“I would love that. Thank you, Helena, for your generosity, especially since I need to find another suitor as quickly as possible.”
“I’m happy to help. It’s what friends do for each other. By the way, how is your aunt these days?”
“She’s well, but she and Papa have some harsh arguments that they think I don’t overhear. It makes me sad that they don’t get along better.”
“Oh dear, is it anything serious?”
“The arguments have been mostly about me and how stubborn Papa can be sometimes. Aunt Agnes is a staunch defender of mine, and I love her dearly for it, but unfortunately, she has no real power or sway over my father. His rules are law, and it’s best not to try to thwart them.”
“Oh dear. That sounds dreadful. If things at home become too unbearable, you’re welcome to stay with us,” Helena said.
“Thank you. That’s a most generous offer. However, it might make Papa angry if he thinks I’m going against his rules. If he’s angry, he might accept Baron Oakley’s suit without delay, and that’s the last thing I want to happen.”
“Of course, I understand. Just know you’re always welcome here.”
The two women continued to talk for another two hours. Lydia felt better after talking with Helena, especially if she and Lord Evans could help her find a suitable match and save her from having to marry Baron Oakley.
Hutchinson had gone tothe bank to withdraw the two hundred pounds to give Evans for the investment he’d recommended. He hated withdrawing the funds, but he had to do something to turn the estate finances around. This seemed like the best option in the short term.
The April air had a crispness to it, and he enjoyed the walk from the bank to his friend’s house. He climbed the stairs to Evans House and let the knocker fall.
Within moments, Wright opened the door. “Lord Hutchinson, good day.”
“I need to see Evans if he’s at home.”
“Of course, my lord. He’s in his study. Shall I escort you?”
“No. I know the way,” Hutchinson said, walking into the foyer. Hearing female voices coming from the parlor, he stopped short. He knew those voices. He’d never forget the sound of his lady love’s voice. Should he greet Miss Weston or slip by the door and avoid an awkward interaction? Would she even greet him after what happened?
While he hesitated, the decision was taken out of hands. The parlor door opened, and Miss Weston and Lady Evans walked out.
“Hutchinson!” Helena said when she saw him in the foyer. “How lovely to see you.”
Lydia stood stock-still, staring at him. She looked even more beautiful than the last time he saw her in Bath, and his heart did a flip. He wanted to scoop her up in his arms and kiss her until they were both senseless.
“Lady Evans, Miss Weston, a pleasure to see you both,” he said with a bow.
Lydia seemed to come out of her shock at seeing him and curtseyed. “Lord Hutchinson, good day to you.”
This meeting was most unexpected, and he wasn’t prepared. He didn’t know what to say now that she was standing in front of him. He said the first thing that came into his mind. “You look lovely, Miss Weston.”
“Thank you, Lord Hutchinson. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must be going,” Lydia said, sweeping past him and out the door before he could utter another word.
“I’m here to see Richard,” Hutchinson said after watching the love of his life flee from him.
“Of course. Don’t let me keep you. Doesn’t Miss Weston look well?”
“She does indeed,” he said, although he didn’t want to dwell on the unexpected meeting.
“George, perhaps there’s something—”
“Excuse me, Lady Evans, but I really must see Evans now,” he said stiffly.
Helena nodded and left him to his business.
Hutchinson’s heart was nearly beating out of his chest. He’d had no idea how he would feel when he first laid eyes on Lydia again. Now he did, and it wasn’t good. The woman who’d stolen his heart in Bath still held it captive. There was no help for it—he’d love her until he took his last breath. Sighing, he walked down the hall to Richard’s study and knocked on the door.
“Come.”
