“Aconcert?”
“Sacredmusic.”
“Oh.”
“Then he invited me to dinner at the inn. And did you know he has a passion for mathematical puzzles? He showed me these periodicals he receives on a regular basis. He worked several for me and they were absolutelyfascinating.”
“Yes, he introduced me to those puzzlesaswell.”
“Did you not justlovethem?”
Lydia smiled, almost in relief. “They were less fascinating to me, I amafraid.”
“Really? I would have thought with your active mind you would haveenjoyedthem.”
Lydia scratched her head and grimaced. “It seems my mind does not tend towardmathematics.”
Jenny looked at her somewhat perplexed. “Anyway, we just hit it off. But poor Reginald has felt so very guilty because he believes you care for him and are expecting him to propose marriage. He does not want to hurt you, but we… well, we are discussing the possibility of anengagement.”
Jenny winced as she finished, and looked to Lydia for a reaction, expecting theworst.
“That seems rather sudden, does it not?” Lydia said somewhat noncommittally. “How long has it been? Threeweeks?”
Jenny nodded but seemed afraid to sayanythingmore.
Lydia had to admit to herself she felt a great wave of relief. “Then, Jenny, all I can say is I am absolutely delighted foryouboth.”
Jenny’s face lit up. “You are notangry?”
“Not at all. And to be quite honest, I have been ambivalent about Reginald’s and my relationship for some time. I wish you all theverybest.”
Jenny let out a sigh of relief. “Oh, Lydia, thank you. I have been so anxious about how you might feel. I am glad you approve. You know I would do nothing to hurt you inanyway.”
Lydia smiled slightly, “But I notice it did not stop you from being wooed by Reginald before youaskedme.”
“Well, you were not here. One could not put one’s life on hold until you returned. And remember, you were uncertain if you would evenreturn.”
“Jenny, I am just teasing you. I am truly happy for you, and I feel you will make him a much better wife than I wouldhavebeen.”
