“Oh, that is quite lovely,” Mother said as she saw the green gown slung over a chair by the table. “You did not purchase that, did you? I did not know you had extra money to throwaround.”
“No, Mother, I did not buy it. It isagift.”
Mother pursed her lips. “A gift? From whom, mightIask?”
“A cousin of the Beauforts. She never wears the same ball gown twice it seems, and has gifted ittome.”
“We do not accept charity in this family,Lydia.”
“It is not charity, Mother. She does not even know whoIam.”
“Then how did you comebythis?”
“Mr. Daniel arranged it for me, as I was not planning to attend the dinner and he wanted me there.” Lydia was becoming cross with her mother’s interference. “Mother please, leave it alone. This is my business—notyours.”
“Well, excuse me. I shall butt out then,shallI?”
“Yes,pleasedo.”
And Mother went into the bedroom to sulk, Lydiasuspected.
Having an afternoon off had been nice. Lydia had even read a novel she had not had time for in quite some while. Later she made tea and served her mother with no comment and then at six o’clock began to dress for thedinner.
* * *
The Duchess was sendingthe family carriage to pick Mother up before Edwin, the Duchess, and Ellen were to be taken to the Beaufortestate.
Daniel’s carriage arrived as promised, and Lydia was taken toward the Beaufort’s. She had not given it a lot of thought, but now she had time to ruminate on the evening ahead, and she realized she was dreading it. However, she decided to concentrate on how kind Daniel had been to her, and she promised herself she would at least try and enjoy theevening.
The Beaufort estate house was very different from Honeyfield. It seemed to be more under the influence of the French than the English style of architecture. There were a number of towers with conical roofs and large windows allowed a great deal of daylight to enter. The front was almost completely covered by vines, which gave the feeling of an olderbuilding.
The Templeton carriage had already arrived ahead of her, and she saw the family leaving their carriage. There were several carriages ahead of her, but finally, she arrived and steppedoutside.
Daniel was there togreether.
“Oh, my, that gown was the perfect choice. You look most stunning, MissLydia.”
“Thank you,Daniel.
He offered her his arm and they ascended the stairs to theentry.
“How many guests this evening?” Lydiaasked.
“I think there are abouttwenty.”
“Not a largegatheringthen.”
“No, we wanted to keep it intimate. It is to be a specialoccasion.”
“Oh, mightIknow?”
“Soon.”
The guests were gathering in the sitting room, which had all of its doors opening onto a patio where champagne was being served. And as the evening was unusually warm and pleasant, most of the guests were gathering outside to take in the pleasant evening and thesunset.
Daniel directed Lydia outside where they were served champagne. They walked out into a fine formal garden were several of the guests were wandering and enjoying, what would prove to be, the last summerevening.
“Have you finished with your work on the orchard?” Danielasked.
