Abruptly, I got up and entered the house. My dress was dirty after sitting on the shed step, I went to go and change it. As I reached the stairs, I heard the sound of an altercation in my husbands study. Cecily's voice was raised, something so unusual that I stopped automatically. 

 'And what do you suppose Lydia will have to say about it?' she was saying. 

 'I've no doubt she won't be happy,' replied my husband. 'But my mind is made up.'

 'You're being ridiculous! It is not the thing at all!'

 'Stop fussing, mother.'

 'Lydia will be terribly hurt, and small blame to her.'

 'You underestimate her, I assure you.'

 At this juncture, I entered the room. 'What will...

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