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“Have you known my nephew long?” Lionel asked. “I am quite fond of him and it’s made me very happy to see him engaged at last.”
“We’ve crossed paths several times over the years,” Lydia explained. “We’ve been acquainted for some time. We were first introduced during my debut Season.”
“How long have you been out?” Kitty asked. “I hear you have several younger sisters, all out in society.”
“That’s not a fair question,” Joseph interjected. He looked back to Lydia. “I had not been to an Assembly in a long time, myself. I have to say, the turnout was quite impressive the other night.”
“Indeed,” Lydia agreed. “One of the best attended sessions of the Season, especially so late in the year. I dare say, the crowd will have dwindled by the time I’m back in London.”
“Is that so?” Lionel asked. “How is your mother these days? I dare say she visited Marigold many years ago, back when the late duke and duchess were still alive.”
“My mother is well, thank you,” she said, but did not feel like elaborating.
“Four sisters,” Joseph continued. “Must be a full household. Which sister is your favorite?”
Lydia laughed and tried to take a sip of her soup. Being so pestered with questions, she had hardly had a chance to eat. She leaned her head as though she was considering the question while she ate.
“It would be cruel of me to pick a favorite sister,” Lydia explained. “Trinity is next to me in age and close in my confidence. We understand each other well. However, Lucretia and Marcia are always together, looking for fun. Johanna, the youngest, is quiet and meek, but such a sweet girl.”
“How difficult it must be - to be out in society all at once,” Kitty said. “Surely there must be some rivalry among you.”
“Not at all,” Lydia assured her. “We are all so different. I dare say we do not have the same tastes in suitors.”
Lionel and Joseph laughed at her quip, though Kitty did not seem amused. Based on first impressions, Lydia was already liking Joseph and his father, Lionel. Kitty, however, seemed cool and aloof, as though Lydia had offended her just by being present.
Michael called down to their end of the table. “My lady seems to have barely been able to eat. Are you all quite through with your interrogations of my fiancée?”
“We are just trying to get to know this stranger on your behalf,” Kitty explained with a sweet grin.
Smiling gratefully back at Michael, Lydia managed to take another sip of her soup. Michael seemed to have already finished and watched her from his end of the table. She could not help but notice how his gaze lingered on her mouth as her lips wrapped around the spoon.
* * *
The next morning, Lydia found herself awake with the dawn, too excited to sleep any longer. She rose, calling for the maid.
“Does the duke typically take breakfast with the family?” she asked, as the maid helped her dress.
“Not typically, ma’am,” she responded softly. “He’s often away in the mornings. However, he asked the housekeeper to have breakfast served while you are here. Everyone is to dine in the breakfast parlor.”
“What time are we expected?”
“Around ten in the morning. It’s early yet, my lady.”
Looking out at the view in the gardens, Lydia pondered how to occupy her time before going down.
“I think I’ll write some letters,” she said. “I won’t need anything for some time.”
“Very well, my lady,” the maid responded, dipping into a small curtsy before leaving.
On her own, Lydia set down to the writing desk in the corner.
‘My dear sister Trinity,
I have only just arrived, but Marigold is more than I could have imagined. The estate sprawls further than the eye can see. The lush green grass and ancient trees make it seem like a true paradise. I have met the duke’s family, who have welcomed me warmly. I am not sure if they know my true reason for being here, but if they do, they are kind regardless.
The duke’s uncle seems like a kind, quiet man, while his aunt is patient and gentle. His cousin, Joseph, seems to be a good, respectable man.
He is engaged to a Miss Benrow, who I was also introduced to last night. I have not quite made her out - I’ve yet to determine if she means us to be friends or just wishes to prove she is better than me somehow. I suspect she was not raised in London society as her prying and blunt questioning would be considered very ill-mannered. I am surprised at her match with the duke’s cousin, though he is not titled.
