by Fanny Finch
Her voice felt like the finest silk against one’s chin. Soft, lovely, pure.
“Thank you, my lady. You have my gratitude. So, the dance is about to begin?”
She looked past him to the ballroom beyond.
“It appears it had already begun.”
A quick turn of his head affirmed her words.
“Oh well, then… we best join before we lose this moment.”
“Yes, we best.”
He held out his hand then and she took it. A fluttery feeling went up to his nerves until it settled in its belly. The feeling itself was not strange. What was, was the fact it was this lady whom he had barely knew, behind it all.
She held his arm as they walked and he could not help but think about how right it felt to have her by his side. She was very petite and nearly missed his shoulders.
Then, he was also a very tall man, towering many of his peers. Yet, it felt as though she belonged right beside him.
Strange.
They got to the dance floor in time and found a spot. Breaking away, they stood, facing each other.
His hand settled on the small of her waist- lightly, and his other hand held her. Then, they began to waltz.
“Your dress is very lovely, I must say. I do not think I have spoken of it. Not the color a young lady would pick, usually. Yet, you wear it so well. Your seamstress knows her stitches and her embroidery. It’s all very pretty.”
Her gaze lowered, unable to look him in the eyes. He was certain her cheeks were aflame beneath the mask.
“Thank you, my lord. Your words are kind. I shall have you know I made the dress myself, as I did my sister’s. As for the color, I am well aware of the late Lord Longcross. I assumed that it would only be sensible if I attended in colors that would pay my respect to the dead and still, celebrate the living.”
Sebastian was touched by her thoughtfulness, and deeply so. He had chosen his quiet colors for the same reason. It was nice to know that she had been one of the people who had taken such a thing to mind.
“That is… that is very noble of you, my lady. Gracious, too. The color compliments your skin so well. You wear it just as well. Not to mention, you are a wonderful dressmaker. How did you ever learn?”
She looked up at him then. He wondered if she was still flushed.
“My mother. She took it as a trade. My father was the second son of a viscount and his father was not so wealthy. Most of the inheritance went to the heir and my father, well, he became a clergyman and a teacher. The little he got from his father, I heard he put away as our dowry. On many days, there was just enough to get by. Mother took up the trade when we were six summers old, to help with our fending.”
Sebastian listened carefully, not overlooking the fact that she was a very fluid dancer. That too, impressed him, as did her story.
Yes, he knew of her father and her mother. Yet, he had not known that her mother had once been a seamstress.
“I am sorry for their loss, you must miss them very much.”
“As I am for yours, my Lord. I will always miss them. Some days, more than the others.”
“I understand,” came his solemn reply.
She nodded.
“And you, do you sew dresses to trade?”
She began to shake her head, a small smile on her face as though the idea was foreign.
“No. Only for my sister and I. Father would not allow it. Even mother stopped after they were married. Lord Rothwell is wealthy enough to care for us and he has done just that. He is a very wonderful man indeed. Truly gracious.”
Sebastian’s heart swelled with pride. The lady was being very genuine. Lord Rothwell has truly been caring for them. For this, he was glad. Not many men were as noble.
This was why he respected and admired the baron. He was a fine man, indeed.
“That thrills my heart to know, my lady. Truly. My Uncle, he has always been a favorite relative. I admire him so much.”
“He inspires such emotion. My sister, Nora, adores him.”
Sebastian understood what had happened before she realized it, and he watched as she did. Her eyes widened and he imagined that she had a panicked look beneath the mask.
The thought of how comical she might look made him smile.
“I was not supposed to do that,” she muttered in a whisper that was loud enough to be caught.
“I assume.”
“Now you know who is who…”
“Not precisely. I only know your voice, your eyes, your hands, your hair… still, that is not enough to be able to tell the difference when the masks are off. You are identical, in all of those areas.
She looked as though she was going to say something, but she stopped herself.
“Oh well… I suppose that naught is amiss, then.”
“Yes. I suppose so too.”
Her eyes smiled and his lips grew farther apart. He wondered what she looked like when she smiled.
Liliana… she was the one he had shared a moment with all those years ago. He was glad to know that she was still as endearing as ever. He truly wondered if he would be able to tell her apart when he saw her if he would be able to tell her at all, without a formal introduction.
The features he could now see was one that many other ladies of the ton easily possessed. Still, something in him knew he would know that voice and those eyes anywhere.
She giggled softly, pulling it out of his thoughts.
“Care to share what amuses you, my lady? I find it, I enjoy a good laugh, myself.”
Her eyes twinkled at him… soft amber, almost orange, like the color of the setting sun. It was striking now that he looked at it more closely. It was striking and very unequaled.
He had been wrong, he had traveled the world, yet, he did not think he had met many women with eyes the color of the setting sun.
“Oh, my lord, ‘tis naught of much consequence. I was simply thinking about how I intended to pick your mind, yet, it is I we have been discussing since the dance began.”
Ah… alas, he had been caught in his scheme. It was just as well that she could not see the guilt in his smile.
“You are right, my lady. My apologies. I believe there’s still a moment or two before this dance ends. Ask away then, what is it you wish to know?”
She wasted no time… Sebastian listened attentively as she asked, trying to answer as best as he could.
The questions were asked with such wit and humor, and he found himself laughing more times than once.
When she had declared interest in his tour, he had believed that he would have to answer the same questions he had since his return, over and over again.
It would appear there was a lot more to Lady Liliana. Her questions had been different, refreshing, and he had found himself giving answers that contained much more information than he had given so far, regarding his journeys.
The dance came to an end all too quickly and Sebastian was sad to part ways with her, especially since it marked the end of the night.
With a promise to look out for her during the season, he bade his farewell and watched her leave.
Lady Liliana had left such a lasting impression with him. He could not think of a time when he had enjoyed the companion of a woman so thoroughly. Now, he looked forward to seeing her again.
Chapter 6
The next few days came with a ton of work for Sebastian. There was so much paperwork to cover up, especially concerning their properties in the country and putting his signature on all the documents that needed his name, now that Hanson was gone.
Also, his father and other workers were taking their time to show him the ropes. He was learning quickly. Yet, some days, it all got too much for him.
That evening was one of them. He took a glance at the large wooden clock that hung on the wall. The sound of the pendulum swinging was the only thing that had rivaled the silence in the room for the past few hours.
He was working alone in the study today. His father was resting and
the other men had not come for one reason or the other.
He looked back at the papers scattered all over his desk. This was work that could be dealt with another day. He did not have to finish up today.
He had been in this study since the first hours of the morning. It was now the sixteenth. He had had lunch there. He could not be cooped up anymore.
Deciding he had done enough for the day, he set his desk aright and rose. Leaving his coat behind, he made for the fields, stepping out in his waistcoat. It had to suffice.
The blast of fresh air that filled his nostrils as his feet stepped on grass, was bliss.
He stood at that spot and took in several gulps, knowing he could never get enough.
The air smelled different here in the country. Then, the air smelled different everywhere. However, it was best on the sea. Utterly clean and oddly feeling.
He had enjoyed visiting every place a ship could reach on this earth and there had been days when he had been bored to death on board. Yet, he could not deny that the time spent on the ship between his travels were the best times he had in these past years.
Deciding that he had taken enough gulps of fresh air, he began to move, going further into the field, close to where the men labored and where the stable was.
It was proving to be hard, making this transition into what was now his life. From the free bird he had been to this…
He was going to need some days more, but he was certain he would be fine. In the meantime, he would enjoy these little moments of peace he could afford.
He finally found a spot under a tree. The shed afforded protection from the sun that was starting to retire, and a good vantage point to watch the men working.
Soon, they would retire to the kitchen where hearty meals would be waiting for them and thereafter, to their quarters which were in excellent living conditions.
The Leighton family prided themselves in making sure their staff was well catered for.
As he watched the men, a neigh caught his eyes and he turned to see a very familiar stallion, with fur a shining brown.
Pius. He would know that horse anywhere. Lord, it had been ages.
Oliver, the stable boy was trying to walk him but Pius appeared to be in a particularly foul mood today. He would not stop digging his hooves in, and neighing whenever Oliver tried to get him to move.
Without thinking, Sebastian began to move again. This time, in the direction of Oliver and the fine stallion.
He reached their side in ten strides. As he did, he gently stepped closer to the horse and began to rub his back softly, in an attempt to calm him.
The first time he had laid his eyes on Pius, he had been but a pony and Sebastian had been twelve. Pius had been brought for Hanson. One look and Sebastian had wanted him for himself.
For the very first time, Hanson had been unwilling to make a sacrifice for him. Sebastian had known then that Hanson was truly besotted with the horse.
The truth of his selfishness had dawned on him and he had let his older brother keep what was rightfully his. Hanson had given Sebastian many things. He deserved to keep Pius, and he did.
Yet, bless his sweet soul, Hanson had let Sebastian ride Pius whenever he wanted. The old steed had grown up to be more of his than it was of Hanson.
The last time Sebastian had seen him, he had been so big and he had thought he could not grow any bigger. He had been mistaken.
“Hey, ol’ boy. Calm now, will you? That’s it, gently… gently, calm…”
The horse tried to put up resistance but it eventually listened to Sebastian’s voice.
When Sebastian was certain that Pius was no longer agitated, he turned to Oliver.
“What is amiss? I have never seen Pius give so much trouble”
“Ah, my lord. That has changed since Lord Hanson departed from us. I do believe Pius misses him. He knows something has happened and he has been very sad.”
Oliver’s words broke Sebastian’s heart. He looked at the horse and he could easily see the sadness.
Funny that animals were made to serve humans and considered lesser, without a thought… yet, it was no secret that they felt emotions, no less.
“I understand you, Ol’ boy. I do. I miss him too. Nevertheless, I do not believe he would want us to be so miserable…”
Pius seemed happier to see him… the horse recognized him, no doubt.
A thought occurred to Sebastian at that moment.
“Oliver, saddle him, if you would, please. I shall be back in a bit.”
With those words, he was gone.
He was out soon enough in riding clothes, his crossbow in hand, and a quiver filled with arrows.
Pius was saddled and ready for a ride. As Sebastian got to the horse, he patted him.
“We are going for a ride, ol’ boy. You and I. It would be just as old times. Perhaps, you may catch a game yourself, eh?”
Sebastian did not believe himself a horse whisperer, but he could swear that that soft neigh he received from Pius was an indication of excitement.
It took little effort to stride Pius and soon, they were riding into the woods, the sun setting behind them.
*****
Liliana threw her cloak around her, covering her face with its hood. With the rope securely tied around her shoulders, she took one last look around her. Good! The coast is clear!
Knowing that she didn’t have much time before that changed, she slipped out of the house and quickly as she could and began the short walk to the stables.
She met Elias, the stable boy but he acted as though she was invisible. It was part of their agreement… his silence for some of Evie’s biscuits she always seemed to have an abundance of.
She found her horse, Roel, easily enough. As always, Roel was readily saddled. A small smile of gratitude filled her lips and she sent it Elias’s way.
The boy smiled at her in return, howbeit shyly and returned to ignoring her presence.
Climbing Roel came with the ease of practice. Afterward, they began to trot away. As she passed Elias, she called out in a loud whisper…
“Thank you, Elias.”
The boy simply nodded in return. At his nod, Liliana kicked Roel’s sides, sending her into a jolt.
That was all Roel needed to begin her race. The faster she ran, the farther they got from the house. When Liliana looked back and saw that the building had disappeared from her sight, she finally heaved a breath of relief.
She did this often, for Lord Rothwell would hear nothing of her leaving the house alone. Yet, she desperately needed this time for herself. Away from the chatter, the bickering, and the hovering of servants.
Whenever she managed to sneak away, there was only one place she went- the Swan Lake.
It was her favorite place in the whole of Widmore. It was so calm, and peaceful there. The trees and the water ensured that the air was always cool and crisp. Not to mention, the adorable swans were a sight to watch.
She touched her reticule, glad when she felt the weight of the pouch of bread crumbs she had gathered for the lovely birds.
She thoroughly enjoyed feeding them. She had given them all names. They were like her friends. Only, she did the talking, while they did the chirping.
She slowed Roel down. There was no need to ride so hard now that she had made a good escape from home.
It would be a while before they realized she was gone. Hopefully, she would be able to steal back in without notice. She had been lucky many times. Perhaps, she would be this time again.
Now that Roel wasn’t running so hard, she could enjoy the ride. The open fields they rode through, the sun shining down upon her, the fresh air, and of course, the silence.
As they stepped into the woods, Liliana agreed that the trees made her happy too. Though, she had learned to be cautious of them.
Lord Rothwell feared for her safety, and with good reason. The woods were dangerous, he always warned. Yet, no harm had come to her so far. She was aware of the risks she was taki
ng. Nora would say she was foolhardy. Liliana found it she could not bring herself to disagree.
Neither could she bring herself to stop. Not when all they seemed to discuss this day at the house, was the season and their probable marriages.
The air was starting to get heavy. One more moment and Liliana had feared that her lungs would refuse to take any more bad air. She simply needed time away from it all.
