“Now, now, Dear. Let them be. This is no time to be preaching at them,” Bernard scolded, as he took Lydia and Ellen by the arm and led them into thesittingroom.
Lydia went over to the leaded windows that overlooked the back garden and theriver.
“Oh, what a lovely view you have,”shesaid.
Bernard came over and stood next to her. “Exactly. And it is this view that sold me on the cottage. It is a place of peace and respite. And I hope you will rest up during your stay.” He winked at her, “But not too peaceful. I intend for us to have a bit of fun as well. I’ve arranged a dinner at the college for all of us. And they do an outstanding side of beef I think you willenjoy.”
“Delightful, we look forwardtoit.”
“But come, you ladies must want to refresh yourselves after your journey. Let me show you to your room. You do not mind sharing, do you? It is a very small cottage and we only have the one guest room. But there are two beds so I hope you will becomfortable.”
* * *
They were havingdinner in a private dining room for professors and fellows at Bernard’s college. The table was beautifully set with china and crystal. The wine was from the college’s cellar and was of the firstquality.
And how is my dear friend, Edwin?” Bernard asked Lydia atdinner.
Aunt Lavinia leaned in, “You should call him, His Grace,” sheadmonished.
Ellen answered. “No, he much prefers being called Edwin. He is most informal when it comes to histitle.”
“You know he is to be married?” Lydiaasked.
Bernard leaned back in his chair, “No-o-o, I did not know that.Towhom?”
Lydia could not bring herself to directly utter the woman’s name. “The daughter of the Earl ofAlbermarsh.”
“Well, well… When is the happy occasion?” heasked.
Ellen answered, “Later this month. It is to be held at Honeyfield. But it is to be a small affair. Just immediate families. Edwin feels there is just too much fuss with a bigwedding.”
“That is a shame,” Lavinia said. “One should celebrate such an occasion grandly if oneisable.”
Lydia pressed her lips tightly together and looked atherwine.
The servers came in, wheeling a trolley with the roast beef under asilverdome.
“Ah, the beast!” Bernardexclaimed.
One server topped the wine glasses, while another carved the beef, served the potatoes and vegetables, and a third delivered the plates to eachguest.
Bernard was looking at Lydia when he asked, “And how is your new position at Honeyfield working out? Are you enjoyingyourself?”
Lydia forced a smile. “Yes, very much so. I have renovated the orchard and am planning an expanded kitchen garden fornextyear.”
“When I was visiting Honeyfield, Edwin went on long rambling talks about his vision and plans for his arboretum. And how is thatgoing?”
“It has been delayed foratime.”
“Oh, I am sorry to hear that. He was so excited andenthusiastic.”
Lydia did not want to mention money problems in front of Ellen, feeling it would be indiscreet. “I believe the wedding plans haveintervened.”
“Ofcourse.”
“Do you still have that cat, Gingerbread?” Laviniaasked.
“Gingersnap, and yesIdo.”
