Page 21 of The Lady and the Duke
However, Jenny asked, “How was it to see your auntagain?”
Lydia turned to look at Jenny who had a wryexpression.
“You know, I had never met her until yesterday. She and my mother corresponded over the years, but we never actually met face to face untilyesterday.”
“And?”
“Oh, Jenny, I really cannot say,” Lydia said, turning herfaceaway.
“Cannot orwillnot?”
“Why do youaskthat?”
“Because I sense a sadness in you that was not thereyesterday.”
Lydia lowered her head. “Yes, I am afraid thatistrue.”
“I know your aunt well, you mustremember.”
“And has she alwaysbeenso…”
“Mean? Sour? Pained?” Jennyadded.
“Justso.”
“I don’t remember her always being like that,” Jenny said. “But after her husband passed and she needed to work I began to see herchange.”
“That was my thought as well. Did you have a lot of interactionwithher?”
“Not a great deal. But she was always asking me to do little errands for her. Mind you, she always paid me a little, but I was happy to help, as she was elderly and allalone.”
“And now I am to take your place,” Lydia said, adding a smallchuckle.
“I also think the Duchess Patience may be difficult to work for. I understand she is very demanding and tends toward intolerance of anything or anyone that is not of thenobility.”
“Do you know the family? Have you met the Duke?” Lydiaasked.
“Heavens, no. We are not the sort of people they would deign to converse with. But I have seen the Duke in the village from time to time. He is occasionally seen at the market, as he has a passion for plants, and scours the stalls looking for something newtogrow.”
“Is he full of himself like hismother?”
“He doesn’t seem to be.” Jenny said, and then leaned in toward Lydia and almost whispered, adding, with a little giggle, “But he is very handsome, tall, and strong. It is said he is an expert swordsman and loves to race horses. He has thick, unruly dark hair, and somewhat brooding eyes. He dresses like a country gentleman, but always looks a bitdisheveled.”
“And he is not married?” Lydiaasked.
“No. But many of the local beauties have their eyes on him. However, most are not of his class and would not survive scrutiny from hismother.”
“Poor man. How oldishe?”
“Must be in his latetwenties.”
“And not married? His mother must be having a fit,” Lydiajoked.
They had arrived back at thecottage.
“Thank you for accompanying me to the market,”Lydiasaid.
“No, that was fun. Any time you want company, if I am free, I will be happy to accompany you. And if you do not know where some place is, justaskme.”
