Bernard turned to Lavinia. “By Jove, I have not thought about that. What do you think, my dear?” heaskedher.
“Whatever you decide,dearest.”
“Then I think it should be here. After all, I am certain we can arrange a splendid wedding to be held at Honeyfield. It would be much finer than a wedding held in my humble rooms. But I shall have to ask His Grace first, ofcourse.”
“Aunt, what will you do about your position with the Duchess?” Lydiaasked.
“Oh, my… I shall have to leave her. After all, we will be residing in Oxford, shall we not?” she askedBernard.
“And what about your house here in Upton Magna?” Bernardasked.
“I shall put it on the market. Lydia can take care of it until it is sold. You would not mind that, wouldyou,dear?”
“Not at all Aunt. I shall make sure it looks itsverybest.”
Bernard stroked his chin as he thought, then he turned back to Lydia and said, “But will you not be coming to Oxford with us? I was thinking we will need to secure a house. My university rooms are quite insufficient for myself and a new bride. And I just assumed you would come with us. You have become so indispensable to your aunt these past few months. And I should take such great pleasure in your continuedcompany.
Both Aunt and Lydia looked startled. Lavinia cast a look at Lydia and then spoke to Bernard first, putting her hand onhisarm.
“I have already told Lydia she must find a new position. I did not think you would want her livingwithus.”
“And why not? She is a jolly addition to any household. She is helpful, friendly, and a delightfulconversationalist.”
Lavinia did not seem at all pleased. And, to be quite honest, neither did Lydia. Although this offer might relieve her from having to find a husband or a new living, it proposed an additional complication she had not contemplatedbefore.
First, she was very happy here in Upton Magna. She had a delightful new friend in Jenny. She had the prospect of a proposal from Doctor Cooke, and most intriguing she had been offered a very generous living from Edwin. She now had the prospect of being able to support herself entirely from what he had offered her to workwithhim.
Realistically, she had no idea how long that position might be available as, at some point, the project would end. But by then, with her new experience, there might well be other offers of work—if she did not marry the gooddoctor.
“How very kind of you, dear Bernard, to offer that to me. But I am not certain I will be available to move to Oxfordwithyou.”
Aunt looked greatly relieved. Bernard seemedsurprised.
“Have you another situation already?” heasked.
“Possibly.”
“I did not know about this. You have said nothing to me,”Auntsaid.
“It was only just offered to me,” Lydia replied. She proceeded to tell them about Edwin’s offer of employment, and that the living would be sufficient for her to maintain herself quiteadequately.
“That is splendid news,” Bernard said. “You must be verypleased.”
“I haven’t accepted yet,” she said. “I have some uncertainties about the amountoffered.”
“And it is?” heasked.
“Twenty-five amonth.”
“Good gracious. That is astonishing. You must accept immediately. What reservations could youpossiblyhave?”
“I am concerned that it might betoomuch.”
Bernard sighed. “My dear lady. One never worries about too much, only about toolittle.”
Lydia asked her aunt. “What do youthink?
Lavinia replied testily, “That is more than the Duchess pays me, and I have worked for her manyyears.”
