Agatha smacked her lips together and sighed with dismay, shaking her head.
“Lydia, life is not like a story. Those novels are meant to entertain people and show them what life could be like if things were ideal. Sometimes you have to marry because it is the right time,” Agatha said.
“I shan’t be forced,” Lydia replied. There was a terseness in her voice that belied her gentle nature. Rose and Edmund glanced uneasily at each other. Edmund took Lydia’s arm and gently pulled her away.
“All three of them are the same, so willful,” Agatha muttered to Rose as Lydia and Edmund left the vicinity.
“You know she only means well,” Edmund said.
Lydia sighed. “I know, but I feel as though she is trying to pressure me into marriage because she wants me to catch up with you and Charlotte. But both of you waited until you met the right person. Should I not be afforded the same chance?”
“I am hardly in a position to disagree with you, but you do not have the same luxury as I did. Society is far harsher on women who wait than they are on men who do the same. And I fear that you are not as hardened as Charlotte.”
“I’m hardened!” Lydia said, gasping with offense at his words, which perhaps went some way to illustrating Edmund’s point although he did not point this out directly.
“I just mean that Charlotte was willing to endure the whispers, pointed comments, and the looks as she eschewed the traditional path of a young woman. I fear that you were too young to be properly aware of the treatment she endured.”
“No, I remember,” Lydia said softly, her expression becoming downturned. “I used to find her sobbing. She would say that it didn’t bother her, but I know it did.”
“Do you truly think you could withstand the same treatment?” Edmund asked. Lydia remained silent, contemplating the question. She wasn’t sure she liked the answer that came to mind. The truth was that thetoncould be cruel. She knew of plenty of young women who could not bear the scrutiny and moved away to the countryside, far from the harsh glare.
Everyone’s faults were magnified, and people were unafraid of sharing their opinions.
“There’s no harm in meeting someone new. Any man you meet might well be the person with whom you wish to end up.”
“I just don’t want to be forced into anything. Please promise you won’t do that, Edmund. Tell me you will allow me the same freedom you and Charlotte have enjoyed,” Lydia pleaded, a hint of desperation coming into her voice. There was always a sense of danger that her life was not her own. Thankfully, Edmund was not as overbearing as some other people.
“You know me, Lydia. I shall always try to do what’s best for you,” he said.
They walked through the hall. People were clustered into small groups, and all the private conversations converged to make a bubbling cacophony that was pleasing to the ears. Edmund pointed towards the Duke of Nightford’s brother. He was fairlytall with plain features and a high brow. His hair was styled in the latest fashion although he had a pained look on his face.
Lydia’s attention was more drawn to the man moving away from him. He was taller than most other men and had broad shoulders. He walked with purpose, thrusting through the crowd, and did not seem to care about their indignant stares. She pulled her gaze away when he disappeared from sight.
“Lord Harry! It’s good to see you again. I’d like you to meet my sister, Lady Lydia Hartley. Lydia, this is Lord Harry ,” Edmund said, shaking Lord Harry’s hand firmly. An easy smile appeared on Lord Harry’s face although Lydia noticed that tension remained around his eyes.
“Lady Lydia, it’s a pleasure. And it’s good to see you again, Edmund,” Lord Harry said. Lydia bowed her head and offered a small curtsey. Lord Harry took her gloved hand and kissed it lightly, his blue eyes shining as he gazed at her. “I hope you are enjoying the event.”
“Indeed, and was that your brother I spied?” Edmund said.
“It was, although if you were thinking about seeking him out, I would advise against it. He is not in the best mood.” Lord Harry lowered his voice.
“When has that ever not been the case?” Edmund replied, and they both laughed. Lord Harry then caught himself and offered an apologetic look towards Lydia.
“I apologize, Lady Lydia. Please don’t think me a cad for speaking about my brother like that. I assure you that I am fond of him,” he said.
“She is no stranger to having an irritating older brother,” Edmund said with a twinkle in his eye. “In fact, it’s something you have in common.”
“I understand that is not the only thing that binds us; after all, Edmund has mentioned you in conversation before. He tells me that you like reading. Do you have a favorite book?” Lord Harry asked, turning his full attention to Lydia.
“I have many, but I believe my favorite story will always beRomeo & Juliet. It is magnificent whether performed or read.”
“I quite agree although I would never have assumed that such a gentle creature as yourself would be inclined to like a story with a dark ending,” Lord Harry said. The easy compliments made Lydia blush.
“Even though their story ended in tragedy, they still found each other for a short time, and they were able to enjoy true love. I believe that even if it was fleeting, it was still worth it,” Lydia replied.
A strange look came over Lord Harry’s face. The smile faded a little, and his eyes shone with emotion.
“Yes… yes that is an astute observation. If you will excuse me, there is some business to which I must attend. It was a pleasure meeting you, Lady Lydia, and I hope that I get to spend some more time with you later in the evening,” he said, bowing to Lydia and then to Edmund before striding away.
