“Then one morning I came in to supervise one of the new girls and we found Master Edwin had opened every single jar of jam, tasted it, and smeared it around on one of thewalls.
He was only four and he said he just wanted to make a jammy painting for hismother.”
Lydialaughed.
“And that is when he acquired the nickname ‘Jammy.’”
“I have not heard him called that at Honeyfield,”Lydiasaid.
“He shut that nickname down after he turned fifteen. And by then, even if he was not the Duke, he was the Duke apparent, and no one dared cross him. Except for Miss Ellen, I have heard her use that nickname from time to time if she is upsetwithhim.”
Jammy. Lydia wouldrememberthat.
* * *
“Imust work this morning,”Ellen said at breakfast. “I have just one more chapter to write and I am determined to complete it this week. So excuse me, Lydia, if I leave you to your own devices thismorning.”
Lydia was enjoying her poached egg and rasher of bacon. “That is not an issue for me, at all. I will be quite content either reading or, even more likely, walking around the neighborhoodexploring.”
“There are some delightful benches in the park across the street for reading, although I suspect it would be too chilly this time of year,” Ellensuggested.
“I will see what the outside temperature is later this afternoon. And if it is pleasant enough, I shall don my sweater and sit forabit.”
“Are you seeing Daniel today?” Ellenasked.
Lydia looked at the clock on the dining room sideboard. “Shortly.”
“Perhaps he will want to take you for adrive.”
“I would like to see London by carriage,”Lydiasaid.
“And I like to go for a carriage ride in Hyde Park, occasionally. We have a lovely Barouche. And in fine weather, and with the top down, it can make for a most enjoyable morningouting.”
Lydia had finished her breakfast and stood at her place. “Daniel is to arrive at ten. I must prepare for his arrival. Where should I meet him? I am still learning my way around the house, although Mrs. Samuels gave me an overview yesterdayafternoon.”
Ellen smiled. “Samuels? Really? Did she bite yourheadoff?”
“Oh, no. She was most cordial. And she told me a naughty story about Edwin and an episodewithjam.”
Ellen laughed. “She told you aboutJammy?”
Lydia nodded. “Now I have something with which to tease him when I get back toHoneyfield.”
“I doubt he willenjoythat.”
“I will save it for just the rightmoment.”
Hammond appeared at the dining room door. “Miss Lydia, there is a Mr. Daniel Beaufort who is calling on you. I have put him in thelibrary.”
“There you are,” Ellen said, “Now you know where tomeethim.”
“Oh, my… he is early. Please tell him I shall be with himshortly.”
“Yes, Miss Lydia,” Hammond said,andleft.
“I must go to my room before I see him. Ellen, you have a most productive morning on your novel. “And shall I see you atluncheon?”
Ellen nodded. “Have an enjoyablemorning.”
