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“Who is Edmund Russell, and why have you not mentioned him before now?” Marianne grilled her.
“Well ...” Lydia said sheepishly. “He just ... slipped my mind!”
Marianne took her slipper off and swatted Lydia on the knee, causing both girls to laugh. Lydia then filled Marianne in on what had gone on with Edmund at the party, and now Marianne appeared even more confused.
“Wait, wait, wait,” Marianne stopped her. “Now, you’re telling me that not only are your feelings for Percy re-ignited but now you also have another handsome duke vying for your affections?!”
“Now, now,” Lydia scolded her, “there is no need to get ahead of ourselves. I have no confirmation that Edmund has any interest in courting me, and I would say the same thing about Percy. While these are both exciting developments, we must remember …”
“Oh, would you stop being sopracticalfor a moment!” Marianne shouted at her in mock frustration. “Both of these gentlemen have been exceedingly kind to you and have also showered you with a great deal of attention! Could we not set aside your usual apprehension for a moment and just fully enjoy the possibility that these two men might be fighting for your love? I mean, can you imagine?”
Lydia rose from her chair and walked over to Marianne’s window. It was quite small but had a stunning view out of it. From Marianne’s house, Lydia could see across the rolling fields that surrounded it and noticed all of the wildflowers that had taken root haphazardly. She was so distracted by the beauty of the scene that she very nearly forgot to respond to Marianne.
“But Marianne dear,” Lydia said softly, “if I do allow myself the opportunity to fantasize about both of these men wanting my love, then I would never be able to choose between them. How could I?”
Lydia turned around and looked dismayed at Marianne, who quickly appeared right in front of her to comfort her. “Lydia,” she said softly, “you’re doing it again. Don’t be so worried! If that does happen, which I have an inclination that it might, you must enjoy the process of divining which man is to be your soul mate! If you fret too much about it, you won’t be able to look back on this time with any happiness whatsoever, and it might lead to you making the wrong choice. Set your mind at ease and just imagine ... who would you really prefer to end up with, in your heart of hearts?”
Lydia tried to protest again, but Marianne wouldn’t hear of it. And so, Lydia sighed and was silent for a few minutes. She went and sat on the edge of the bed where Marianne had been sitting and thought about each man. She tried to focus on Edmund’s handsome face and the pleasant conversation they’d had, but Percy’s kind eyes and warm spirit kept distracting her. She knew exactly who she really wanted, but was worried about telling Marianne the truth.
“I suppose ...” she began, summoning her courage. “If I’m being true to my heart ... I think that Percy is rather amazing.”
Marianne clapped delightedly and hugged Lydia tightly. “Percy it is then! Now let us have fun andenjoyseeing where your relationship together will go!”
