“Mostly. But I must carefully monitor the newly planted trees until they are well established. However, autumn is just around the corner, and then begins harvest and the shutting down of the vegetable garden for thewinter.”
“You truly seem to enjoy this work. When you speak of it, your eyes light up and you have so muchenthusiasm.”
Lydia appreciated that remark. “Thank you, I do enjoy my work and consider it a calling as well asajob.”
“And what will follow the harvest in yourcalendar?”
“I must speak with the Honeyfield cook, but if she is not already putting up the fruits of the harvest, then I will set up that process and make certain nothing goes to waste. And now, with all these new fruit trees, there will be plenty to preserve in the comingyears.”
Daniel smiled and said gently. “You will make some lucky gentleman a delightful and useful wife with your charm and yourhusbandry.”
Lydia smiled and wondered if he was referring to himself or some other abstract ‘gentleman?’ “Thank you. It is nice to be appreciated forone’swork.”
“Lydia—Daniel,” they heard someone calling. They looked up and saw Ellen comingtowardthem.
“Lydia, you vixen, where did you find that gorgeous gown? No shop in Upton Magna would have suchagem.”
Lydia shot a glance at Daniel. It seemed he was not going to betray her little secret about thedress.
“Let us just say—a benefactress. A lady must keep some secrets. Do you notagree?”
Ellen laughed. “Oh, yes, indeed I do.” She turned to Daniel. “My dear man, are you pleased with your sister’sengagement?”
Daniel reacted with surprise and nervousness and he cast his eyes in Lydia’s direction. “There, you have ruined the surprise,” he said toEllen.
“Oh, I am sorry.” She pouted her lower lip, but turned to Lydia, and shook her head, “But it really was no surprise to you,wasit?”
Lydia lowered her eyes. “No, not so much of a surprise. Edwin told me of the pendingengagement.”
Ellen gave Lydia a pitying look, which Lydia didnotneed.
“Well, then—let us celebrate,” Daniel said, raising his glass. “And I am almost out. More champagne, Lydia—Ellen?”
“Please,”Ellensaid.
They headed back to top off their glasses. The evening sky was turning a darker rose color now, with streams of red and yellow shot through thesunset.
Servants were bringing out lanterns to light the servicetable.
As they were approaching the table, Lydia caught sight of Edwin and the Duchess through the doors to the sitting room—both dressed most elegantly. It caused Lydia a slight shock to see Edwin so formal looking. She was so used to seeing him in his casual work clothes. He was chatting with the Duchess, with Lydia’s mother by her side fanning hergently.
And then Caroline appeared. Lydia had to admit she was radiant. Her hair was ornately woven with ribbons and flowers. Her gown was gold and silver. And, as she approached the two, she easily took Edwin’s arm, leaning in as she did so, and nuzzled his arm with hercheek.
Lydia turned away. And as she did, she caught Ellenexaminingher.
“Are you alright?” She asked, as she came over and put her hand on Lydia’sshoulder.
Lydia took a deep breath. “Oh, yes, I am fine. But I did not plan to be here. It was only because Daniel invited me—catching me in a lie and practically shaming me intocoming.”
Daniel returned with the wine. “Ladies. Another toast to the end of summer,” he turned to Lydia, “and a fine and generousharvest.”
Theytoasted.
The butler began walking through the sitting room and out onto the terrace, asking the guests to please take their seats fordinner.
Daniel offered Lydia his arm. “Shallwe?”
Ellen had trotted off to accompany her family intodinner.
