The light from the ballroom spilled down across a portion of the garden. Reginald looked up atthemoon.
“Such a delightful evening for the ball, do you notthink?”
“Yes,lovely.”
Reginald took her arm and led her farther along the path. They came to a small grove of trees that sheltered them from the light of the moon. Reginald stopped and turned toward Lydia and took both of her handsinhis.
“I have so enjoyed our walks, Lydia. I should like to think there might bemanymore.”
Lydia, while accepting that this was definitely a progression in their relationship, and should be welcome, instead felt ill at ease with hisproclamation.
“Oh, Reginald, I am not quite sure what to say. My life is in such a turmoil at the moment—with the wedding, and Aunt Lavinia moving to be with her Doctor in Oxford. And I shall shortly start work here at Honeyfield assisting His Grace in his gardening endeavors. I have no idea when I shall be free to walk my most cherished walks againanytimesoon.”
“I am sorry to hear that. I thought we had developed a most sympathetic friendship, and I have been looking forward to expanding that depth offeeling.”
Lydia was stymied. She didn’t know how to respond. She did not want to discourage him entirely, but at the same time, she was uncertain what she wanted forherself.
“Reginald I greatly respect and honor you. I, too, have enjoyed our walks. But please give me some time. With all the changes taking place, I need to settle into my new situation and adjust. Then I shall be freer to look at movingforward.”
“And might that moving forward include me?” heasked.
“Very likely so,” sheanswered.
It was not a very encouraging answer, she decided so she amended it by adding, “I look forward to our continuedfriendship.”
That seemed to satisfy him and he took her hand and led her back toward the ballroom. The orchestra had begun playingagain.
“We must take advantage of the music while we have it. Shall we take the nextdance?”
“Certainly.”
They reentered the ballroom and Lydia surveyed the scene. All the guests had finally arrived and there was a lot of activity. The dance floor was full and they would have to wait for the following dance to claim a spot on thefloor.
Reginald took her arm and asked, “Do you think the queue at the buffet might have lessenedbynow?”
“Wemighttry.”
They headed toward the conservatory. On the way, Lydia spied Edwin conferring with the butler. Perhaps the wine was running low. There was practically no queue when theyentered.
As they were serving themselves Jenny came over and poked her head in between the twoofthem.
“Greetings, Doctor, Lydia. Have you had a merrydanceyet?”
“The orchestra broke just as we were prepared to take to the floor,” Lydia said. “But we shall try again afterrefreshments.”
Jenny turned to the Doctor. “You must spread the wealth around, Doctor, and offer me another dance before the evening hasended.”
“It shall be my pleasure,” hereassuredher.
“Splendid.”
Lydia had finished filling her plate and stepped aside withJenny.
“I have some interesting news. Find me when I amalone.”
“Oh, tell me now,” Jennyinsisted.
“No, later,” Lydia said and turned back to Reginald who was just finishing servinghimself.
The two found a small table recently vacated, and they sat to enjoy their meal. Reginald talked about his latest puzzle periodical and became robustly enthusiastic, while Lydia’s mind drifted to thoughts about her new cottage. It was then she realized she’d made the definite decision to stay at Upton Magna. She would assist her aunt in every way possible to prepare for the wedding, and for her removal to Oxford, but she was not prepared to move therewiththem.
The latest dance was just ending, and they had finished their meal, so Reginald suggested they take advantage of the lull and go to the ballroom todance.
The evening was in full swing. There was a robust atmosphere in the room as the dancers took to the floor for the next dance. Those not dancing were in deep conversation or sitting at the tables surrounding the dance floor, eating and drinking. The candles were burning brightly and the flower arrangements exuded their heavy scents, filling the air with floralintoxication.
Reginald and Lydia danced two dances in a row, but after the second, Lydia excused herself. She needed a break in the room set aside for the ladies’toilette.
“Thank you, Reginald. Perhaps we might have another dancelater.”
“Most certainly,” he said, bowing as she turned toleave.
