“If Ellen can bear to put up with me. I know she wants a riding companion, and I am afraid I am not able to accompany her beyond trotting in a circle at themoment.”
“But you shall. I can see you have a fine seat,” Edwin said. “I was watching youfromafar.”
Lydia lookedaskance.
“It means you sit well on a horse. It’s a riding term,” Ellen explained, greatly amused by Lydia’sconsternation.
“Oh, yes. Well, if you say so.” Lydiablushed.
Edwin continued, “While I am here, I would like to invite you for a tour of the grounds. I want to show you what I am attempting here at Honeyfield. I am working on a most ambitious project and I would like your perspective andopinion.”
“Oh, Edwin, I hardly think my opinion would count for much” Lydiaanswered.
“Do not say that Lydia,” Ellen admonished. “We women put ourselves down out of some sense of false modesty when we have every right to speak our opinion asequals.”
Edwin laughed. “You see; my sister is going to blaze her way into the hearts of the British reading public with her boldviews.”
“Very well, then, Edwin. I would love to tour your estate and learn all about your plans forHoneyfield.”
There was another knock at the door. Everyonestopped.
A sweet syrupy voice spoke. “Edwin, oh Edwin, are you in there?” Edwin put his upright finger to his lips. “Edwin, it is Pamela. Are you in there?” No oneanswered. “No?”
They heard herwalkaway.
Edwin whispered, “Save me. Save us.” He reached out both of his hands inviting Lydia and Ellen tofollowhim.
They rose and followed. There was a door that opened onto a balcony and he led them along the balcony to a door at another room. He went through that door and they followed him. He opened the room door to the hall andpeekedout.
“The coast is clear,” he said, and they left and ran down the hallway and escaped the house through thekitchen.
Once outside, they collected themselves and began tolaugh.
“Oh, there you are,” Pamela’s voice rang out as she leaned over the balcony of a room above them. “I will be right down. Your Mamma wishes toseeyou.”
“I have been spotted. Oh, Lord help me,” Edwin said. “I am afraid our tour will need to be another time,” he said toLydia.
“Perhaps after her next lesson,” Ellensuggested.
“And I will make sure we are uninterrupted,” Edwin said, nodded,andleft.
