“My darling, niece, I am so dreadfully sorry. I will write a letter to your mother for you to taketoher.”
Bernard offered, “Lydia, would you like me to accompany you on thetriphome?”
Aunt looked at him with someconcern.
“Bernard, the wedding…” shecautioned.
Lydia quickly responded. “Certainly not, Bernard, you have a most pressing obligation here, and I am quite capable of travelingalone.”
Aunt seemedrelieved.
“Then, instead of returning here, you may want to travel directly to Oxford, as we shall have moved by then. We can pack and move any of the few belongings you are not taking with you,”Bernardsaid.
“That is the other matter I wish to discuss,” Lydia added. “I shall not be going with you to Oxford. I have decided to take the small cottage His Grace offered me, and I shall work with him on his gardens. It is something I would quiteenjoy.”
Aunt did not look too pleasedwiththat.
“You intend to live alone on the Duke’s estate? Do you think that is quite proper? Certainly, you must have acompanion.”
“Ah, Aunt, but Ishall?”
“And who mightthatbe?”
“Why, Gingersnap, of course.” She smiledbroadly.
Bernard guffawed. “Quite right. A fearsome and protectivebeast.”
Aunt just shook her head and pouted. Then she turned to Bernard. “My dear, now we shall need to finish the packing ourselves, as well as organizing thewedding.”
“And we shall do it magnificently,” Bernardanswered.
“And one last favor, Aunt,” Lydia asked. “Will you please deliver this letter to His Grace when you travel to Honeyfieldtomorrow?”
Aunt lookeduncertain.
“I shall deliver it for you,” Bernard said, “I will see him when I return to Honeyfield thisevening.”
“Thank you, dearDoctor.”
* * *
In the morning,Bernard arranged for transportation to the inn for Lydia and her luggage where they were to await thecoach.
They were a little early, so Bernard offered Lydia a cup of tea in the inn’sdiningroom.
“I have to say, Lydia, I am disappointed you will not be joining us at Oxford. But I also understand why you might wish to stay here. And I know your aunt will also be disappointed, but perhaps for a different reason. She has come to depend on you—but you are not her servant, and must choose yourownpath.”
“Quite so, Bernard. However, that does not mean we shall never see each other again. You enjoy travel, I enjoy travel, so our paths shall likely crossagain.”
“And there are always letters. I shallwrite.”
“As will I,”Lydiasaid.
The coach arrived promptly, and Lydia’s luggage was quickly loaded, as it would soon be time toleave.
Lydia gave Bernard a hug. “Have a wonderful wedding. I am so sorry tomissit.”
“We shall certainlymissyou.”
