I want to get this in the next post so I shall end my missivefornow.
We all send you our love. Perhaps you could manage a short visit soon to see your newniece.
Your loving and devotedmother,
Abigail
Lydia sat with the letter lying in her lap. Her mother’s answer about her situation was what she had expected. But she was concerned more about the news of her father’s health. She knew her mother was right. Her father did not take proper care of himself. He was always caught up in his thoughts for others and never considered his own health and well-being.
Lydia put the letter aside and took the market basket into the kitchen to put away theshopping.
* * *
There wasnew activity at Aunt Lavinia’s household as a result of Doctor Winston’s latest letter. The Doctor’s proposal for a stay at Honeyfield had been accepted, and he was due to visit withinaweek.
The long prayer sessions had been abandoned in favor of just slightly longer grace at mealtimes. Aunt Lavinia had ordered a new dress at the dressmaker. Lydia was instructed to thoroughly clean the house from top to bottom, and Aunt Lavinia had returned home from the hairdresser’s one afternoon with what was considered to be the mostau couranthair style for the discerning matron—even though it made her look like a startled sheep with all the ringlets and squiggles sprouting from underhercap.
Even with all the new activity, Lydia was still determined to fit in her walk with Doctor Cooke and her next riding session withEllen.
The Duke’s carriage appeared at the appointed time and Lydia relaxed for the ride to Honeyfield. She was pleased to think she would soon be meeting her friend Doctor Winston again, although she was certain his attention would be more directed toward her aunt thanherself.
When she arrived at Honeyfield she was surprised to see Edwin waiting for her instead ofEllen.
He came over, opened the door for her, and held her hand as she descended from the carriage. Once again she felt a flutter in her stomach and a surge of energy when he touched her hand. She could not help but think that no such charge surged through her when she was touched by DoctorCooke.
“Miss Lydia, it is a great pleasure to see you again,” Edwingreeted.
Lydia was troubled. “Has something happened to Ellen? Is she ill?” sheinquired.
“I am afraid she is slightly under the weather this morning. And she had no opportunity to alert you to the fact before you were due toarrive.”
I am sorry to hear that. It is not serious;Ihope?”
“She assures me she shall be up and about by supper time thisevening.”
“Then if it is convenient I shall return home and trouble you nofurther.”
“Not at all. In fact, I would like to take this opportunity to walk about the orchard and kitchen garden to have you share your thoughts with me as to how we may improve both—if you are willing to do so, ofcourse.”
Lydia smiled. “That would be delightful. However, I have not prepared my thoughts on that subject as I have been quite overtaken with the arrival of Doctor Winston, who, you may know, is coming to woomyaunt.”
“Indeed I do. And he is most welcome. It shall be a great pleasure to see him again.” He gestured with his hand. “Shall we visit the garden? And as my sister does, I shall offer you luncheon. However, today as it shall be without Mamma. I am rather partial to eating in the kitchen, although she would be horrified ifsheknew.”
“I know all about kitchens, as I spend a great deal of my timeinone.”
“Let us go on then. First I would like your opinion on the orchard. I am ashamed to say that for one who professes a love of horticulture our orchard is poorly represented and not in very goodshape.”
Edwin led the way to the back of the house, past the stables, and further along aserviceroad.
“Do you think Ellen might want a short visit and a hello before Ileave?”
“She might. We can send someone to enquire duringluncheon.”
They came to the orchard and Lydia looked around. She could identify all of the tree types, and she examined the drainage of the area, the conditions of the branches and leaves, and looked for breaks inthebark.
“Edwin, these trees do need attention. Do you have a gardener who can perform someworkhere?”
“You are looking at him,”Edwinsaid.
