A month after the wedding, they’d closed up the London house and traveled to Ashmont, where they planned to stay until the start of next Season. Most of the servants had traveled with them, leaving only a skeleton crew at the townhouse.
Lydia had hoped George’s mother would agree to meet her, but it was not to be. Grace had thus far refused all her invitations to dine with them in the manor house. That didn’t deter her, however. She was determined to win Grace over and vowed to keep inviting her until, perhaps one day, she agreed.
She was sitting in the morning room at the back of the manor, going over the week’s menu with Cook. The French doors were open, and a warm September breeze was blowing in. “Your selections sound delicious. I can’t wait to sample them.”
“Very good, my lady. I’m glad you approve.”
As the cook was leaving, the butler walked in, holding out a silver salver. “This just arrived for you, Lady Hutchinson.”
“Thank you, Peters.”
Recognizing Helena’s script, Lydia tore open the seal.
“My dearest Lydia,
I am most pleased to announce that I have given birth to Richard’s heir—Alexander Richard Ballard. He’s a strong, healthy boy, and we couldn’t be happier.
We would love to see you again and invite you to visit at your earliest convenience.
Your loving friend,
Helena
Lydia squealed with delight. Helena had been right when she said she was carrying a boy. She jumped up and went in search of George, walking down the hallway to his study and knocking on the door.
“Come.”
“My darling, I bring happy news,” she said, walking into the study.
“Oh?”
She handed him the letter. “Another baby! How glorious. First Mercy had Penelope, and now Helena has delivered a healthy baby boy.”
George read the short note and smiled. “Would you care to travel to Bath to see them?”
“I would love to and to see Aunt Agnes again. She’s still there with Lady Dalling and Lady Collin. In her last letter, she said they’d stay until the end of September before heading back to London.”
“I have a meeting with the steward tomorrow morning, but we could leave after luncheon if you’d like.”
“Yes, that’s perfect. I shall write a note to Helena and let her know we’ll be there by the end of the week.”
George stood. He pulled Lydia into his arms and kissed her long and deep. “Have I told you how much I love you, my darling?”
“I do believe you showed me last night and again this morning,” she said with a cheeky grin.
“Oh my, that’s not nearly enough. How remiss of me,” he said with a chuckle.
“I like the way you think,” she said, stepping out of his embrace. “But first you must catch me!” She turned and swiftly ran out of the room, laughing at the sound of her beloved husband’s footsteps close behind.
She never could have dreamed her life would turn out to be so perfect, but Fate had stepped in, with help from her aunt’s courage, and she would be forever grateful for that.
