“I must go inside now. Aunt Lavinia has given me some chores to do today.” She started to leave but then turned back to Jenny. “Oh, may I come by sometime this afternoon to borrowabook?”
“Of course. The door is always open. Just come on inside—we are a very informal family ofruffians.”
* * *
Afew days passed,and Lydia began to adjust to her new home. Once her new routine was established and accepted, her aunt became less hostile. She even seemed to appreciate the many tasks Lydia was performing for her. Lydia’s presence seemed to relieve the pressure on Lavinia. However, the long and frequent prayer sessions were still a burden forLydia.
Late one morning, while Lydia was polishing the set of silver, there was a knock at the front door. Lydia went toanswer.
“Good morning,” a young man in liverygreeted.
“And toyou,sir.”
“Are you Miss LydiaFernside?”
“Iam.”
“I have a letter for you.” He handed Lydia an envelope. “I have been asked to wait for yourreply.”
“Thank you. I shall just be a moment,”shesaid.
He stood back, allowing her to shutthedoor.
Lydia examined the letter, opened it, and was delighted to see it was from DoctorWinston.
Dear MistressFernside,
I have been having a most delightful visit with my dear friend Edwin Templeton, the Duke ofShropshire.
I remember so fondly our journey together and have spoken to the Duke about you and my desire to meet with youagain.
He has graciously agreed that I might invite you to tea for tomorrow at fouro’clock.
If this is acceptable to you, please inform the bearer of this message to the affirmative and a coach will be sent to you at three-thirty to escort you toHoneyfieldHall.
I have spoken to the Duchess about your visit and she has obtained permission from your Aunt Lavinia for you toattend.
We look forward to yourvisit.
I am ever, yourservant,
Dr. BernardWinston.
Lydia was delighted and quickly penned an affirmative reply to the Doctor. She went to thefrontdoor.
“Young man, this is my response to the Doctor’s letter. If you would please deliver it to him, I would be mostobliged.”
“Ofcourse,Miss.”
The man took the letter anddeparted.
Lydia was almost giddy with excitement. Her first thought was what to wear. All of her clothes were mostly everyday clothes. She’d not thought to bring any fine clothes, as she didn’t expect to be out in society in her newposition.
She thought she must consult with Jenny, and she ran next door, bursting through into thesittingroom.
“Oh, hello,” an older woman greeted cheerily. “You must be Lydia. Are you looking forJenny?”
“Oh, yes, I am. Are you hermother?”
