“No, Bertie, you first,” Lydia replied. “I want to hear all about this bequest of yours.”
“Very well. Do you remember my employer, James Abbott?”
“Yes, of course I do,” Lydia replied. “He dined with us the night before you left for New Brunswick. I remember he had a wonderful sense of humor, and he and Papa got along exceedingly well.”
“Yes, he always spoke very highly of your father.” Bertram winced. “Sadly, Mr. Abbott passed away a year ago.”
“Oh, Bertie, I’m so sorry. I know how much you respected him.”
“Respected the man and loved him as a father.” Bertram cleared his throat. “And it would seem Mr. Abbot loved me as a son, since he left me his entire estate.”
Lydia gasped. “And you had no idea he’d done so?”
Bertram shook his head. “Not at all. It was a total shock. He never spoke of his intentions. Why would he? I am not his kin. And I never thought to discuss such a thing with him.” He heaved a sigh. “In my eyes, death could not touch James Abbott. He had the world at his feet, and I could not imaginethat world without him in it. And then, without warning, he was gone.” Bertram glanced away for a moment and Lydia sensed his struggle.
“Oh Bertie,” she whispered, uncertain how to ease his obvious grief.
“A bleed in his brain, the doctor suspected,” he said. “Aside from the shock of his death, I confess I wondered how the business might continue without him at the helm. So many people relied on him. The second shock came when the solicitor summoned me to his office and informed me about Mr. Abbot’s wishes. I’ll admit I was, at first, terrified. It was a massive responsibility. But, in looking back, I came to understand that Mr. Abbott had been teaching me the entire time, guiding me.Preparingme. It was then I realized how much faith he’d placed in me and I determined not to let him down. And, so far, I haven’t. We’re expanding and growing all the time. Hence the new shipping line.” He gave her a gentle nudge. “I’m a wealthy man, Lyddie. I’d take great pleasure in spoiling you, given the chance, for the rest of my life.”
It was Lydia’s turn to sigh as her cheeks warmed. “Bertie, I…”
“I know, I know. I’m late to the ball.” He gave her another nudge. “But I can still make you blush, it seems. Ah, here’s our little garden. Unchanged, happily, except that a few of the trees have grown.” He pushed open the wrought iron gate, which was set into a neatly clipped privet hedge. “After you, my dear.”
Lydia stepped through the gate and took Bertram’s arm again as they followed the path to the lily pond. “So, who is this lucky gentleman?” he asked.
“His name is Ambrose Crossley,” she replied, preparing herself for what she would say next.
Bertram appeared to mull for a moment. “And what does this Mr. Crossley do for a living?”
Lydia cleared her throat. “He is better known as Lord Pendlewood.”
Bertram halted, eyes widening as he gazed down at her. “He’stitled?”
“Yes.” Another blush warmed Lydia’s cheeks. “He’s an earl, actually. The Earl of Pendlewood.”
Bertram blinked, several times. “You’re not making this up, are you?”
“No, I am not,” she replied, her defenses rising. “Are you insinuating that I’m not good enough for an earl?”
“Lydia, my darling girl, you are good enough for a king.” Bertram brought her hand to his lips. “It’s just that the aristocracy rarely marry outside of their class. How did you meet him?”
The question was expected, but Lydia decided to give him an abridged version of the answer. “We were introduced at an event and he has courted me ever since.”
“I see.” Bertram fell silent as they began walking again, but Lydia sensed his unease.
“I wish you would be happy for me, Bertie,” she said. “He’s a wonderful man.”
He winced. “Iamhappy for you, Lyddie, of course I am. It’s just…”
“It’s just?”
“I hope his pursuit of you is sincere, that’s all. That he’s not simply toying with you.”
They halted again by the lily pond and Lydia shook her head. “He isn’t toying with me, Bertie, I know he isn’t. Actually, I’d like to introduce you to him. Then you’ll see for yourself how sincere he is. In fact, I’m sure the two of you will get along. He’s been in Nottingham for a cousin’s funeral this past week, but is due back the day after tomorrow, so I’ll make arrangements if you’re agreeable.”
“Agreeable certainly,” Bertram replied. “In fact, I insist on meeting him, but it won’t be anytime soon, I’m afraid. Although seeing you again was at the top of my list, I am, nevertheless, back in this country to do business. I leave tomorrow morning for Southampton, then I’ll be moving onto Plymouth and Bristol before heading north to Liverpool and Glasgow. I’ll be gone for at least a month I should think, all told. Please don’t get married in the meantime.”
Lydia laughed. “Ambrose hasn’t got as far as proposing marriage yet.”
