Lavinia noticed and turned to the Duchess. She stood and put her hand on hershoulder.
“Your Grace, I believe it is time for your nap, don’t youthink?”
The Duchess’s head snapped up and she looked around the gathering as if she didn’t know where she was. She focused on Lydia and said, “You must excuse me. I must rest before supper. I tire so easily atmyage.”
She stood and Lavinia took her by the arm and led her toward thehouse.
Lavinia turned to Lydia, as they were retreating and said, “I will see you back at the house in time forprayers.”
Lydia nodded, but she was not sure what to do. Edwin was gone, the Duchess was gone, but there was still theDoctor.
“Doctor Winston, I think we have been abandoned,”shesaid.
“Would you like to see more of the house before I take you home?” he asked,standing.
“That would be lovely—if it is not aninconvenience.”
“None, whatsoever. As you may have noticed, the Duke is quite casual and welcoming. He won’t mind at all if I show youaround.”
Bernard directed Lydia to follow, and they entered the house. He led her to the main entryway which was spacious and opened up into the second story. A large marble staircase ascended from the ground floor and divided left and right leading to the secondfloor.
“Let me show you the library. There are some very fine paintings which you might enjoy,”Bernardsaid.
As they were heading toward the library, a young woman appeared from a doorway by the stairs. She was in her riding dress and carriedacrop.
“Oh, hello,” she called out. “You must be MissFernside.”
Lydia turned to the young woman. “Yes, I am. Are you thesister?”
“Yes, I am. Ellen. It’s a pleasure to meet you. The Doctor has spoken so highly of you. And just now my brother said how lovelyyouwere.”
Lydia blushed and felt a flutter in her stomach. “I’m sure he was just beinggracious.”
“Not at all. He was effusive but sincere. I know my darling brother better than myself, and he is not one to offer falseflattery.”
“Thank you. It’s a pleasure to meet you, but please don’t let us keep you from your tea. You must be parched afteryourride.”
Ellen smiled broadly. “I hope we shall meetagain.”
“I shall like that very much,”Lydiasaid.
She watched as Ellen turned and ascended the stairway. Ellen was of medium height. She had beautiful, lush blonde hair, a trim figure, and a still girlish face, with bright eyes that twinkled when shesmiled.
Lydia turned to the Doctor. “How charmingsheis.”
“And very bright and clever as well.” He held out his hand to point the way, “Shall wemoveon?”
“Yes,please.”
Lydia marveled at the many splendors of the wonderful house. There were countless treasures and fine furnishings. The house was kept in immaculate condition and even though it was large, it felt warm and welcoming. Large windows admitted bright light and fresh air, and Lydia thought how lovely it would be to live in such afinehome.
After much exploring, Lydia could see that the Doctor was becoming tired and she said, “Oh, I feel quite fatigued. I am ready to return home anytimenow.”
“I shall call for the coach,”Bernardsaid.
“There is no need for you to accompany me. I am quite comfortable traveling back onmyown.”
It looked as though the Doctor wasrelieved.
