A tall, dark man was regarding her. He was neither smiling nor frowning, but seemed to be self-contained and poised in a manner that did not threaten, but instead left her feeling welcomed andcomfortable.
“I am Edwin Templeton,” the man said. “Bernard has spoken so highly of you that I feel I know you already. Welcome toHoneyfieldHall.”
“Thank you, your Grace.” Lydiacurtsied.
Edwin laughed and his face lit up, dazzling her in a manner she had notexpected.
“No, no. Edwin, please. All of that Duke business was my father, and even though I am now the Duke it means nothing to me. It is something I must bear and tolerate rather thanrejoicein.”
“And I am Lydia Fernside. I am originally from Piddlehinton in Dorset but I now reside with my Aunt Lavinia Daws. She attends to yourmother.”
Edwin nodded and smiled again. “Yes, I know whosheis.”
“I am sorry. Of course, you do, but you will need to excuse me. I am just a little bitnervous.”
“Whatever for? There is nothing to be nervous about here. We are just countryfolks.”
“Oh, your Grace… sorry, I mean Edwin. But you are so much more, with your title and your grandhouse.”
Edwin waved her comment away and stood studying her. “What do you most enjoy doing in your spare time, mightIask?”
“Working in an orchard and tending to the family vegetable garden. And reading, walking andstudying.”
“Most admirable. I, too, am somewhat of an enthusiast of gardening. Actually more broadly horticulture. We must discuss that further at another time. I believe my mother and your aunt are anxiously awaiting us so that tea may beserved.”
Edwin led the way, and Lydia followed with the Doctor who had remained silent through the conversation but smiled broadly as they left thesittingroom.
Edwin led them down a hallway to the main sitting room. They crossed through the room and exited through a set of double doors to a shaded patio pavilion, “Mother, may I present to you Miss Lydia Fernside, the niece of yourcompanion.”
Mother, the Duchess, was seated at a tea table. She wore a large hat with a veil that she withdrew as Lydia stepped forward. She was heavily powdered and rouged. But even though she was small and wizened, Lydia could feel her commandingpresence.
“How do you do?” the Duchess asked, extending her hand toLydia.
Lydia took the hand that was gloved and soft. “It is a great pleasure to meet Edwin’s mother,”Lydiasaid.
“You may call me, your Grace,” the Duchess said, without malice, but clearly establishing herstatus.
“Mother, stop it. You know how I feel about all of this formal title nonsense,” Edwinspokeup.
“It may be nonsense to you, Edwin, but the aristocracy is what constitutes the strength and backbone of this country. Your poor father would be scandalized if he heard you speak suchheresy.”
Lydia looked at and nodded to her aunt. “Aunt Lavinia, thank you for allowing me to attendthistea.”
Her auntnodded.
“Won’t you have a seat?” theDuchesssaid.
Lydia sat, followed by the Doctor. Edwin continued to stand. His mother waved to a servant standing nearby who then left to fetchthetea.
“Why are you standing, Edwin. Have you nomanners?”
“Mother, I am not staying. I have a shipment of young trees arriving shortly and I must attendtothem.”
The Duchess waved her hand. “Oh, you and your infernal shrubbery.” The Duchess suddenly had a thought. “And where is Ellen? Is she not attending tea thisafternoon?”
“My darling sister is out for a ride. She said she would take tea in her room later after she has aliedown.”
“Oh, this family… what are we coming to? All this modernism is ruining our country. Before long, the king will be racing horses and playing croquet inHydePark.”
