“We now have two cats,” she said. “I became quite enchanted with yours, and as Bernard likes cats too, we each have one sitting on our laps everyevening.”
“Are there any walks in the area?” Ellen asked. “I think Lydia and I would both enjoy a long bracing walk tomorrow. We were cooped up so long in the carriage, and we still have a long way to go the dayafter.”
“There is a delightful walk along the river, and, of course, it is always pleasant for one to visit the variouscolleges.”
Ellen turned to Lydia. “Let us make a day of it tomorrow, shall we? Perhaps a walk along the river in the morning and a rest, and then tour the colleges in theafternoon.”
“I should enjoy thatverymuch.”
* * *
Lydia was exhaustedfrom the journey by the time they neared London. But once they reached the outskirts, Lydia perked up and became fascinated, as they drove through theteemingcity.
Their destination was Belgrave Square where the Duke’s townhouse was located. The carriage pulled up in front of number twenty-seven. Immediately, two footmen came out to unload and collect the luggage, followed by the butler togreetthem.
The butler helpedEllen and Lydia down from the carriage. Lydia felt stiff and stretched to take out thekinks.
The butler said, “Miss Ellen, it is a great honor to see you again. It has been such alongtime.”
“Yes, Hammond, it has been. But it is exciting tobeback.”
“If you will follow me, they are expecting you in the first parlor for afternoon tea. Will that be to yourliking?”
“Yes. However, may we go to our rooms first? I feel the need to freshen up.” Ellen turned to Lydia. “Andyou?”
“Yes, I would like that too,” Lydiareplied.
“You have the Jonquil room as you requested,” Hammond said, “And Miss Lydia shall be next to you in theWindsorroom.”
“Perfect.”
Ellen turned and started up the front steps. Lydiafollowed.
In her room and alone, Lydia went to the window that was overlooking the wooded square from the second floor and opened it. She studied the park and then the surrounding rooftops. She had never seen a scene like this before. House after connected house—one right after another marched around the outside of the square. How did people live like this, she wondered? They had no front gardens. And how did they get to the back of their houses? There must be roads or alleyways—otherwise, they would have no place to keep theirhorses.
Oh, my, shedidhave a lot to discover and learn about. Even the simplest facts of everyday living in the citymystifiedher.
But she did not linger. The footmen had brought her luggage and a maid immediatelyappeared.
“Shall I unpack for you, Miss?” sheasked.
“That would be nice. Andyourname?”
“Nancy,Miss.”
“Nancy, thank you, and, if you please, put the books besidethebed.”
“Yes,Miss.”
“Where might I freshen up?” Lydiaasked.
“Throughthatdoor.”
Lydia went over and went inside. There was a basin of water, a commode, and even a bathtub. Lydia had never seen such an arrangement. She poured some water into the basin and washed her face. She felt muchrefreshed.
Lydia then went next door to Ellen’s room—awash in a sunny, bright, lemony yellow. There was a writing desk by the window with the lovely view of BelgraveSquarePark.
“Is that where you shall write?” Lydiaasked.
