Page 30 of The Mysterious Miss Lydia
Miss Farthington’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Do you know, I’ve found that oftentimes our own expectations are even more difficult to discard.”
Lydia had a sense this last part was meant for her specifically, but she was not certain how to respond. And then a noise from the hall distracted them both.
Lydia was already lingering too long in her rooms. “I ought to head down.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“Thank you.” Her belly flipped and her heart soared, fear at facing a crowd warring with eager anticipation to see her mystery man.
“I must know,” Miss Farthington said. “Is there someone in particular who has brought on that eager air I sense in you?”
Lydia hesitated before nodding.
Miss Farthington’s voice was filled with laughter. “I take it it’s not Sir Wendell.”
Lydia smiled and shook her head.
“I thought not. As your headmistress I’m certain I ought to steer you away from any man who is not the one your parents have chosen for you...”
Lydia stumbled in her steps as she looked at Miss Farthington.
The other woman winked behind her mask as she added, “But as your friend I must say I approve of any man who brings such a lovely flush to your cheeks.”
Lydia grinned and squeezed her arm. “Oh, thank you. And it’s...well, I don’t know what it is with this man. I don’t even know his name.”
Miss Farthington was the one to stumble this time.
“But,” Lydia hurried to reassure you. “I know he works with my father. And I know his voice is calming to me and his gaze is gentle and his smile makes me want to smile too and...” She drew in a sharp breath. “Goodness. Was I rambling?”
Miss Farthington’s laughter echoed off the walls, but it was lost amongst the sound of the crowded party coming from the floor below. “I do believe you were. All the more reason I like this fellow.”
“I like him too,” Lydia said. “At least, I think I will...if I get to know him better.”
Miss Farthington nodded. “Then that is what you must do.”
Lydia glanced at her friend as they paused at the top of the steps. “And what about you?”
“What about me?”
Lydia arched her brows, even though Miss Farthington likely couldn’t see past the mask.
Miss Farthington rolled her eyes. “Mary has embellished the story about me and Mr. Grant, I assure you. We spoke once, and that was it. I never heard from him after.”
Miss Farthington shrugged, and Lydia wondered if the headmistress had any idea how much she’d just let slip.
Lydia pressed her lips together.
Miss Farthington huffed. “What is it?”
Lydia smiled. She liked that her new friends knew her well enough to understand her silences. “It’s just that if it were indeed just an embellishment, that does not explain why the mention of him makes you blush.”
Miss Farthington pressed her hands to her cheeks and her eyes sparkled with mirth. “Do I really?” She laughed. “What asilly goose I am.” She wrinkled her nose. “I met him once! I can’t possibly have formed an attachment.”
Lydia laughed as Miss Farthington’s lips pursed. “Can I?”
Lydia shook her head. “I’m afraid you are asking the wrong lady.”
“Lydia, dear, there you are.” Her mother climbed the steps, her expression aggrieved. “You’ll miss the party entirely if you don’t hurry.” She spared a frazzled smile for Miss Farthington. “We’re so glad you could join us, Miss Farthington. Perhaps you would be so kind as to assist Lydia this evening.”
