Lydia leaned her head on the back of the smooth leather seat as her carriage began the trek to the Battenberg estate in Hertfordshire. She’d decided for purposes of maintaining her reputation, it would not do for her and Dante to arrive for a five-day party in the same carriage. Although her lady’s maid, Alice, was accompanying her, she would not be considered a chaperone. Thank goodness for Lydia’s advanced age. She no longer needed one.
However, based on the last time she and Dante had been together she probably needed one more than any other time in her life. The man had the ability to turn her well-honed brain to mush. But then, it should not have surprised her given his reputation, of which she’d been aware before they’d even met.
At least he had avoided her for the rest of the time they were in the club after the musicale and the scandalous carriage ride. He’d also wisely had one of his employees escort her home when the club closed. She hated the disappointment she’d felt.
Having tossed and turned in her bed most of the night in anticipation of today’s trip, she was quite drowsy, and soon the book she’d brought with her to read dropped from her lap and landed on the floor as she slipped into a peaceful slumber.
She awoke when the carriage bounced and tossed her to the floor. “Ouch.” She climbed back up onto the seat and looked out the window. Alice reached out to pat her hand. “Are you well, Miss Sanford?”
Lydia rubbed her bottom. “Yes. Just a bit sore.” She settled back into the seat. “How long have I been asleep?”
“About two hours.”
“Goodness. We must be quite close to the Battenberg estate, then.” She moved the window curtain aside with her finger and gazed with glee at the rolling green hills. As much as she enjoyed London, it was always nice to breathe the cleaner air of the countryside.
Hopefully when they finally arrive Lady Battenberg would have arranged for a light repast. Not able to eat upon arising, her stomach was reminding her of that fact.
She picked up her book again and resumed reading. Although she and Alice enjoyed a friendly relationship, the girl was very quiet, and it was not at all strange to take a two-hour trip with them not speaking.
Lydia grabbed for the strap alongside her head as the carriage took a right-hand turn. She looked out the window again and in front of them rose a large mansion, sporting various styles of facades and wings in different styles in a mixture of architecture.
Majestic trees rising above the huge home lined the pathway as they moved forward behind two other carriages. Once they rolled to a stop footmen and maids rushed from the house to help the passengers alight.
Lydia took a footman’s hand and climbed down the steps. She shook her skirts out and stretched her back muscles. Lady Battenberg hurried up to her, her arms extended. “Miss Sanford, how lovely to see you.” She gripped Lydia’s hands, then dropped one hand and waved at the two carriages in front of them. “As you can see several guests have arrived at the same time. If you don’t mind, I will turn you over to my daughter, Lady Louisa to assist you and your maid.”
Lydia nodded. “Of course. It is a pleasure to be here, thank you for including me.” She turned to Lady Louisa. “It is nice to see you as well, Lady Louisa.”
Lady Battenberg quickly moved to the carriage in front of them.
Lady Louisa linked her arm in Lydia’s. “I will show you to your room so you can get settled. When you’ve refreshed yourself, tea is served on the patio.” The girl looked up at the sky. “Unless it rains, then we’ll move it into the drawing room.”
They chatted amicably as they made their way into the house and up the stairs. The enthusiasm she generally felt for house parties seemed to double. She hated to think it was because Dante would be attending.
Almost as if Lady Louisa read her mind, she said, “I understand from Mother that Mr. Dante Rose is joining us.”
Lydia hoped her blush was not visible in the semi-dark corridor. “Yes. I believe he is expected.”
The girl leaned in close. “I cannot believe Mother invited him. He has such a reputation, you know.”
Actually, Lydia did not know how Dante came to be included. She assumed since he’d told her an invitation had been sent to him, that Sir Phillip had something to do with it. “You mustn’t believe everything you hear, Lady Louisa. A man’s reputation can be somewhat exaggerated when gossip is passed from one to another.”
Lady Louisa opened the door to a bedchamber. “Perhaps you are correct, Miss Sanford. I guess we shall see for ourselves after he arrives.”
Apparently, Lady Louisa had not heard the gossip from London that Lydia and Dante had been arriving at events together. However, the girl’s comment about when he would arrive answered the question Lydia wanted to know but had not wanted to ask. He had not arrived yet.
“I will leave you to get settled.” Lady Louisa left the room; apparently with guests continuing to arrive, her mother kept her quite busy.
“Alice, I think my deep rose gown for tonight’s dinner. I’m sure it needs to be pressed.”
“Yes, Miss Sanford.”
Lydia moved to the dres
ser where hot water in a pitcher stood alongside a bowl and washing linens. She washed her face and hands and fixed her hair the best she could.
“Would you like me to re-do your hair, Miss?” Alice asked as she shook out Lydia’s rose gown.
“No. I think it is fine. Just continue with your work. I assume refreshments will be available for the servants, so you might want to find your way to the kitchen if you are hungry or thirsty.”