughts. “Miss Lydia, I did not come here to discuss my sister, but rather to enquire if you might like to join me on a journey to Shrewsbury the evening aftertomorrow.”
“Oh?”
“There is to be a traveling opera performing at the Grand Orpheum, and I remembered you told me you had never been. I would like to take you for an early supper and then the performance. Would you grace me with yourcompany?”
This took Lydia by surprise. But it was notunappealing.
“Yes, I will accompany you to the opera. It sounds like a delightfuladventure.”
“Excellent. I have use of the family’s carriage and shall call for you at your cottage at five o’clock, as it will take us several hours to get to Shrewsbury. Is thatsatisfactory?”
“I can be ready by then. Thank you for theoffer.”
He nodded and headed back toward thehouse.
Lydia turned to her work when two of the workers showed up to help with planting thetrees.
“Lydia.” She heard her name being called and she turned to see Edwin approaching. “Sorry I am late. It looks like the planting is nicelyunderway.”
“The workers have helped immensely. There really is no need for you to help this morning. I feel certain the three of us can finish thistoday.”
“I am sure it can be done. But I am going to ask you to join me. The workers will be able to do the plantingwithoutyou.”
“But I need to be certain they are planted and watered correctly. The first few days of proper care are crucial to theirsurvival.”
“You will be able to inspect the work later this afternoon. But please, come with me for now,”hesaid.
