“Mother,” Edwin said. “I have been informed that they are ready to serve luncheon. Shall we retire to thediningroom?”
He went over and offered one arm to his mother and the other to Ellen. The Duchess stood and tookhisarm.
“I hope the champagne is properly chilled. Last time it was only tepid and a great disappointment,” she said, and, head held high, led the way to thediningroom.
* * *
Lydia found herself unexpectedly free.All of her aunt’s free time was spent either at Honeyfield or dining with the Doctor at the Inn—often not getting back to the house until well after ten o’clock in theevening.
Lydia looked over Jenny’s shoulder as she grappled with several bolts offabric.
“Can I help?” sheasked.
Jenny looked up at her. “Do you know anything about sewing? I thought I could do this, but now I am not certainIcan.”
“You have never done this before?” Lydia, askedincredulously.
Jenny looked up sheepishly. “A dressortwo.”
“Do you have a sample of whatyouwant?”
She held up a gown. “This was my cousin’s. I was going to pick it apart and use the pieces for apattern.”
“And it is the right size?Itfits?”
“Somewhat,” Jennyanswered.
“Oh, Jenny… Can your mother nothelpyou?”
“She has all her work done at thedressmakers.”
“And why can you not do that too?” Lydiaasked.
“She gave me some money to use for the ball, and I am ashamed to say I spent it all on this.” She reached over to her dressing table and picked up anecklace.
“It is very nice,” Lydia said, “But rather reckless, do you notthink?”
Jenny nodded and looked up, pleading, “Can youhelpme?”
Lydia sighed. “Very well, let me see what I can do.” She picked up the cousin’s gown. “Here, try this on first, and let me see how it fits, then we shall go fromthere.”
They worked on the dress all afternoon. Lydia made adjustments to the old gown then they began to pick itapart.
“Has Doctor Cooke asked you to the ball yet?” Jenny asked, as she pulled a panel free from theoldgown.
“No. I haven’t seen him since we had that aborted walk when it rainedsohard.”
“Do you think hewillask?”
“I have no idea. We are not to meet again until our walk nextWednesday.”
“He is leaving asking you until very late. Does he think he is the only cock on the walk interested in you? Has Edwin given any indication he might ask you as his companion for theevening?”
Lydia looked at Jenny in surprise. “Oh, no. He would never do that. He is the host, and you can be quite certain he is expected to ask PamelaStafford.”
“And what about your aunt? Will she beattending?”
“Of course, she will be with Doctor Winston if he is still here, and will, still, no doubt also be attending to HerGrace.”
“Then you will go with them totheball?”
“No, the day of the ball my aunt will be at Honeyfield all day. She will not be returning homefirst.”
“Then how will you getthere?”
“I have no idea,” Lydia sighed and sat with her hands inherlap.
“Then go with us,” Jenny insisted. “Father has acquired a coach for the evening and there is plentyofroom.”
Lydia thought about that. “Perhaps. I don’t see why not. Yes, I shall accept theoffer.”
