Thanks as always for your comments.

This is it. The final chapter for this story (second chapter for today)

I had planned to marry off all the sisters in this book, but since so many of you asked for more of Lydia, I expect she will feature heavily in the next book. In the school and outside it.

I hope you enjoyed the 'Unconventional Ladies'.

It is now available as Kindle. That version has been reshuffled based on the timeline, and contains additional scenes.

~~~oo00oo~~~

So it begins

The season in London was underway again. Since the remodelling of Netherfield was nearly completed, Mrs Mortimer, accompanied by her husband, as well as Lydia, Mrs Taylor and Miss Martin came to town.

Mrs Mortimer and Mrs Taylor planned to interview prospective teachers, while Lydia hoped to enjoy the entertainments London had to offer.

Mr Mortimer and Miss Martin came along to provide companionship and protection.

As in previous years, Lydia was exceedingly popular with the gentlemen. Her dance-card was full at every ball she attended.

But there was one difference. One gentleman, who for the last two years had been content to enjoy only her conversation, asked her to dance.

Lydia was reluctant. 'If after all this time I dance with you, people will have expectations.'

'Have you never danced with friends before, Miss Mortimer?'

'I have, but they had been friends all my life, Lord Ashby.' Lydia did not want to admit that she dreaded dancing with him, because they would constantly be touching, and she found the sensation too disconcerting. 'I am sorry, but I simply cannot.'

At least, since he had asked for the last dance, she did not have to miss out on all the rest, and she still enjoyed her conversation with him.

Lydia encountered Lord Ashby at every function which she attended. She wondered at the quality of his spies.

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Lord Ashby bowed and asked politely, 'Miss Mortimer, may I have the honour of the last set.'

'I am sorry, Lord Ashby, I am already engaged for the last set.'

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Lord Ashby bowed and asked politely, 'Miss Mortimer, may I have the honour of the last set.'

'I am sorry, Lord Ashby, I am fatigued, and wish to rest.'

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Lord Ashby bowed and asked politely, 'Miss Mortimer, may I have the honour of the last set.'

'I am sorry, Lord Ashby, I have no wish to dance the last set.'

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Lord Ashby bowed and asked politely, 'Miss Mortimer, may I have the honour of the last set.'

'No, Lord Ashby, I do not wish to dance.'

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Lord Ashby bowed and asked politely, 'Miss Mortimer, may I have the honour of the last set.'

'No, Lord Ashby.'

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Lord Ashby bowed and asked politely, 'Miss Mortimer, may I have the honour of the last set.'

'No.'

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Lord Ashby bowed and asked politely, 'Miss Mortimer, may I...'

'No.'

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'Why do you keep refusing to dance with Lord Ashby? I thought the two of you had become good friends,' asked Mrs Mortimer

Lydia mumbled an incomprehensible reply.

'Is he the reason why you were so concerned about me becoming a, as you called it, second-class citizen? Are you worried that could happen to you?'

'It has crossed my mind.' Lydia blushed and nodded. 'Aunt Stephanie, what does it feel like to be in love? I know how the novels describe it, but if they are right, then I am not in love, but I think I am.'

'I do not believe that everyone feels the same way. One person can even feel differently in different situations. What I felt for my first husband is very different to what I feel for Patrick.'

Lydia looked disappointed. 'That is not very helpful,' she complained.

'There is one common factor which I have noticed whenever I have loved someone. And I mean not just my husbands, but also you and your sisters. Their and your happiness is important to me, even more than my own.'

Lydia sat quietly absorbing the information. At last she said softly, 'I think I am in love.'

But she also admitted, 'it terrifies me.'

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Lord Ashby bowed and asked politely, 'Miss Mortimer, may I have the honour of the last set.'

'No, and please stop asking.'

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Lydia looked around the ballroom. She had already danced four sets, but it seemed that Lord Ashby had taken her words to heart. He was usually one of the first guests to arrive, but tonight she could not see him.

The supper set was about to start when he suddenly stood before her. Lord Ashby bowed as the music started, took Lydia's hand, and before she could gather her wits and object, he led her to the floor.

Lydia hissed, 'what do you think you are doing, Lord Ashby?'

'I am following your instructions, Miss Mortimer. You said that I should not ask you to dance… I did not ask,' he replied blandly, but with a suspicious twinkle in his brilliant eyes.

Lydia looked at him for a moment in stunned disbelief at his audacity… and his cleverness. Coming to a decision she suddenly smiled impishly. 'Lord Ashby, do you always do as you are told?'

'In your case… usually. Did you have anything specific in mind?'

'Yes… Marry me.'

'It will be my pleasure.' He gave her a brilliant smile, which she returned in equal measure.

~~~oo00oo~~~

Word about Lydia's proposal was spreading throughout the extended family. Mrs Mortimer was discussing the situation with her old friend, Lady Matlock.

Her surprised response was, 'oh Lord, there goes the aristocracy… or maybe she will be the making of them.'

'Are you aware that you sound just like Lydia?' asked Mrs Mortimer.

Lady Matlock looked startled and then grinned. 'My point exactly.'

Mrs Mortimer shook her head and sighed, 'I suppose you are correct. This is the beginning of the end.'

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The end… for now

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'Unconventional Ladies' by Sydney Salier Copyright © 2020