“Is thatpainful?”
“Notatall.”
“Now, stand for me, please.” She obliged. “And now walk.” She did. “Any pain orsoreness?”
“I can feel a tightness in the ankle, although not pain, exactly—but atenderness.”
“Then you are well on your way to a fullrecovery.”
“And how soon before I can resume my countrywalks?”
“I would wait at least a week. Then start modestly. Don’t overdo it. You will be able to determine the length of the walk quite easily byyourself.”
“Thank you, Doctor. I am much obliged. And how much for the visit today?” she asked as she opened herreticule.
“Nocharge.”
“But Doctor, that is unfair. You make your living fromyourwork.”
“But this is just a follow up on the initial treatment and that was your gratisvisit.”
“You are too kind.” Lydia stood toleave.
“Miss Fernside, if I might ask, do you always take your walks alone or do you ever walk with acompanion?”
“My sister and I often walked together when I was at home. We lived at the edge of town and there was an abundance of pleasant walks nearby. I have yet to find where I would like to walk inthisarea.”
“Miss Fernside, I too enjoy walking, and I would be most honored if I might escort you on a walk, at your convenience. I am familiar with a number of quite pleasant walks, both long and short that you mightenjoy.”
Lydia smiled. This she had not expected, but it was a pleasant proposition. “That would be most gracious of you,Doctor.”
“Please, if we are to be walking companions, call me Reginald or even Reggie. That is what my friendscallme.”
“I shall. And I am fine with you calling meLydia.”
“Then in a week or so, after your ankle feels strong again, drop me a note here at the office, stating when you would like to meet and I shall oblige—outside of office hours, ofcourse.”
“I look forward to it,Reginald.”
Lydia felt a warm glow as she left the Doctor’s office. Certainly, Reginald was a most attractive man, a fine gentleman, and she was not adverse to his interest in her. But as she walked home, she also thought again about Edwin and his kind and generous nature. Two quite different, but equally attractive men had come into her life since she had settled in UptonMagna.
Of course, Edwin, as attractive as he might be, was in a different league, and unavailable to a woman of herstation.
That led her to remember Henry and how grateful she was that he had broken off their engagement. No, the Doctor was attentive and seemed to be attracted to her. She would be content to allow him his suit, although there was no way of knowing if he was sincerely interested in her, or only looking for an agreeablecompanion.
* * *
Two letters were deliveredone morning a few days later, as Lydia was finishing the task of organizing the books in the study. The first letter arrived by post. It was addressed to Aunt Lavinia, and Lydia put it on the entry table for her to see when she returned from Honeyfield. But as she set it down, she recognized the handwriting as being that of Doctor Winston. Lydia smiled. It seems he was following up on his suit toheraunt.
The second letter was hand delivered later that morning and wasforher.
Lydia opened the envelope. The letter was fromEllen.
Dear Miss LydiaFernside,
It was with great pleasure that I made your acquaintance several weeks ago. However, I was greatly saddened to learn from your aunt that you had suffered an accident and were laid up with a sprained ankle. I hope you have sufficiently healed, for I would like to invite you to visit me in the near future, at yourconvenience.
My brother tells me that you do not ride. However, since I enjoy riding so very much, I was thinking that you might enjoy it too if given the properinstruction.
