“Tell me what’s happened,” she repeated.
With a deep breath, Lydia told her best friend that what she held in her hand was an invitation to her wedding. She explained everything that had happened over the last week, and who it was her parents were forcing her to marry. Mary listened, her expression changing from sympathetic to horrified. She embraced Lydia, letting her cry for a moment before she responded.
“I am not sure if you want to hear this,” she said. “But I know something about this duke you’re to marry.”
Lydia looked at her friend with tired intrigue.
“I suppose I should hear it,” she said. “Even if I don’t want to.”
Mary nodded, taking a breath. Lydia prayed that her friend wasn’t about to tell her that her future husband was a rogue or a criminal.
“I have never been formally introduced to him,” she said. “But I am friends with ladies who have. He’s a bit of a grouch, and very much a recluse. He prefers books to people, from what I understand. History, specifically. I’ve also heard that he’s quite handsome.”
Lydia nodded slowly. She wasn’t sure how she felt about the man with whom she was to spend the rest of her life being a recluse. But she liked that he enjoyed books.
“Please, do not tell me he is some kind of cad,” she pleaded.
Mary thought for a minute, then shook her head.
“As far as I know, his reputation is spotless,” she said. “Oh, and if memory serves, he is also a collector of ancient artifacts.”
Lydia’s heart stopped. Her father was a collector, as well. She thought it over for a moment. Perhaps, that was the reason her father had been so quick to accept his marriage proposal. Or maybe, that was why the duke had proposed to her. It was quite a coincidence, to be sure. She wondered how that common interest might have played a part in her current situation.
Lydia sighed.
“I suppose it could be worse,” she said. “But there is still so much that is unknown about him. And if all you know is what you’ve heard, who’s to say that people got the information correct?”
Mary put a comforting hand on Lydia's shoulder.
“I know it's scary, Lydia,” she said. “But maybe he's not so bad. And even if he is, you're a strong woman. You'll make the best of it.”
Lydia nodded, grateful for her friend's support. She was afraid to get her hopes up. But they shared an interest. She didn’t know how he would take to her aspirations to open a school. But perhaps, his reclusiveness would serve one purpose: to allow her to get on with her own plans. Maybe, he would allow her to open her school, on his estate so long as it didn’t mean that he had to be actively involved. She voiced her musings to Mary, whose face lit up immediately.
“There’s my Lydia,” she said, squeezing her friend’s arm gently. “I knew you could find something positive in all this. And don’t worry. No matter what happens, I will make sure that the plans for the Tockenham Castle Estate School carry on. I will never allow you to miss out on your dream, not so long as I have any say in the matter.”
Lydia smiled warmly at her friend. For the first time in a week, Lydia didn’t feel sick to her stomach, or like the burden on her shoulders was too heavy to carry.
“Thank you, Mary,” she said, embracing her friend.
Mary grinned, motioning to the large tray of tea and treats before her.
“Will you stay and have tea with me?” she asked.
Lydia’s expression saddened again, and she shook her head.
“There is nothing I would love more,” she said. “But I promised Mother that I would be back soon. Lord Strawbridge and his mother are coming for dinner tonight. She wants me to make sure to be back in time to get ready.”
Mary looked noticeably disappointed, but she nodded.
“I understand,” she said. “You must come and tell me all about it as soon as you can.”
Lydia nodded, rising, and embracing her friend.
“I cannot wait to return,” she said.
Lydia saw herself out, as she knew the place as well as she knew her own home. But just as she was turning down the hall that led to the entryway, she bumped into someone. She looked up, her heart stopping as she looked into James’s face.
“Lydia,” he said, bowing to her and grinning. “Forgive me. I didn’t expect anyone to be headed this way. Certainly, not you. How are you?”
