by Fanny Finch
“I have never seen two humans, more identical and yet, utterly beautiful, each in their own unique way. Now, I know why my friend would not keep quiet about you.”
Liliana knew the earl ought to have her attention, but she could not stop herself from stealing a glance at the marquess. Their eyes caught and held for a split moment before she returned her gaze to the earl.
Longcross would not keep quiet about me? Oh, but that was a pleasant thing to learn of on such a beautiful evening.
“I am certain he only goes on about how much of a bore I can be. I wish I could say that I have heard things about you too, my lord. As it is, I have not. Nevertheless, I am just as pleased to make your acquaintance.”
Lord Woodpecker’s smile widened, causing her lips to grow further apart. Letting her hand go, he responded.
“The honor be mine, my lady.”
In no time, the formalities were over and it was time to be on their way. Lord Rothwell appeared sad to see the girls go, yet, the pride in his eyes could not be denied.
With a bittersweet feeling, he bade them farewell and they were on their way.
Moments later, they were settled into the carriage and bound for the theatres.
The ride was quiet. Too quiet. Even Nora who was never quiet on rides seemed content to hold her peace tonight. It was as though, she had felt the tension that hung in the atmosphere.
It was not the kind of comfortable silence that Liliana enjoyed, often welcome. No, it was that which itched her to speak, in a bid to break its spell.
Yet, every time she turned to see if she could strike a conversation with the lord Longcross, she found him looking out the window, his mind far away, plagued by thoughts.
It worried Liliana. He had seemed warm enough at their home. What was the reason for his sudden change in demeanor? Could it have been stepfather? Had he said something to the marquess?
Her heart skipped a beat as she considered a thought… had lord Rothwell suggested the thought of marriage to Longcross? Was that it? Was that the reason why he would not look at her, or speak with her?
Perhaps, it was as she had feared. The lord held no untoward interest in her. He simply desired a friendship. Now, Lord Rothwell had placed a heavy weight on his shoulders by speaking of marriage.
Mayhap in this very moment, Longcross was considering ways in which he would end this friendship that was only beginning to bloom between them, before he would be tied down in a marriage he did not wish for at all.
Was that it? Oh… she had known not to get her hopes too high. Yes, it was common knowledge that Longcross was in search of a wife as he wished to be married by season’s end.
Nevertheless, she had never for once asked him of his notion of love and marriage, whatsoever. What if he was not one for such fancy feelings?
Oh, dear… if it was indeed what she feared, what could be done?
For she truly enjoyed the lord’s friendship and if there would be no marriage between them, she would hate for the amicable relationship they had formed, to be ruined.
Mayhap, it was time to have a talk with him. Yet, she could not do that here in the carriage where they had an audience. Or at the theatre when the movie would be playing.
The problem that posed in front of her caused her to frown, putting her back to the seat’s rest.
She would have to find a soothing time to speak with the marquess. Until them, she hoped he would leave his thoughts and enjoy the night. He had been truly excited about it, anyway.
Liliana continued her worrying until the carriage came to a stop. In no time, they had all come down from the coach, the men helping their lady escorts.
Now they stood, her hand still in Longcross’s. The warmth of his touch filled her, disrupting her train of thoughts for a moment. Then, before she could get her wit about, he took that hand and hooked it around his arm.
She looked up at him, her eyes fluttering at their own will, only to find him staring down at her. Eyes smoldering, smile bright enough to blind.
Her heart skipped a beat, her stomach squirmed and she heard a voice in her head whisper fool…
Oh, but she was a fool, a fool falling in love with a man, whose feelings for her, she knew naught of. One would think she would exercise caution, but it appeared she was hopeless to do that.
“Shall we, my lady?”
What was she to say? Smiling in return, for it was impossible not to when he was looking at her that way, she heard herself say softly.
“We shall, my lord.”
With her approval, they began to walk. As they did, Nora and Woodpecker fell into place behind them. Close enough, but far away to afford each couple come semblance of privacy.
Liliana pondered over seizing the moment and speaking with the marquess. Her heart began to falter, failing her, but she put her fears aside, finding courage.
She cleared her throat and swallowed, for it suddenly felt parched.
“My Lord,” he did not let her continue.
“I would reckon that we are past the formalities now, my lady, would you not?” He asked, his voice, lighthearted.
“I… I would suppose so.”
“Excellent. So tell me my lady, when you have thoughts of me, and I shall very much like to hope that you do, for I cannot seem to get thoughts of you out of my head for the life of me, do you think of me as Lord Longcross, or the marquess?”
Her cheeks flamed, from his words about thinking of her, and from the truth of his guess.
“Well, it is only appropriate, is it not?”
“Perhaps, yes. Nevertheless, I would like very much to change that. You may call me Sebastian. I already call you Liliana in my mind, anyway.”
“You do?”
“Yes, my lady. With your permission, of course, I would like to continue to do so.”
She did not need to think of it twice. “You have it, my…” she paused when his brow cocked, and smiled. “Sebastian…”
She startled, surprising herself as his name flowed effortlessly out of her mouth.
“Sebastian,” she said again, trying it, liking how right it sounded.
“Hmmm… I must admit, Liliana. I do like the way it sounds on your lips. Now, I fear I shall always want to hear you say my name.”
She giggled then, for she could not help herself, not when his mood seemed to have undergone a transformation.
Gone was the quiet, distant man in the carriage. He was back to being the Sebastian she knew.
As they found their way into the hall and to their boxes, Liliana couldn’t help but wonder if it had been all in her head. Perhaps, the Sebastian had simply been lost in thoughts, concerning other matters.
That possibility helped her rest easier and she found herself immensely enjoying the play, and his company, as the night went on.
Chapter 17
She was smiling and clapping so hard as the play ended, Sebastian reckoned her cheeks and palms had to hurt. Yet, all he could do was stand and watched her, totally in awe of this woman who had come to mean so much to him, in such little time.
This play was one he had seen a countless times over but it had been different still tonight, because Liliana had been by his side.
She had been truly in love with everything, and she had been unafraid to show it. Her eyes had gleamed in wonder, her voice enraptured with awe. Occasionally, she had leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder, one thoughtful scene after the other.
Sebastian had made the most of the moments by wrapping his arm around her. They were, of course, his favorite part about tonight.
There was no use denying it anymore. He was beyond smitten, he was falling in love with the lady Liliana and he had no will to stop things.
Not when the mere sight of her made his heart sing and forget its worries.
Finally, the cheer died down and the actors who had been taking their bow rose to leave the stage. She turned to look at him then, her beautiful eyes twinkling still and his heart stopped.
He must have also lost the ability to speak because, for the longest of the moment, he simply stood, staring at her.
She was so beautiful…
“Sebastian?”
She called, and he had to shake his head to get himself out of the trance she had unknowingly put him in.
“Yes, Liliana?”
“I was saying that you were right. Plays are better than books. They bring the story to life, my goodness! It is just as I played it out in my head as I read, but even better! I would like to see more, Sebastian. I pray thee, promise we shall return for a couple more?”
How could he deny her anything when she asked so sweetly?
“I promise. We shall return as many times as you want. I am happy to know that you enjoyed your time here.”
“Absolutely. It was such a beautiful rendition. Now, we must return.”
The way the light in her eyes dimmed as she said those words, had Sebastian hoping that it was because she was as sad to part ways, as he was tonight.
“Indeed, we must. However, I hear that there is a ball at the Daniltons shy of a week from now. I am certain lord Rothwell had received his invitation?”
“Yes, that he has. You shall be coming too, my lord?”
People were now leaving their boxes, heading for the door that would take them out of the large hall. Sebastian’s eyes scanned the crowd, for he had come here tonight for two reasons.
The other which he sought now. It would not do to miss the only chance he had. Taking Liliana’s arm to tuck around his, he began to lead the way out of their box.
His eyes found Reuben’s easily and with a signal, his friend knew it was time to leave.
“I am certain to be there, Liliana. Although, one thing would make me look forward to that night with joy in my heart.”
“Truly? Pray tell me what that is, my lord?”
He said nothing for a while, determined to get them out of the hall and away from the crowd. Silence reigned as they maneuvered their way and soon, they came free.
He breathed properly then, finally able to now that bodies were not crushed against him, striving for what little air there had been in the all.
He let Liliana catch her breath as well, and after confirming that she was alright, she answered his question.
“A promise from you, that you shall grant me the honor to be your escort”
Her eyes widened and as he waited, watching her, his heart floundered wildly. He knew the meaning of his word would not be missed. Oh no. Liliana was an all too sensible lady for that.
“My lord, but for you to do that, it would be that I have agreed to be formally courted by you. Is this what you are asking, my lord?”
“Sebastian. And yes, Liliana. It is what I am asking. You would agree that it was only a matter of time until we arrived at this juncture. It is what I have wanted from the first moment I set my eyes upon you. I would hope that you want it too. Your father has given his permission and now, I must seek yours. It would do my heart great gladness, Liliana, if you allow me to court you.”
Her face was filled with awe, and as he searched further, he saw that there was no hint of anger or disappointment. It gave him hope and he held on to it.
“You are aware, Sebastian, that courtship would mean we are well on our way to marriage?”
“And is that a terrible thing to consider, my lady? Marriage to me?”
“Liliana,” she corrected, a teasing smile on her lips as her amazement wore off. “And no, Sebastian. Quite the opposite, really. I find marriage to you a very pleasing notion to consider.”
Those words affected him more than he had thought they would. In a moment, he was grinning like a fool. A fool in love. Perhaps, that is what he was.
“So, you have given it thought?”
She lifted her shoulders in a shrug, her gaze faltering before they held his firmly, yet again.
“No more, no less.”
He believed it was in fact, more. This knowledge pleased him. Liliana was as interested in him, as he was in her. A wonderful feeling it was, to know this without a doubt.
“Ah. Fair enough. So what are you saying, my lady? That I may now court you?”
“I do believe wooing comes first.”
Her chin was raised and the fact that she was teasing remained clear.
Enjoying this way more than he had reckoned he would, he chuckled.
“Oh, so it is like that? Do not worry, my lady. Wooed you shall be, but not for long, for I fear I cannot wait for an answer for too long. A week, my lady. I shall woo you for a week. Then, you must agree to courtship.”
“Only if I am so impressed by your wooing, my lord.”
“Oh, I assure you, you shall be.”
“Very well then, we have reached an agreement. A fine one at that, I must say.”
“You have impressed me, Liliana. I must confess. It appears, there is more to you that I shall yet uncover.”
“I do believe I can say the same for you, my lord.”
“Then it is something to look forward to, is it not? Learning more of each other? I reckon it shall be a pleasant quest.”
“It is. I would presume so.”
Sebastian had not been this happy in a long time. Liliana was the one for him. There were no more doubts. He simply had to be patient, to woo and court her like a lady like herself deserved to be, preciously, intently.
Then, he shall ask her to marry him. He was certain by the time he was done, she would not be able to refuse him.
Aware that they had kept Reuben waiting, and he was yet to see to the second reason he was here tonight, he tried to make a quick decision.
Quickly, he made the choice which felt only right. To join his friend and Nora. After all, he had promised to have the ladies back home in time.
As for Mr. Walsh, there would be another opportunity to meet with the young man.
Tugging on Liliana’s arms, they continued on their way.
They had almost reached the carriage when something happened. The man whom he had hoped to meet all night crossed his paths then, and Sebastian seized the opportunity.
“Mr. Walsh! Could my sight be right? Is it you?”
The young man stopped in his tracks and turned so that he would face Sebastian. His lady companion remained by his side, her lips curved in a polite smile.
“Yes, it is I… and who might you… My world! Longcross!”
Sebastian smiled. Ah yes, it was indeed Walsh of Rinevalley. He had never cared for the man, not really. They had only ever been acquaintances. At the time Sebastian had left England, Walsh had been as young as him, trying to find his place in society.
With no title, no father, he had only relied on his inheritance to make the way for him.
When Sebastian had found his name on the list lord Rothwell had given to him, he had been pleasantly surprised. It would appear that Mr. Walsh had managed to land himself a business partnership with some of the biggest firms in England.
A quick talk with the runner he had hired, some snooping around, and he had learned that Mr. Walsh would be at the theatre tonight. A coincidence really, but it was one that had worked in his favor.
Now, Sebastian simply had to measure if Walsh mattered in his investigations, if there was any indication of a relation to his brother’s murder. If there was, Sebastian was certain he would sniff it.
He was like a hound on a hunt.
Pleasantries ensued and it was clear that Walsh and Liliana had already made acquaintance. He spoke nothing of it, especially when he saw how uncomfortable his lady grew when the other man took her hand.
He only breathed when Walsh withdrew.
As Sebastian greeted Walsh’s companion, he could easily spot the golden bracelet that graced her wrist. He was almost certain that it was a gift from Walsh. A souvenir from the mine, he supposed.
“I heard you had returned but I have only just joined the season. I had reckoned I would meet with yo
u at one of the balls. Fancy running into you here, and no less with Liliana.”
The way he said her name, and the way he looked at her as he did, made Sebastian’s skin crawl. He had the sudden urge to step in front of his woman and protect her from this man.
The knowledge of how mad he would look if he did that, was enough to restrain him.
“Ah, indeed. I happen to enjoy plays. When I learned that my lady shared the affection, I thought to bring her here.”
