“Lydia, he loves you—nothing you do will displease him. Trust me on that. There may be a little pain on your wedding night but trust your husband to guide you. Marital relations are quite wonderful. Don’t be afraid to enjoy yourself and tell him what pleases you.”
“I can hardly contain my happiness. I’d love to shout my happy news all around Town.”
Agnes chuckled. “There’ll be no need for that. Once Lord Surry introduces you as his granddaughter, that tidbit of news will race around Town at lightning speed.”
By the time they got home from shopping, luncheon was ready. Thomas was still locked in his study and refused to join them. Lydia wondered what he would do now that her connection to Viscount Surry had been revealed. Her life could have been so different had she known about her grandparents earlier, but then Aunt Agnes might not have come to live with them, and that would have been a great loss. She loved her aunt, who’d always looked out for her as best she could. Now she understood why her aunt had always been such a stickler for protocol.
After enjoying a delicious luncheon, Aunt Agnes stood. “I’m going to rest for a while before we head over to the Surry household for tea.”
Lydia nodded and followed her upstairs. “Good idea. I’ll see you later,” she said, kissing her aunt’s cheek. Except she was too nervous to rest. What if Lady Surry didn’t like her? Would the viscount still claim her as his granddaughter, and would her marriage to George be in jeopardy if he didn’t? She shook her head at being so fearful about this turn of events. Lord Surry had told her that Lady Surry was anxious to meet her, and George had thrown caution to the wind and come to propose before he knew about her connections. Whenever she thought about a life with George, her heart nearly burst with happiness. All the heartache of the past ten months had led to this wonderful magical moment.
She sat down at her desk and pulled out a piece of paper, wanting to tell Helena of her extraordinary news.
Dearest Helena,
I’m beside myself with happiness, for Lord Hutchinson has proposed and I’ve accepted. I’ve also found out that I’m the granddaughter of Viscount Surry. It’s been such a whirlwind today. There’s too much information to put in a letter. Please let me know when it would be a good time to call on you, and I’ll explain everything.
Deliriously happy,
Lydia
She would ask Prescott to hand-deliver the letter. She could hardly wait to impart all her wonderful news to her dearest friend.
An hour before they were to leave for tea, Lydia called Ellie to help her change. She wanted to look her best when she met her grandmother for the first time.
“Miss Weston, do you need something?” Ellie asked.
“Yes. My aunt and I have been invited to tea with Lord and Lady Surry, and I want to look my best.”
“Of course. Shall I fetch the pink dress? That color looks well on you.”
Lydia nodded and submitted herself to Ellie’s expert hands.
Nearly an hour later, Ellie stepped back. “Miss Weston, I’ve never seen you look so happy. You’re glowing.”
She should have known her lady’s maid would notice how happy she looked, especially since she’d been pretty much moping around for the past ten months, but she didn’t want to announce her news yet. There would be plenty of time to tell the staff after she met her grandmother. “Thank you, Ellie. Now I’m off. I’ll see you later,” Lydia said, leaving her bedchamber and joining her aunt in the foyer.
“Oh, Lydia, my dear, you look lovely,” Agnes said. “That dress flatters you so well.”
“Thank you, Aunt. Do you think Lady Surry will be pleased?”
“I’m sure she’ll be delighted to meet you, no matter what you’re wearing.”
Lydia tied her bonnet’s ribbons while Prescott opened the door. The women walked outside to the waiting carriage, and Lydia gave Owen the address of the Surry townhouse. “Very good, Miss Weston. I know the street.”
She tried to stay calm and not fidget as the carriage rumbled toward their destination.
“Lydia, you mustn’t be so nervous. All will be well.”
“What if Lady Surry doesn’t like me?”
“My darling girl, she will love you as I do.”
There wasn’t any more time to worry about the encounter, as Owen had stopped the carriage outside an impressive three-story townhouse. He handed the women down, and they walked to the front door, letting the knocker bang down.
An older man opened the door. “May I help you?”
“Miss Weston and Mrs. Kennedy here to see Lord and Lady Surry,” Agnes said.
