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Lydia chuckled Like Rudolph, Arabella had the most preposterous taste in fashion “Well, we do not wish to intrude We brought fresh bread rolls Shall I leave them inside?”

“A h his lordship’s staff sent down a flagon of cider and a great hunk of cheese”

“Oh” It seeestured to Ada who hurried inside with her basket to deposit the bread When thewith every hit of the haet back to your work”

Jack nodded “Mr Roberts is co with his boys His lordship said he wants things watertight before the winter sets in”

A sudden flutter in Lydia’s heart forced her to catch her breath “His lordship? Has he returned to the manor?” Oh, she sounded like a lovesick fool

“No, Miss Lovell” Jack shook his head “His lordship left instructions with Mr Dariell He’s seeing to things while Lord Greystone is away”

“Oh, I see” Lydia tried to keep a neutral tone, tried not to let disappointment affect her mood And yet, while pleased the tenants would finally have clean, dry homes, Lydia couldn’t help but feel a little useless

What would she do with her days now?

The tenants had work at the manor They wouldn’t need her baskets of food, or the second-hand clothes she’d purchased in Cuckfield Oh, Lydia had never been prone to bouts of sentimentality and yet she would miss the role she’d played these last two years She would les and feeling the i them improve their lives

Lydia mentally shook herself There were poor people in London But London was not Cuckfield

With a heavy heart, she forced a smile “Well, we shall leave you to your work”

Jack gave a curt nod and resu the roof tiles

“Everyone seehty happy, miss,” Ada said as they headed towards the lane

“Yes, they do, Ada” Everyone, it seemed, but Lydia

A loud shout fro around to find Jack pointing to the lane “Here’s Mr Dariell co now if you want to ask after his lordship”