Chapter18
Aunt Lavinia satat breakfast withLydia.
“My dear,” Aunt began. “I was wondering if you might prepare a special tea for thisevening.”
“Certainly, Aunt. What did you haveinmind?”
“One of your lovely cakes, perhaps. And maybe some nicesandwiches.”
“Is it for some special occasion?” Lydiaasked.
Aunt lowered her eyes. “Doctor Winston wishes to attend to us this evening. He said he has something special he would like todiscuss.”
Lydia smiled. She could guess the reason. “But perhaps he might wish to meet with youalone.”
“No, dear. He specifically asked to speak to bothofus.”
“I see.” That puzzled Lydia. “What time would you like the tea to beserved?”
“We shall both be returning from Honeyfield about the usual time. Perhaps half an hour later. Would that beconvenient?”
Gingersnap jumped up into Lydia’s lap. Lydia scratched behind her ears. “Certainly.”
* * *
“Miss Lydia,I understand you have prepared a special tea for us this evening,” Doctor Winston greeted Lydia, as she ushered him into the sitting room. Aunt had gone upstairs tofreshenup.
“I hope you will like it. Aunt said it is to be a specialoccasion.”
Bernard winked at her. “It is time for the question. And there is only one appropriate question, if you catch mymeaning.”
Lydia smiled. “I believe I do, Bernard. Do you have reason to hope for a positiveanswer?”
“I have every reason to hope,” heanswered.
Aunt came back down the stairs and into the sitting room and said, “Dear Bernard, are you quite comfortable? Let me fetch you another pillow for your back. I know how uncomfortable that sofa cansometimesbe.”
She fussed with several pillows until he assured her he was fine. She brought the ottoman over and placed it underhisfeet.
“I am like the Sultan of Arabia,” Bernard said, satisfied, and with his hands folded inhislap.
“I can serve tea, Aunt, whenever you require. I shall just be in the kitchen if youneedme.”
Bernard removed his feet from the ottoman and sat up straight. “No, my child. Please wait, I wish to speak to you both, ifImay?”
Lydia stopped by the door to the kitchen and stood with her hands folded in frontofher.
“Lavinia, my dear. And my dear friend, Lydia. I ask that you both attend to me if you please.” Bernard looked at Lavinia and patted the sofa and bade herjoinhim.
Lavinia came and sat down next to him,attentively.
He turned first to Lavinia. “My dearest, it has come to pass that I have developed the deepest and most delicate feelings toward you. And after a most delightful visit, where we have grown to know each other so intimately, I now feel it is time to ask—would you accept my hand inmarriage?”
Lavinia put her hand to her mouth, as though she was surprised. “Oh, Bernard. I should be so honored. Yes, my dear, I doaccept.”
“Splendid,” Bernard said and turned to Lydia and winked. “Very exciting, isitnot?”
Lydia smiled. “I am so very pleased for both of you. Will you be holding the wedding here or inOxford?”
